I'm in a bit of a pickle. My computer is losing support this October and I can't upgrade to Windows 11. Buying a new computer or upgrading isn't in the cards for me since I'm on a tight budget. I mostly use my computer to watch YouTube and movies, listen to music with MusicBee, and play some emulated games like DuckStation, PCSX2, and RPCS3. I also use Steam and Epic Games occasionally. Essentially, it's my media center. I have a MacBook Air for classes and work, so I'm looking for a reliable Linux distro. I've heard good things about Mint and Ubuntu, but I'd love any suggestions or more details on which might be the best fit for me. Also, sorry if my English isn't perfect, it's not my first language!
4 Answers
I went straight for Ubuntu because it's super popular and you can find loads of support out there. Definitely try it on a USB first to see if it fits your needs before making any commitments!
If you're looking for something similar to Windows, you might want to go with Debian. It's a bit more stable than Mint and Ubuntu since it's the base for them. But if you're up for a challenge, Arch offers an interesting setup experience that many users enjoy. Just keep in mind both require some learning!
Mint or Ubuntu are solid choices! If you're undecided, check out this site that helps you find the perfect distro based on your needs: [distrochooser.de](https://distrochooser.de/en/).
Mint's Cinnamon desktop is actually pretty similar to Windows, making it an easy transition. If you're open to other options, PopOS is also user-friendly and a solid choice for general use.
Totally agree, Mint feels more familiar for Windows users. I've stuck with Ubuntu for a long time, but Mint's user experience is impressive.