Hey everyone! I'm planning to switch my laptop for college over to Linux and could really use some distro recommendations. I've dabbled a bit in Ubuntu (I set up a home server and used it in my programming class), but I'm open to exploring other options that might suit me better. Here's some context to help with your suggestions:
**Laptop Model:** ROG Zephyrus G16
**Use Case:**
- **College/University Work:** I'm a Computer Science major, so having a solid development environment is key, especially since I often work in Python and C.
- **Gaming:** I know Linux has made strides in the gaming department, but I still need something that will run well since I won't be bringing my desktop to campus.
**Experience Level:**
- I'm comfortable with the command line and basic Linux usage, but I mostly use Windows 10/11.
- I'm willing to learn and tinker but would prefer something that doesn't require endless troubleshooting.
**Extra Questions:**
- For those who use Linux on Zephyrus laptops—is there anything specific I should look out for?
- Should I consider dual-booting, or is it fine to fully switch to Linux?
Thanks for any advice or recommendations! I'm eager to make Linux my main OS for development and to regain control of my machine (Windows has been driving me crazy lately).
3 Answers
Linux Mint is often recommended as a great option for newcomers. It's user-friendly and has a familiar interface for those moving from Windows. Plus, it handles programming tasks well! If you don’t mind getting your hands a bit dirty, Fedora KDE is more powerful and up-to-date, but it might require some terminal work. Just avoid Arch unless you're ready for a steep learning curve!
I've been using Linux since the 90s and can say dual-booting might be your best friend. Some software required for classes might only run on Windows. My son had good success using Linux most of the time, but there were a few instances where Windows apps were necessary. So be prepared for that!
Have you considered Zorin OS? It's really user-friendly and has a layout that feels more like Windows, which could help with the transition while you get used to Linux.
Also, if you're going to try out games, make sure to check out Steam's Proton feature. It helps run a lot of Windows games without much hassle!