Hey everyone! I'm a computer science student who primarily works with deep learning. So far, I've mainly been using Windows 11, but I've dabbled in Ubuntu during my lab sessions. Recently, I've had some pretty rough experiences with Windows updates screwing things up on my laptops. For instance, my Transcend 14 had its BIOS wiped after an update, and a friend's laptop suffered a faulty WiFi adapter, which required a motherboard replacement. These issues have made me anxious about continuing with Windows, especially with the costs of repairs and having to set everything up again afterward.
I'm seriously considering switching to Linux full-time. Are there any stable Linux distributions that are easy to use and hassle-free? My main needs are for training machine learning models, general programming, and some gaming. I'm looking for a distro I can fully switch to and completely eliminate Windows from my life.
5 Answers
Linux Mint is a solid choice for new Linux users. It's user-friendly, stable, and has great community support. Plus, it's pretty easy to learn and set up, which makes it feel like a nice, no-fuss alternative. My experience with Mint has been awesome, and it’s definitely worth considering for your needs! Just keep in mind that transitioning from Windows to Linux will require some adjustments because it’s a different ecosystem.
If you're looking for something like Fedora, it could be a good fit too. It offers a wide range of software and customization options, and you can choose any desktop environment to tailor it to your liking. It should cover most of your needs!
I switched to Linux Mint after losing my hard drive on Windows, and it's been fantastic! While not all Windows software works under Wine, I found that most of my crucial applications are either compatible or have Linux versions. I managed to get about 80% of what I use up and running smoothly, and transitioning was easier since I was already familiar with tools like Firefox and OpenOffice (now LibreOffice).
That's great to hear! I also like that there are many alternatives available for essential apps, which makes it easier to adapt.
I usually suggest Pop!_OS as a great option, but Mint's Windows-like GUI makes it super approachable for new users too. Just be aware that every distro has its quirks, so it may take a little time to get used to.
Just remember to check the apps you rely on before jumping completely into Linux! Some might not have direct alternatives, and you'll want to make sure you're covered on that front.
Exactly! Plus, Mint's interface is similar to Windows, so the transition might not be too jarring.