I'm finally ready to leave Windows behind after experiencing some hardware issues and annoying browser problems with recent updates. I'm thinking about switching to Linux for my everyday use like browsing the internet and watching movies, but I also enjoy gaming sometimes. I'm currently looking at a few options: Mint, Zorin, and Bazzite. I've mostly used Windows in my life and have only dabbled in Linux once in a while. Can anyone share their thoughts on these distros and which one might suit my needs best?
5 Answers
Check out Ventoy sticks on YouTube to see how to try out multiple distributions easily. Sites like Distrowatch can help you figure out what others are using. Testing a bunch could help find your favorite!
I’d say Mint is definitely the way to go for most users. It's like they designed it to be functional without the clutter. You can still game on Mint if you set up Proton properly, which isn't too challenging. Plus, working well with games is just icing on the cake!
If you want a smooth transition from Windows, I'd say Mint is a solid choice. It's user-friendly, stable, and you won't be surprised by updates. Zorin is also good, but it's a bit more focused on aesthetics and has some paywalls for extra features. If gaming is your main priority, then Bazzite might be worth considering as it caters to gamers more, though it can feel a bit like a console. Overall, for most people, Mint is the way to go.
If you know someone who uses Linux, go with what they suggest. If not, I'd recommend Fedora for a reliable option, but Bazzite could work as well if you're more into gaming.
I had a great experience with Mint for a year; it just worked perfectly for me. I recently switched to MX Linux and I love it. Bazzite is fine too, but personally, I'd recommend sticking with Mint or trying MX Linux for a good start.

I haven't really gotten into Steam yet since I mostly play on consoles, but I hear Mint handles most games well too.