Hey everyone! I'm thinking about making the switch from Windows to Linux and I'm looking for some guidance on which distro to use. My main requirements are that I need to run applications like Microsoft Word and OneNote—ideally in a way that's more convenient than just using the web versions. I'm studying education, so having these programs is important for my coursework. I also love gaming and play titles such as Valorant, Minecraft, Cyberpunk, and other Steam games. Additionally, I often stream games to my laptop using Steam Remote Play, so I want to make sure that setup will work too. Any advice or suggestions would be really appreciated!
2 Answers
I’d recommend trying out Nobara or even Fedora with the KDE desktop environment. KDE Plasma has a familiar interface for Windows users, which can make the transition smoother. Fedora generally has a strong community and good support, which is helpful when you're starting out. Just keep in mind that some games, especially those with strict anti-cheat systems, might not run well on Linux, like Valorant due to its Vanguard anti-cheat not playing nice with Linux. But for most games, you should be good!
Welcome to the Linux world! For gaming, definitely check out Steam game compatibility on ProtonDB. Most distros nowadays handle gaming pretty well, especially if you're into streaming with Steam Remote Play. I’ve heard that Mint is a great choice for starters; it’s user-friendly, and if it doesn’t work out, you can always switch to another. Just remember, Linux distros are all quite similar at their core, so don't stress too much! Explore a few distros and see what feels right for you! 🙂

Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely look into that. Any thoughts on alternatives for OneNote?