I'm considering switching to Linux for a variety of reasons: I'm entering university soon, and while I'm not a programmer, I'm curious about trying Linux, especially for privacy purposes. I need a distro that helps ensure strong privacy—using services like Startmail while also running VPN and TOR. Ideally, it would support applications like LibreOffice and Proton for work since I often need to handle documents. I want something easy to use, not much harder than Windows, and I'd still be doing daily tasks on it, alongside a Windows PC. I also dabble in video editing with Kdenlive, basic programming, and would like to game (notably with Steam), while having dual boot capabilities. My specs would ideally range from 512GB to 1TB of storage with 8GB of RAM. What Linux distro would suit my needs the best?
4 Answers
If Excel is a must for your workflow, be aware that Linux can be a little tricky depending on your use case. Basic spreadsheets work well with LibreOffice, but if you rely heavily on macros or complex Excel features, you might face some compatibility issues. However, for everyday use, most folks find it satisfactory for regular tasks.
If gaming is your priority, using Proton for compatibility with games on Linux works well. Just make sure to check ProtonDB for individual game compatibility. Mint should be good for the everyday usage you need, and then you can also consider dual-booting it with Windows for your gaming needs. Just be mindful that Excel functions might need some adapting, but most basic features work fine with LibreOffice.
For strong privacy and security, you might want to look into Fedora Silverblue or Kionite. They offer immutable systems that can enhance security. Both have good support for VPNs as well. Just keep in mind that using TOR with a VPN can be tricky, and not always the best practice because of potential conflicts in privacy setups.
Linux Mint is often recommended for beginners because it's user-friendly. For your case, it seems like a great fit since it strikes a good balance between ease of use and functionality. It can handle LibreOffice well, and you can even access MS Office through a browser if needed. You should manage privacy tools, but it might not be ideal to use TOR for everything due to practicality, especially for tasks like online banking. As you gain experience with Mint, you could experiment with other distributions later if you want more control.
Thanks for the tip! I’m definitely leaning towards Mint now.
Good to know! I’m planning to use dual boot anyway. Thanks for confirming!