I've had some experience with Linux before, mainly through my dad who's a big fan of Ubuntu, so I grew up using it instead of Windows. Recently, I installed Lubuntu on an old laptop to learn terminal commands, stream some YouTube videos on Firefox, and enjoy low-end single-player games. Now, after about two weeks of experimenting with Linux, I'm ready to make a full switch on a newer laptop, likely a used ThinkPad model like the T14 or T480. I'm looking for suggestions on which Linux distribution would suit my needs best, and I'd appreciate recommendations that have strong community support for troubleshooting.
5 Answers
Mint is definitely a good choice since you've used Ubuntu before. The Mint subreddit has a lot of active users, so you'll get help easily. But if you're considering something different, I suggest Fedora with GNOME for a modern experience—though it's not Debian-based. If you prefer sticking with Debian, you could also try Debian with GNOME.
You might want to check the distro selection page on Reddit. It has a ton of information to help you decide! Just remember to take regular backups, play around in a virtual machine, and make sure you fully understand commands before running them.
I’ve been really enjoying EndeavourOS lately—way better than Mint, in my opinion!
Honestly, why not just stick with Ubuntu? It has a massive user base, meaning you'll find support options everywhere. Both Ubuntu and Lubuntu share similar support sites, so you'd still have access to a lot of resources. The distro itself might not matter as much as the age of the software stack, especially if you're using newer hardware.
I’d recommend Mint! It's based on Ubuntu but without the hassle of snaps, and it has a Software Manager app that makes managing software super easy—most things can be handled through user-friendly interfaces.
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