I'm in a bit of a bind; my computer will stop getting support this October, and upgrading to Windows 11 isn't an option since I'm low on funds. I mainly use my computer for watching YouTube, movies, listening to music with MusicBee, and playing games with emulators like Duck Station, PCSX2, and RPCS3. I also occasionally use Steam and Epic Games for some gaming. I have a MacBook Air for class and work, so I'm looking for a Linux distribution that can serve as a solid media center for me. I've heard of Mint and Ubuntu being user-friendly and accessible. Any suggestions or insights on what might work best for my needs? Also, apologies if my English isn't perfect; it's not my first language.
4 Answers
For a Windows-like experience, go with Linux Mint Cinnamon. It’s beginner-friendly and feels quite similar to Windows. You might also want to check out Pop!_OS, which is user-friendly and visually appealing, though the desktop environment is a bit different.
Mint is definitely the way to go for your needs!
If you're looking for a more Windows-like experience, try Debian. It's the original version and offers great flexibility and stability. Sure, it's not exactly Windows, but if you want something reliable and user-friendly, you'd enjoy Debian. If you're feeling adventurous, Arch could be an interesting challenge to set up!
I went with Ubuntu right away because it's popular and has tons of community support. I think it's a great idea to try it out on a USB stick first to see if it feels right for you before fully committing to the installation.
Both Mint and Ubuntu are excellent choices! If you're looking for something more personalized, you might want to try this utility that can help match you with the perfect distro: [Distro Chooser](https://distrochooser.de/en/). It’s super handy for figuring out what fits your needs best.
I’ve used Ubuntu for years, but I think Mint has some great features that might work better for you.