My parents are looking to switch from Windows 10 since Microsoft has stopped supporting it. I'm responsible for helping them through the transition to Linux, and I want to choose a distro that runs KDE, as I'm most familiar with that desktop environment. Currently, I'm considering either Kubuntu or an immutable distro. I've heard that immutable distros are stable and not easily broken, but I'm a bit lost on the details (I've heard good things about Aurora). I've used Nobara and tried Kubuntu and CachyOS before. Is Kubuntu generally reliable? Is an immutable distro a better choice (and if so, which one)? Or should I consider something else, like KDE Neon? Thanks!
5 Answers
If your parents aren't very tech-savvy, I'd recommend sticking with something more familiar like Kubuntu or Linux Mint. Kubuntu is excellent for beginners transitioning from Windows, and it’s user-friendly. Mint is also a solid choice, especially since it has a fantastic support community if any issues come up.
If you're considering ease of use, Debian can also be a reliable choice. It's stable and requires very few updates, making it less of a headache for your parents. The customization options in Plasma might be overwhelming for them, but since you're familiar with KDE, you’ll be able to support them well.
You might want to check out Kinoite, which is based on Fedora with KDE. Since you're familiar with Nobara, it could be a smooth transition. It’s designed to be quite stable, so your parents won't accidentally break it. I know my parents sometimes mess up their computers in odd ways, so I think it would suit your needs!
Kubuntu should work well! I've had a smooth experience with it. Just a heads-up, KDE Neon is more like a demo to showcase the latest features rather than a stable everyday use distro, so I wouldn’t recommend that for your parents.
Have you considered Solus KDE? It’s not immutable, but they release updates at a steady pace, which helps avoid issues. It’s quite lightweight and performs well even with KDE. I set it up for my uncle, who's not very tech-minded, and he loves it!
Solus is a great shout! It's stable, and the regular updates keep it fresh without the risks you might find in a rolling release.
Totally agree! Kinoite is pretty great. Just keep in mind that while its immutability is a strength, installing apps isn’t as straightforward because you’ll have to use methods other than the usual package manager for anything that isn’t in KDE’s Discover. That said, most common apps work fine.