I'm making the switch from Windows to Linux since Windows has been using up way too much RAM. As a complete beginner to Linux, I need some advice on which distribution to choose. My usage will be pretty basic—just browsing the web, watching videos, and handling simple spreadsheets. I'm not into coding or anything complex. Ideally, I'd like a lightweight, free operating system that doesn't feel outdated.
6 Answers
If you decide to try MX Linux, it has an XFCE version that works great on different hardware. You can easily experiment with multiple distros by using Ventoy to load ISOs onto a USB. This way, you can try them out without actual installation.
Linux Mint and Fedora are popular choices to consider, especially if you're looking for something that's commonly used. It's really about finding out which one suits your personal preferences best.
For a smooth transition, I'd recommend starting with Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Zorin. They all require minimal setup and are quite user-friendly. Personally, I love Ubuntu, but your choice might depend on what feels right for you. You can even check out Distrosea to try live sessions of different distros before installing them!
For easy setup right out of the box, Mint is highly recommended, but if you want something more modern, give Fedora Workstation a go. It has a nice, intuitive GNOME interface, which I find quite appealing. If you liked Windows 10 better, look into distros that use KDE or GNOME, like Pop!_OS or newer versions of Ubuntu.
I’ve tried a bunch of distros, and I found Fedora to be the most complete and up-to-date. Some folks avoid it because they say it’s too cutting-edge, but I've never had issues. Ubuntu is great for hardware support, though some might not like its default settings. Mint is also a solid option for users coming from Windows, with a familiar UI.
The best way to learn is by experimenting. There are tons of people moving from Windows to Linux, and they all have similar questions. Google is your friend—give it a shot! Try out a few distros and see what you like best.
Exactly! Just jump in and start trying things out! That's how you'll really learn.