I'm on a semester break and thought it would be a great time to give Linux a shot! I've only dabbled a little with Fedora and I need something that's not too easy, but will still let me learn and feel accomplished. I have to use Windows for programs like AutoCAD and Twinmotion, but I want to fully immerse myself in a Linux environment for a month. I'm eyeing either Debian or Arch but I'm not sure which would be better for a noob like me. Here are a few things I like: I enjoy browsing, I heavily use Obsidian, and I love customizing my setup (I'm even rocking live wallpapers on my laptop). I want to know what I should be able to do with my choice of distro and what you recommend!
4 Answers
If you’re really keen to learn, I’d say dive into Arch! It’s definitely more challenging but you will learn a ton, especially if you go through the installation process manually. Just be prepared to troubleshoot along the way. It sounds like you want that hands-on experience, and Arch is great for that! If it gets too daunting, you might also want to check out EndeavourOS since it gives you an Arch experience with a bit more support during setup.
While Debian is stable, it tends to be a bit dated for new users. Since you’re looking to learn, I’d say Arch is the way to go. Sure, it’s a bit of a ride getting set up, but you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Linux as you go. If Arch feels intimidating, you could always go back to a distro like Fedora or try out a light-weight option like Linux Mint to get your feet wet first.
Agreed, once you get the hang of it, learning Arch is incredibly rewarding!
I’d recommend trying out a distro like Ubuntu or Pop!_OS instead. They’re more beginner-friendly and still customizable. You mentioned you like to learn, but jumping straight into Arch can be tough for beginners. If you want something Arch-based, EndeavourOS can help you ease in without the steep learning curve of raw Arch.
But aren't those too easy? I want to learn!
Consider cachyOS, which is an Arch-based distro that’s pretty accessible for beginners. I've found it easy to work with and it allows for lots of customization, especially with the KDE Plasma desktop. Plus, it feels faster than a lot of other options!
I’ve heard good things about cachyOS too. Might switch my current setup to it since it's so quick!
Yeah, I think I'll try Arch! It's about time I test the waters.