Hey everyone! I've recently become interested in the open-source world of Linux, and I'm looking for some recommendations on a distro that feels user-friendly, similar to Windows. I need something that supports applications like Office, gaming with Steam, and multimedia without too much hassle. I'm okay with using the terminal when necessary, but I'd rather not spend hours troubleshooting issues like Wi-Fi connectivity every time I start my PC. To add, I'm using a 2006 computer with a 32-bit architecture, so I need something that works well on older hardware. Any suggestions? This is more of a trial for me, so I'd appreciate beginner-friendly advice (please, no Arch recommendations!).
5 Answers
You might want to try out a few different distros using a live USB. For example, I initially installed Fedora, but ran into Wi-Fi issues, so I switched to Linux Mint, which has worked great for me. Expect to do a bit of troubleshooting here and there, but usually, Wi-Fi problems can be fixed with some simple adjustments. Also, your GPU could impact your distro choice, especially with newer cards requiring updated kernels.
For a straightforward experience, I'd suggest considering CachyOS or Zorin if you're new to Linux. They offer polished environments while still being easy to use. Just remember to have some fun trashing Windows and Apple while you explore Linux! Good luck! 😎😎
You could also try DistroSea, which lets you test various distros directly in your browser. Getting familiar with different desktop environments is key, as they really change how you interact with the system. Consider Debian for stability and KDE for a polished, user-friendly interface, although I'm not sure how well that works on older PCs.
Not sure about performance on older hardware, though. It can be a mixed bag.
How about Knoppix Linux? Version 3.1 should run fine on older setups, and you can use the USB version for convenience.
Check out the migration page for tips found in the Linux community wiki! It’s great for beginners. Linux Mint with the Cinnamon desktop environment is highly recommended since it’s similar to Windows and has lots of community support. Just a heads up, Microsoft Office isn’t directly available, but you can use the web version or switch to alternatives like LibreOffice. Also, many distros are dropping 32-bit support, but Linux Mint 6 "Faye" still offers it. Debian is another option, though it's not as user-friendly.
Definitely agree with this. You can use Ventoy on a USB stick to try out multiple distros easily!