Hey everyone! I'm on the hunt for a stable Linux distribution for my studies. I primarily need it for browser-based applications and want something easy to use that won't crash on me, especially during exam times. Ideally, it should have a more offline-centric focus since my internet access isn't always reliable. My laptop has an i5 1235U processor, 16GB of RAM, and integrated Iris Xe Graphics. Can you also let me know if Ubuntu would work well with this hardware? I'm concerned about driver issues. Plus, I'm looking for app suggestions for reading PDFs with annotation features and video playback for offline lectures. Thanks!
5 Answers
Have you considered using Ubuntu or Fedora? Both are solid choices. If you're after a modern GNOME experience, I think you’d like them. Plus, ZorinOS is good too, but I've heard the free version feels a bit limited if you're after the Windows-like experience.
You might want to check out openSUSE Tumbleweed for a modern look. It's got a beautiful Plasma desktop, which is great for a visually engaging experience. Just be sure to research the desktop environment to find what you like best!
Debian with the KDE Plasma desktop is fantastic. It’s stable and modern in appearance. Plus, it doesn’t require a lot of upkeep, making it perfect for school!
I recommend trying Linux Mint. It's user-friendly and stable, perfect for what you're looking for, especially as a student! You might also want to check out Ubuntu if you're okay with its interface. For PDF reading, I use Okular—it’s great for annotations!
I’ve tried Mint and loved it! It’s really easy to set up, and it didn’t give me any issues during my classes.
If you want something light and stable, give MX Linux a shot. It's user-friendly without sacrificing performance. For reading PDFs, consider using Calibre; it's also excellent for managing e-books!
I'm leaning towards Ubuntu or Fedora myself. Zorin's marketing felt a bit off to me as well, especially with the premium features.