Hey everyone! I've finally reached my limit with Microsoft and decided to switch to Linux. The only problem is, I've never used Linux before, and I'm pretty clueless about where to start, especially with installation and basic usage. I've tried out some distro comparison sites like distrochooser.de, and I've narrowed it down to a few options: Zorin, Bazzite, Mint, PCLinuxOS, Artix, Lubuntu, Solus, ElementaryOS, Pop!_OS, Kubuntu, and Xubuntu. I'm hoping to find a distro that's beginner-friendly since I tend to need tutorials for almost everything. I'm also worried about losing my data and whether I'll still be able to play my games, including Minecraft, which I paid for. Any recommendations would really help!
3 Answers
Zorin is also a good choice if you want a Windows-like interface. It's geared towards users transitioning from Windows, so you'll feel right at home. Just remember that you'll need to explore alternative applications for anything that isn't compatible with Linux. A little planning can go a long way!
If you're into gaming, Pop!_OS could be an excellent option. It's designed to be simple and has good support for games, especially with Steam. Plus, definitely check out protondb.com for game compatibility—Minecraft runs natively on Linux, so no worries there! Don't forget to back up your data before making the switch, just to be safe.
I think Linux Mint is a fantastic choice for beginners. It's really user-friendly, stable, and has great community support. You can even try it out via a USB drive before fully committing to the installation. Just keep in mind that not all Windows applications will run on it, so you might need alternatives for some of your favorite software. Also, check compatibility for your hardware, especially if you have any specific WiFi adapters or gaming peripherals you rely on.
Totally agree! I know a few non-techie people who've used Mint successfully for years. It’s definitely a solid choice.
For sure! Pop!_OS is great for gaming. Make sure to try out a live USB first to see how everything works with your current setup.