I'm a C programmer and computer engineer currently using Ubuntu 24.04 LTS at work. I'm planning to switch to Linux on my personal laptop and I'm looking for some distro suggestions. I've dabbled with Debian and Arch Linux in the past, specifically using the i3 window manager, and I'm coming back to Linux now.
I'm interested in a distro that is stable enough that I won't have to constantly fix issues, and I'd appreciate good support for Steam Proton. I want something more interesting than Ubuntu but I'm not keen on maintaining Arch again. I've considered Manjaro as a possible Arch-based compromise, and I've thought about Fedora too, though I'm concerned about driver support. Any thoughts on what I should try?
3 Answers
Manjaro is a suitable choice if you want Arch’s benefits with less hassle. It simplifies a lot of the setup and maintenance compared to a plain Arch install. Just keep in mind that you might still run into occasional update breakages, but it's generally more user-friendly than Arch directly.
If you're concerned about new drivers, Fedora could be a solid choice. It's known for being fairly up-to-date with hardware support while still maintaining reliability. Just make sure to check what specific drivers you might need before jumping in. It won't be as cutting-edge as Arch, but should still offer a nice balance for desktop use.
Based on your experience, you might want to go back to Debian. It’s stable and should work well for what you need. You can always add backports or use Flatpak if you find something isn't in the repositories. Just remember to check the guidelines on keeping it stable. Also, testing live ISOs could help you decide what fits best.
Exactly! Debian has a great track record for stability. Plus, you can customize it to your liking with your desktop environment of choice.
Right, I’d echo that. Fedora tends to be pretty good with new hardware, but always check their compatibility list.