Hey folks! I've been using Linux for a while now, sticking with Ubuntu since the start of the year. Lately, I'm contemplating a switch to either Debian or Linux Mint. The reason for this is that while I was trying to download the latest version of Python, my terminal suddenly stopped working, and it's been super frustrating trying to resolve this. I really don't want to go back to Windows, but I'm concerned that if I choose Debian or Mint, I might end up troubleshooting late into the night just to update my IDE with the latest interpreter. I'd love to hear any advice you might have on this situation.
5 Answers
I’d suggest trying Debian, Linux Mint, or even Fedora and its variations. They all have their unique perks, so consider what kind of experience you’re looking to have!
You might want to try Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE). It's a fantastic choice, and I have a feeling it could soon become the default for the Mint team in future releases. Plus, it's based on Debian, so you get the best of both worlds!
When it comes to switching, make sure to consider how you installed that Python version. If it was through a method that’s not standard—like forcing a newer version onto your system—you might have broken something. In that case, a clean reinstall could save you a lot of hassle. If you want an easier ride with fresh packages, Fedora might be a great alternative to check out!
Before making the switch, don’t forget to back up your data regularly! Also, make sure to use a version manager for Python rather than messing with your system Python. It can prevent issues like the one you're facing now. Just take your time to learn the commands, and you’ll be fine!
If you decide on Debian, be prepared to use the testing (sid) version or backport the Python packages for the latest version. It can be a bit of work, but you’ll be happy with Debian once you get used to it! If you're up for a rolling release, consider OpenSUSE Tumbleweed too—it's stable with Btrfs for backups.
Totally agree, LMDE is awesome! I think it's the way to go if you're looking for something stable and user-friendly.