I'm eager to make the switch to Linux but I'm feeling a bit lost in choosing the right distribution. I've been checking out various distros, and while I've seen tier lists and reviews, nothing seems to provide the clarity I need. I'm specifically looking for a distribution that supports either the KDE or Budgie desktop environments and offers regular security updates. Being somewhat of a beginner with Linux, I'm not entirely sure if non-rolling release distros receive consistent security updates between their major versions. Any recommendations?
5 Answers
I would say go for Kubuntu! It's super beginner-friendly and has plenty of support. You can also check out Ubuntu or Linux Mint if you prefer another desktop environment. Don't worry about security updates; even non-rolling distros will get them regularly. If a significant vulnerability arises, patches are rolled out quickly.
Most major distros release security patches promptly. While the core software versions may not update often, rest assured that platforms like Debian and Mint are built to keep your system secure. For KDE, both Kubuntu and Fedora are excellent, and you can even run KDE on Linux Mint without much hassle.
If you're just starting out, I'd skip tier lists as they can be subjective. Instead, go for popular options like Ubuntu, Fedora, or Mint; they all have huge support communities. You'll be in good hands with those.
Yes, non-rolling releases get consistent security updates! For instance, Linux Mint's LTS will have support until 2029, and users on earlier versions still receive updates until 2027. Plus, Mint has some handy updater tools that you can set up to automatically install security patches.
As long as you stick with well-known distros, you should be fine with timely security updates. I recommend Kubuntu LTS or Fedora with KDE as great choices. If you're looking into Budgie, check out Ubuntu Budgie LTS or Fedora Budgie; they're good picks too!
Have you thought about OpenSUSE? I hear it's a solid starting point too!