I am a Windows user (very rarely do I use some Ubuntu) and I am looking to try switching my secondary computer to Linux as a challenge. I am looking for a simple distro that requires as little use of the terminal as possible. I am ok navigating folders in the terminal and copy-pasting commands from websites but when red text inevitably starts showing up, my troubleshooting skills are 100% reliant on AI chatbots.
Also, does program compatibility depend on the distro-by-distro basis?
For any suggestions given by other members, try with VirtualBox first each distribution to test a branch of them. Once done that you can do the direct installation in your other computer
Is there a reason to not Ubuntu? The other suggestion about Mint is good (never used, but one friend has a good experience with that)
He may not know how to use VirtualBox. That may be too confusing for him. Both of the distributions I mentioned are the most popular for beginners. Linux Mint in particular has the Driver Manager which makes installing video drivers for example very easy.
Hi @MCH170 ,
That has to be Mint linux or LMDE (Linux Mint Debian Edition)
I think LMDE would be my choice for you.
A second choice would be MX linux.
I am not sure what you mean.
Each distro has its own repository for packages and guarantees they will be compatable with each other and with the distro’s linux kernel.
It is best not to use packsges from elsewhere. Linus differs from Windows in that respect.
Regards
Neville
I would’ve said LMDE as well but LMDE doesn’t have the Driver Manager which makes installing drivers much harder for beginner, and he wants to avoid using the terminal.
I think what he wants to know is if using different distributions is like using different operating systems whereby certain programs will work on some but not others.
The answer is not unless you’re using Arch or Fedora for example as those are different from Debian or Ubuntu.
As everybody on the site will confirm I am a linux mint user and Its always the first one I recommend to anyone starting out with linux as its easy install, the guide on their site with images is easy to follow and it usually works without problems straight out of the box.
But unlike my fellow contributers I am going to recommend the debian edition, dont worry about drivers the new version has everything covered.
I am sure you will find lmde to your likeing as its easy on the mind and lets you dip your toe in the water without feared, plus if you need help you know where we are to guide you.
Before you switch over your secondary computer, try to first figure out whether the software you run has Linux versions or, if not, whether there is alternative software which does the exact same thing. Otherwise it might end up being a disappointment, as you jumped in unprepared.
For a lot of tasks there’s software for Linux, but do mind: a lot of it is different than you’re used to.
Yes, you can even install software in the live media boot environment. I do that because I want to test that my hardware works with a given distribution.
Thank you all very much for the recommendations! I will try Mint to start. I don’t think I will need to use VirtualBox, I am comfortable (re)installing OSs. I will have a RDP to my main machine for backup of course.
Welcome @MCH170 to the forum.
Linux Mint Cinnamon user for over 5 years. Came to Linux Mint from Win 10, try out 1/2 dozen different versions of Linux but have stayed with Mint. You will be surprised at how easy the switch over is. Linux Mint comes with the desktop environment (DE) called Nemo were you can perform all of the folders, copy, edit, paste functions that you need to do.
I am also comfortable with copy / paste commands into the terminal from the web or people here on the forum for trouble shooting or help in general.
My day to day usage of terminal with Mint – None.
Verify with AI and the web, the distros mention here should be in the top 5 for beginners.