As support for Windows 10 is coming to an end, I'm contemplating a switch to a Linux distribution that will work well with my laptop. I frequently use emulators like Dolphin, PCSX2, and DuckStation, so I'm particularly concerned about compatibility. Here are my laptop specs: Intel i5-8265U processor, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, Intel UHD 620 graphics, and a 512GB NVMe SSD. Which Linux distro would you recommend?
6 Answers
I really like ZorinOS and think it could be a suitable choice for you. Just make sure to do your own research to find the best fit!
I’d suggest checking out Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Fedora. They’re popular and should be a good fit for your needs!
Personally, I find Mint super user-friendly for those coming from Windows. It's straightforward to install and set up, making the transition smoother. I'm using it on my laptop and plan to stick with it!
It’s great to see more people transitioning to Linux! Just so you know, you can actually get free security updates for Windows 10 until the end of 2026. That said, I recommend finding a desktop environment you like and then choosing a distro that supports it. There are resources out there for testing different environments if you want to experiment risk-free!
Try experimenting with different distros since what works for one person might not work for you. I've been using Ubuntu for over 20 years, and it's been great on my hardware. Don't be afraid to test a few out before settling on the one that feels best!
Most distros should work fine for you, just pick a major one when you start out. But heads up, there was a recent post about DuckStation ending Linux support, which could be a factor for your emulation needs. You might want to look for alternatives!
Thanks for the heads up! I definitely need to find another PS1 emulator that runs on Linux.
I didn't realize that free update option existed! I’ll take that into consideration. I just want to make sure the emulators I use will work on whichever distro I choose.