Hey everyone! I've been using Windows 11 since it came out, but I'm really fed up with the constant updates from Microsoft. I'm considering making the switch to Linux. I mainly use my laptop for gaming and robotics (like Arduino). My specs include a GTX 1650 (which runs games really well), 8GB of RAM, an Intel i5 processor, an SSD, and an HDD. I've noticed that Windows is using about 5GB of my RAM just with Firefox open. Since I've never tried Linux before, can anyone recommend a distro that's easy to use for a complete beginner? Thanks for your help!
6 Answers
Regarding the RAM usage, that's pretty normal for modern browsers. They're built to use as much memory as they can, but they'll free it when it's needed elsewhere. Anyway, I still think Linux Mint is a solid pick for your first Linux experience, with loads of GUI apps to choose from!
Linux Mint is a fantastic choice for new users! It’s designed to feel somewhat like Windows, making the transition easier. Gaming on Linux has gotten a lot better, especially with Steam's Proton for running Windows games, though some may not work perfectly. Just be sure to check compatibility on ProtonDB for the games you're interested in. As for Arduino, it works great on Linux, but make sure to verify compatibility for all your other essential software beforehand. Good luck!
Linux Mint is definitely the top choice for beginners—trust me! I switched over from Windows 11 a few months ago and couldn't be happier. It’s user-friendly, and most things just work out of the box. For the apps that lack Linux support, I found good alternatives. Honestly, if I need Windows, I just run a Tiny11 VM for things like printing, but that’s a whole other story!
I've heard mixed reviews about Mint being slower than Windows. Any thoughts on that?
If you're starting off, Linux Mint is really the best option out there right now. Lots of users recommend it for beginners!
Bazzite is a cool resource for Linux stuff! You might want to check it out too.
Before you commit to Linux Mint, check out the quiz on distrochooser.de. It's a great way to find a Linux distribution that might suit your needs!
Arduino should be all good! You can use the Arduino IDE and other tools without issue.