I'm considering switching to Linux mainly because I love the idea of a customizable operating system that offers me more control over my PC. Right now, my Linux knowledge is pretty limited—I've been trying to get a grasp on the basics via WSL for about four days. I've watched numerous videos on different Linux distributions, desktop environments, and window managers. While I find Arch Linux intriguing, I realize it's probably beyond my current skill set to install it properly. So I'm looking for something that's more beginner-friendly.
I've heard a lot about openSUSE and it caught my interest for no specific reason, but I've been told consistently that Linux Mint is a favorite among newcomers. I don't have anything against Mint, but it feels like the recommendation is almost a trend. I know it's good, but I'm curious whether starting with openSUSE might better prepare me for my ultimate goal of mastering Arch Linux. My concern is that Linux Mint, with its user-friendly nature, might lead me to rely more on the GUI and less on terminal commands, which is where I want to improve. I feel that using openSUSE would push me to learn terminal skills faster since it might require more command-line usage.
On another note, I plan to dual boot, which might also influence my choice. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
5 Answers
Ultimately, starting with Mint isn't a mistake. It’s known for its ease of use, especially with managing drivers and basic tasks without relying heavily on command-line input. But the reality is that whether you're on Mint, openSUSE, or any other distro, you'll still encounter situations that will require using the terminal.
Linux Mint is popular for a reason! It's super user-friendly, especially for folks coming from a Windows background. The layout is similar to Windows 7, plus it’s based on Ubuntu LTS, which is stable and has tons of community support. While I get that you’re keen on terminal skills, you can absolutely customize Mint later, and you can always switch to something else if Mint doesn’t fit your vibe.
If your main aim is to get comfortable with Arch, maybe consider starting with an Arch-based distro that has an easier installer, like Manjaro or EndeavourOS. This way, you can get to know the Arch way of doing things without feeling overwhelmed right off the bat. Manjaro is quite popular, though there are mixed feelings about it lately, while EndeavourOS is gaining some good recognition!
Linux is just a tool, and you should use whatever feels right for you. People often obsess over customizing their distro, but honestly, I've been using Linux for over a decade and I typically just tweak the wallpaper and install some fonts. Mint, Arch, Fedora—I've done work on all of them without a hitch. The distro you choose shouldn't be as crucial as how you learn to use it effectively.
Remember, it's more important to pick a distro that interests you rather than stressing over 'the best' choice. If you try out one and it doesn't seem right, switching to another is part of the journey! Linux Mint, openSUSE, Fedora—each has something unique to offer, and you'll find your groove eventually.
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