I've been using Windows 11 but I'm fed up with constant errors and bugs. I'm considering making the switch to Linux, but I'm totally new to this and there are so many different Linux distributions out there. I primarily use my PC for gaming, streaming, and recording. Given that I'm running a full AMD build, what version of Linux would be the best fit for me? I appreciate any help! Thanks in advance!
5 Answers
Definitely test a few distros before settling. Ventoy is a cool tool that lets you boot different distros from USB without any hassle. If you're into gaming, Bazzite is specifically designed for gamers, while Zorin OS is pretty user-friendly for those transitioning from Windows! Just be sure to back up your files first before you install anything on your main drive.
If you're new to Linux and want something user-friendly, I'd recommend Linux Mint. It's a solid choice for beginners, especially with its Cinnamon desktop environment which is pretty intuitive. Plus, you can boot it from a USB drive to test it out without messing up your current setup. Just make sure to check out some good themes—I think you'll like the visual options that come with it!
Great suggestion! Booting from USB to try it out first is definitely the way to go.
I read through some suggestions, and I’d agree with Mint or Kubuntu for a smoother experience. They're both based on Ubuntu and are generally friendly for new users. And don’t let anyone pressure you into complex distros like Arch unless you're ready for a challenge; they can be a real headache for beginners!
Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely look into those.
Just so you know, Fedora with KDE Plasma is excellent for a gaming setup, but initial codec installations might be a bit tricky. Linux Mint and its variants usually require less setup, but you could miss out on the absolute latest features. Also, don't forget that driver support for AMD should be solid out of the box, so you're looking good there!
I appreciate the insight on the drivers; that's really helpful!
When looking for a Linux distro, it's helpful to know that 'versions' are called distributions or 'distros.' You might want to explore using a virtual machine or live booting from a USB to see which one feels right. I suggest checking out Linux Mint, Ubuntu, and Fedora. Each has its own desktop environments—Mint has options like Cinnamon while Ubuntu offers GNOME. For a gaming setup, make sure to look into the performance of the specific distro you choose; Fedora with KDE Plasma is another great choice for gaming!
I’m leaning towards Ubuntu; are there any known issues I should watch out for?
If you want it to look nice, definitely stick with Cinnamon. There are some great themes available by default!