I'm a university geology student looking to switch from Windows to Linux on my laptop, which has an i7-13th gen CPU and 16GB RAM. I need compatibility with programs like ArcGIS (or alternatives) and am accustomed to writing in Microsoft Word, though I know there are alternatives available. I have some Linux experience, having used Ubuntu on my old laptop and even created a Minecraft server, but I'm not yet an expert. My laptop is mainly for school and general use, with minimal gaming done on my Steam Deck. Most of the streaming services I use are either browser-based or have Linux apps available. What Linux distro would work best for my needs?
5 Answers
For your needs, I'd suggest going for an Ubuntu-based distro since you've already used Ubuntu. It's user-friendly and has a large community for support. You might want to check out Linux Mint or Pop!_OS for a more polished experience.
I recommend trying out Fedora with KDE. It's stable and customizable. Plus, KDE is fantastic for managing multiple applications if you're the type to juggle several tasks at once.
Honestly, Ubuntu is a solid choice! It's easy to set up and you can install LibreOffice for your writing needs, which is a great free alternative to Word. Plus, the LTS version is stable and reliable for schoolwork.
If you need ArcGIS, you might struggle a bit since it's primarily designed for Windows. Consider running it in a virtual machine or looking into QGIS as a Linux alternative. I've heard some universities are starting to embrace it more.
I've noticed a bigger trend towards QGIS too! Might be worth exploring.
Thanks! I'll definitely look into QGIS as a substitute.
Ultimately, any major distro like Ubuntu or Mint should work well for you. Just ensure you check if the software you need is available. A dual boot can be a good solution as well, allowing you to keep Windows for any software that doesn't run well on Linux.
That's a good point! Dual boot might be the safest route for now.
KDE sounds interesting! I'm looking for something functional and beautiful.