Hey everyone! I'm fed up with Windows—bugs, spyware, you name it—and I'm ready to make the switch to Linux. My knowledge of Linux is decent, but I could use some advice on which distro to pick. I have an Acer Nitro 5 laptop with a GTX 1650 and an Intel i5-9300H. Here's what I'm looking for in a distro:
- It needs to be stable and optimized.
- I want to do some web browsing and coding, with a bit of casual gaming (not the top priority).
- Privacy and security are important; I don't want something that tracks my every move.
- I'd love a distro that allows for decent customization and has a polished look.
If you think I should disclose anything else for better recommendations, let me know. Thanks for your help!
4 Answers
If you're looking for a distro with a Windows-like interface, I’d suggest trying out Linux Mint. It’s super user-friendly right out of the box. But if you're up for something a little different, give Fedora a shot. Both are solid options and you'll be able to customize them later as you get the hang of things.
Ubuntu or Mint would be great starting points. They’re friendly for beginners and once you get comfortable, you can explore other distros if you want. Plus, Mint is often smoother than Ubuntu.
Honestly, most Linux distros will work well with your hardware. They’re quite stable and tend to have similar capabilities. The best way to find a good fit is to try a few out. Just remember, the look and customization largely depend on the desktop environment, which is available across many distros. If privacy is a concern, steer clear of major corporate-backed ones like Ubuntu. Community-driven distros are generally better for privacy.
Go with Linux Mint 22.2 Cinnamon edition. It’s user-friendly and looks great right away!
I switched from Ubuntu to Mint and I have to say, Mint is exactly what Ubuntu should be! It just works, no fuss.