I'm a university student new to Linux, currently using an HP Victus 15 with an i5-12450H, RTX 3050, 16GB RAM, and 512GB of storage. I want to completely switch from Windows 11 to Linux because I find Windows too bloated and limiting. I'd like to avoid dual-booting entirely.
I'm struggling with which Linux distribution to choose. I want a breakdown of the most popular distros in terms of ease of use, customizability, and how bloated they are. I've heard Arch is quite difficult; could someone share their experiences with it and how much time I'd need to make it user-friendly? I've also heard Ubuntu is good for beginners, but I'm unsure how customizable it is or how bloated it can get.
Additionally, I need to ensure that I can play a few Steam games like Forza Horizon 5, Brawlhalla, and Rocket League. I also need to run engineering software like SolidWorks and AutoCAD. I appreciate any guidance you can provide!
5 Answers
You might have trouble running SolidWorks and AutoCAD on Linux; they're pretty finicky. When I was in engineering school, I dual-booted, using Linux for casual stuff and keeping Windows for my engineering software. If you're just starting out, Zorin OS is a great choice—it has a Windows-like interface and is user-friendly. Maybe think about dual-booting first; it's easy to remove if you find it's not for you.
I went with Debian, and it works just fine. The installer is user-friendly, similar to Windows. If you're worried about losing functionality, you'll find that using a solid distro can get you what you need without much hassle.
I recommend Linux Mint Debian Edition if you’re concerned about updates breaking things. It's stable and lets you use the latest apps thanks to rolling updates. But if you're intent on running solid engineering software, remember, they often don’t work on Linux. If you need those specific programs, reconsider your switch, or prepare for some workarounds.
If you’re looking for something easy to install, check out Ultramarine Linux; it's super user-friendly and even easier than Ubuntu! It includes options for both GNOME and KDE Plasma desktop environments. KDE is a bit more customizable and resembles Windows, while GNOME leans towards a more modern interface. You can check out YouTube videos to see which one suits you best.
Arch is a rolling release, meaning you'll get regular updates that can be both exciting and a bit chaotic. It’s not the most beginner-friendly, but if you're willing to learn, it can be rewarding. Most people recommend sticking with something like Ubuntu or Mint for a smoother experience unless you really want to dive into the nitty-gritty of Linux. Just keep in mind that specialized engineering software might not work flawlessly on Linux.
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