Hey everyone! I'm new here and looking for some advice on which Linux distribution would be best for my needs. I have a bit of experience with Linux, having set up an Ubuntu server and played around with Debian-based systems like Raspbian for some VPN projects. My motivation for switching is my disappointment with Windows—it's slow and bloated for my casual browsing and gaming activities.
I'm making the leap to Linux, and I want a distro that can handle general tasks like web browsing and development, including machine learning and video/photo editing, as well as some gaming.
Here's what I'm working with:
- Intel 10th gen CPU
- NVIDIA 30 series GPU
- 32 GB of RAM
So, I'm considering the following distros:
- Pop!_OS
- Linux Mint
- Garuda
- Ubuntu (if all else fails)
What do you think?
4 Answers
You might want to consider the desktop environment over the distro at first. For a smooth transition from Windows, Cinnamon on Linux Mint is fantastic, but KDE Plasma is great too, especially on distros like EndeavourOS, which is worth checking out according to others.
I recommend checking out the migration info available on the wiki. There are also plenty of tips that cover making the switch easier. Just remember to only use root when necessary and check your ISO checksums after you download!
If you're after something that's just going to work without requiring much setup, Pop!_OS is the way to go. Mint is reliable too, but Pop!_OS has a bit more polish in terms of user experience and hardware support.
Honestly, the best way to figure out which distro you like is to try them out! You can run them from a USB stick before installing. Pop!_OS is a great choice for a good out-of-the-box experience, which might be what you're looking for. Linux Mint is also user-friendly, especially with the Cinnamon desktop if you're coming from Windows.
Totally agree! Testing them on a live USB is the way to go. Plus, Mint's Cinnamon desktop feels super familiar for Windows users.