Hey everyone! I'm looking to dive into the world of Linux for a bunch of reasons, especially regarding security since I feel like Windows and Microsoft don't prioritize user privacy anymore. Honestly, I'm completely new to Linux and know almost nothing about it, but I'm eager to learn. My main goal is to take control of my operating system and self-host the services I need. I've been thinking about jumping straight into Arch Linux, but I've tried before and got stuck trying to follow a tutorial that just confused me further. Any advice would be super appreciated, and apologies if this is a common question!
4 Answers
I strongly recommend avoiding Arch Linux right off the bat. It’s akin to jumping into a NASCAR race without knowing how to drive! Start with something more user-friendly like Linux Mint or Ubuntu; they are easier to navigate and have plenty of documentation. If you want something leaner, Fedora is a good choice, though it gets trickier the deeper you go. If self-hosting is your goal, aim for Debian in the long run. Once you’re more comfortable, you can explore Arch or even more advanced systems like Nix or Gentoo.
Starting with Mint is a great idea! It gives you a Windows-like experience and safeguards your privacy without constant forced updates. It’s perfect for beginners.
If you want to try something similar to Arch but a lot easier, give EndeavourOS a go. It’s basically Arch but with a smoother learning curve!
Before you start installing anything, definitely boot from a Ventoy to test things out. And remember to keep backups of anything important!
Thanks for the tip! I’ve heard Mint is pretty popular among newcomers. I’ll definitely check it out.