I'm looking to dive into Linux for programming but I'm not sure where to start. I've tried Ubuntu but it lagged badly, so I switched to EndavorOS, which I found too complicated. I also tried Arch but had a tough time with it, especially after installing Hyprland. Recently, I gave EndavorOS another shot with KDE and Hyprland, but I ended up uninstalling it again. I want something powerful yet manageable for a beginner. What would you recommend?
6 Answers
Arch can feel limited if you're not familiar. If you need a simple and clean experience, give Linux Mint, Zorin, or even Anduin a try. Those have a Windows-like UI which can ease the transition from other operating systems.
You shouldn't chase different distributions hoping for a fix; find out why Ubuntu lagged first. Also, Arch actually has one of the largest software repositories available through the AUR. If you want ease of use with Arch's power, consider Garuda Linux—they pre-configure many settings to work out of the box.
Garuda Linux is another option; it’s based on Arch but offers a lot of pre-configured settings that simplify the experience. However, some people find it quite bloated, so if you want something lighter, you might want to start with Mint before exploring other distros.
As a beginner, you might want to stick with a simpler distribution first. I suggest looking into Linux Mint or possibly Fedora for more frequent updates. Mint is user-friendly and highly customizable, making it great for newcomers. Also, sharing your hardware specs could help narrow down the best option for your setup.
If you want ease of use, look into Bazzite. It's Fedora-based and has been the smoothest setup I've experienced since I started Linux back in 1999. Everything just works!
Definitely try Fedora next! It's a great choice for those who enjoy experimenting with multiple distros.

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