I've been developing software on Linux for a while, but I've never set it up from scratch or customized a distro for my needs. I recently bought a NUC with powerful specs and I'm trying to make the switch entirely from Windows, but I'm running into a ton of issues. I've been using Alma Linux 9 at work, so I thought about using it, but I also tried Ubuntu 25.04 and faced several problems.
Here's what I want to achieve with my setup:
- Install Linux (preferably a distro that supports the applications I want and has a decent GUI).
- Set up Samba shared folders, which I managed to do.
- Get Notepad++ or something similar running without hassle. I tried Notepadqq but it didn't quite work.
- Install a VNC server that's accessible over my local network – this has been a major headache! The terminal doesn't load correctly, and apps are slow or fail to load altogether.
- Ensure SSH on my local network is secure, as I'm not sure it is right now.
- Have a working Plex media server and some other apps I need for development, like Python and Docker.
With my work schedule, I can't dedicate a lot of time to troubleshooting this every day. Should I stick with Ubuntu 25.04, or would another distro be better for someone with my requirements? Also, if there's something I might be overlooking that could resolve my issues, I'd love to know! My current xstartup setup is incomplete and causing problems too. I just want a smooth experience on Linux.
5 Answers
Honestly, it sounds like you’re trying to juggle a lot tech-wise while learning Linux. Make a checklist of your needs and compare distros. You could also reach out to your workplace IT for tips on using Alma, which might help merge your work and personal setups.
If you're set on using Ubuntu, I recommend going back to a LTS version like 22.04 instead of 25.04. It's more stable and should alleviate some issues. You might also want to try NoMachine for remote access instead of VNC since it's known for being easier to set up!
Great job getting Samba to work! If VNC is a pain, consider trying alternatives like RDP with Remmina. It’s a lot less configuration and works effectively for multiple windows. Also, did you check your firewall settings? That could also interrupt app launches.
I've had good success with Linux Mint for a similar setup. It’s built on Ubuntu but tends to be user-friendly out of the box, so you won’t need to fiddle with configuration files too much. Plus, it supports Samba and many apps you need.
Have you considered using Pop OS or Fedora? They both offer a stable environment and have a user-friendly interface straight out of the box. Many users find them great for both work and play. Plus, they usually come with good hardware support that could ease your setup process.
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