Unpopular opinion: There is no one “best” distro. I’d recommend you download a few, try them out, see what clicks for you. Nobody knows your use case as well as you do.
You’re not the only one. I jumped ship from Win11, hopped around a bit, but settled on Kubuntu early last year. I’m perfectly happy here, and unless they decide to ram degenerate AI down my throat I’m probably not moving.
+1 to Mint. It is a very easy transition & you will not have ragerts.
Pros:
prettier than windows while having a similar interface
more responsive than windows
more stable than windows
zero spyware/bloatware
basically the same level of software compatibility as windows
Only things that take some research ahead of time or getting used to imo:
deciding how you want to partition your drives during installation (you can let it automatically do this, but there are reasons to create a different partition structure across drives/have different sized partitions),
mounting drives. There are GUI tools for this (file explorer for mounting, gparted for formatting), so it really isn’t a big deal, but it is a little more difficult than with Windows and you may need to reformat your drives depending what file format they’re currently in.
make sure your motherboard/video card/cpu all work well with linux. They should, but just check first.
note that games requiring kernel level anticheat (aka spyware) won’t work. So if that’s a deal breaker, then dual boot or don’t switch.
I started on Mint back in October. My server is still running Mint, because I can’t be arsed with setting everything up on another distro, but my work machine is on KDE Neon. And that isn’t safe.
I have 2 monitors at different resolutions, works fine and my desktop/icon theme/etc is very pretty imo. I do agree that mint out of the box is maybe equally/sliiiightly less pretty than windows - but as soon as you change the shitty default wallpaper it is prettier imo.
That is true about Adobe products. But fuck adobe. And if you need Adobe, then just dual boot.
That is something Windows likes to do for funsies sometimes. The distro shouldn’t matter. Separate drives can help avoid it from what I’ve heard though.
Not just windows, most linux distros do it too. People just don’t notice it that much because if you’re using Linux you probably let it handle boot already so nothing gets changed when it overwrites stuff.
I mean yeah, it overwrites itself with the new version when updated. I have not seen a distro that by default overwrites or removes other boot partitions.
Mint is very user-friendly, and can utilize all the handy apps that are packaged for Ubuntu. I don’t really enjoy the default interface of Ubuntu (it feels like a mobile OS in a lot of ways). Mint really does a good job of stripping that down and recreating a basic windows-like experience., while taking advantage of all the compatibility and software support that Ubuntu has.
Mint is great for older hardware performance wise. It’s also one of the most polished distros in terms of things like updates, settings and updates. The Ubuntu/Debian ecosystem is also better supported by 3rd parties than Arch and Red Hat.
Elementary is a lot of the same, but the UI is more for Mac refugees.
It is lagging a bit on the latest gaming support. Thats what bazzite(Fredora) and CachyOS(Arch) are doing very well at the moment. They are a bit heavier on hardware requirements though, but still less than Windows.
They are all perfectly stable if you’re just using it for office stuff and browsing. You only need to worry about stability if you’re gaming or doing tech stuff, like homelabing.
If you want something that barely ever changes and works today as its gonna work 5 years from now, then Mint.
If you want constant compatibility with the shiniest new stuff, then an atomic fedora distro (Bazzite for gaming, aurora/bluefin for general purpose).
Literally never once had a problem playing any video in browser, from a variety of sites (social media, streaming services, news sites, file sharing sites, ZERO problems. All videos have played every time.)
Again, just install them if you want them. Nothing is stopping or preventing you from having them, you’re just choosing to complain about something that isn’t even a problem. Users should expect that all the software they want to use comes preinstalled with the OS, including software with EULAs and proprietary licenses that they must agree to, and they’ll never ever need to install a software package? 🙄
You’re just factually incorrect as both twitch and twitter videos play perfectly out of the box.
What an arduous mountain you’ve created from the molehill of installing a package using a package manager. My eyes can’t roll harder
EDIT: I just checked and adding the nonfree repo and installing the package can even be done entirely from the Discover GUI. It’s literally just a checkbox 🤡 God forbid the user check a box in a GUI, it’ll send them straight back to Windows 😂
Hello! Random person coming in. I’m a New Linux convert. Have used Mint and its great, works well. Much to learn but I feel like I got this. Tried out Fedora recently, and while I’m getting things to work. if feels like I made a mistake, like it doesn’t feel as good to solve my problems on Fedora as it does something like Mint. I’m still learning, yes, but from a new Linux convert, Fedora does not feel as good to use and learn.
I switched 10 years ago, started on Ubuntu and hated it, switched to ZorinOS and gained understanding, then switched to Mint and found a home. I now recommend Mint to all windows refugees, it’s layed out similar enough to be intuitive and let’s you learn Linux at a comfortable pace.
Tl;Dr - switch to Linux Mint when leaving windows.
That question is like asking which superhero is the strongest in a comic shop. There is an answer, but some people have made their own opinion part of their identity, and are extremely passionate emotional about it.
It’s Linux Mint, by far. Others like Fedora and Pop are solid choices, and things like Arch, Bazzite, or CachyOS have their merits, but Mint offers by far the most uncomplicated, entry-level experience.
Some time ago I answered this question on a post that seems have been deleted but got some good feedback:
The most important decision as a new Linux user is the desktop environment, the most similar desktop environment to the Windows desktop are KDE Plasma and Cinnamon. This means your best options are:
Linux Mint (Cinnamon): They are the creators of the Cinnamon desktop environment and will be the default on installation.
Kubuntu (KDE Plasma): This is Ubuntu’s official KDE Plasma flavour, it comes with everything as usual just different desktop.
Fedora (KDE Edition): Same story as Ubuntu here, only that with Fedora’s own packages and environment.
First I would check if the hardware is compatible (99% of the time is). Then I would check what software you need and/or want and check if it is available at these distros, and get familiar on how to install the software packages (either with their respective app stores or in the command line).
There is a lot to learn but with these distros you can just install, forget and simply keep using them for eternity.
The last and more important tip I have is to not to worry about the sea of options out there, you will not be missing anything huge by picking one or the other. Which is how most of new users feel (I did in my time).
If all you do is use a browser and game then bazzite is solid.
If you do more stuff then fedora might be the way to go.
I started with popos but since its more on a stable ideology updates to stuff take much longer which is why I started looking around to try all the lingo I’ve heard about on Lemmy like KDE Wayland immutable atomic etc etc
Mint if all you want is all your shit to work. Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) if you also have ideological issues with microsoft’s involvement in the israeli genocide of the Palestinian people
it’s not about linux mint, it’s about its base, Ubuntu which also isn’t involved with microsoft, but its parent company, canonical is guilty of providing similar aid as ms does. so if you’re boycotting microsoft, you should boycott canonical, too. thus, LMDE being my recommendation in that case. LMDE is developed by the same people who make Mint. i was never trying to imply they’re the proplem
Thanks for the explanation. I personally don’t see Linux Mint as supporting Ubuntu since they are independent and not financially tied but I think that comes down to personal choice.
i contribute code back a lot so any distro i use will end up getting free labor from me so it works a little different for me. like you said, it’s a personal choice
What’s the best Linux distro for an easy switch from Windows?
Thank you everyone!! My PC is being left behind by Windows 11.
Best ? Not really a thing, Pop, Mint, Fedora ? I went LMDE 18.months ago after 6 months on Mint.I. have no.idea what I’m doing though. :)
Nvidia can provide some hiccups in some distros, I’m AMD
Gentoo
Unpopular opinion: There is no one “best” distro. I’d recommend you download a few, try them out, see what clicks for you. Nobody knows your use case as well as you do.
I feel like I’m probably the sole one who’s happy with Kubuntu. It’s just Ubuntu with KDE on it.
You’re not the only one. I jumped ship from Win11, hopped around a bit, but settled on Kubuntu early last year. I’m perfectly happy here, and unless they decide to ram degenerate AI down my throat I’m probably not moving.
I’m not helpless with computers, but I am not a power user. I browse, game, watch videos, maintain an old mp3 collection, etc. I don’t really program.
I went with PopOS and it’s been perfectly fine. No issues or complaints to speak of.
+1 to Mint. It is a very easy transition & you will not have ragerts.
Pros:
prettier than windows while having a similar interface
more responsive than windows
more stable than windows
zero spyware/bloatware
basically the same level of software compatibility as windows
Only things that take some research ahead of time or getting used to imo:
deciding how you want to partition your drives during installation (you can let it automatically do this, but there are reasons to create a different partition structure across drives/have different sized partitions),
mounting drives. There are GUI tools for this (file explorer for mounting, gparted for formatting), so it really isn’t a big deal, but it is a little more difficult than with Windows and you may need to reformat your drives depending what file format they’re currently in.
make sure your motherboard/video card/cpu all work well with linux. They should, but just check first.
note that games requiring kernel level anticheat (aka spyware) won’t work. So if that’s a deal breaker, then dual boot or don’t switch.
+1 mint
I also have a bit higher FPS in some games (both proton and native) but some just don’t run at all
+1 for Mint as a gateway drug.
I started on Mint back in October. My server is still running Mint, because I can’t be arsed with setting everything up on another distro, but my work machine is on KDE Neon. And that isn’t safe.
uhh…
Not if you have multiple screens and want to zoom the interface or something. I remember there was a massive bug with this
Except all Adobe software, video editing software, many windows only software, the full Office suite
So, no, that’s just false
For Adobe, use Winapps.
https://github.com/winapps-org/winapps
Thanks, that looks really cool
I have 2 monitors at different resolutions, works fine and my desktop/icon theme/etc is very pretty imo. I do agree that mint out of the box is maybe equally/sliiiightly less pretty than windows - but as soon as you change the shitty default wallpaper it is prettier imo.
That is true about Adobe products. But fuck adobe. And if you need Adobe, then just dual boot.
I believe it’s the best thing to do. Wasn’t there some problems with dual booting on mint? Something like updating windows wiping grub or similar?
That is something Windows likes to do for funsies sometimes. The distro shouldn’t matter. Separate drives can help avoid it from what I’ve heard though.
Not just windows, most linux distros do it too. People just don’t notice it that much because if you’re using Linux you probably let it handle boot already so nothing gets changed when it overwrites stuff.
I mean yeah, it overwrites itself with the new version when updated. I have not seen a distro that by default overwrites or removes other boot partitions.
Mint and Manjaro are two that I’ve personally seen do it.
That’s what I figured out
Do you want a reliable basic PC? Mint
Are you a non technical gamer? Bazzite
Are you a technical gamer? Cachy os
End of the day your distro is little more then the starting defaults.
Any distro can do anything. With few expections.
But for gaming you can save yourself a LOT of headache using a distro that has all the gaming related fluff preset up out of the box.
I heard Mint and Elementary both mentioned a lot for switchers.
Any reason you recommend mint over it?
Never tried either of them myself so just curious.
Mint is very user-friendly, and can utilize all the handy apps that are packaged for Ubuntu. I don’t really enjoy the default interface of Ubuntu (it feels like a mobile OS in a lot of ways). Mint really does a good job of stripping that down and recreating a basic windows-like experience., while taking advantage of all the compatibility and software support that Ubuntu has.
Mint is great for older hardware performance wise. It’s also one of the most polished distros in terms of things like updates, settings and updates. The Ubuntu/Debian ecosystem is also better supported by 3rd parties than Arch and Red Hat.
Elementary is a lot of the same, but the UI is more for Mac refugees.
It is lagging a bit on the latest gaming support. Thats what bazzite(Fredora) and CachyOS(Arch) are doing very well at the moment. They are a bit heavier on hardware requirements though, but still less than Windows.
What if you want productivity (everyday tasks) + game?
If you everyday tasks include document signing or scanning with a Wifi printer, then maybe steer clear of Bazzite and Kionite and opensuse Aeon/kalpa.
I would go for just normal fedora or opensuse tumbleweed instead.
Mint is also great if you don’t have a “fresh off the production line new hardware”.
Basically every distro ships with office as well as a browser
If you need specific software then just download later like you would on windows
sure
I’m always a bit worried that other distros could have things harder to set up or less stable, that’s why I want to go with mint
They are all perfectly stable if you’re just using it for office stuff and browsing. You only need to worry about stability if you’re gaming or doing tech stuff, like homelabing.
Linux Mint. It’s boring but easy and stable.
If you want something that barely ever changes and works today as its gonna work 5 years from now, then Mint. If you want constant compatibility with the shiniest new stuff, then an atomic fedora distro (Bazzite for gaming, aurora/bluefin for general purpose).
Fedora with KDE
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Fedora is one of the worst option there is to suggest to a windows convert for this very reason.
At least suggest bazzite if your going to shove fedora at a windows user.
Serious new users should stick to mint or cachy. Depending if they are a gamer or not.
Just install them? It’s literally not even a problem.
I don’t even bother with codecs. I just install Haruna for videos and Amberol and it plays everything just fine.
The installer asks if you want to install non free software
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Ah yes, proprietary software, just the “basics” of course. Just install them from the nonfree repo if you want them.
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Literally never once had a problem playing any video in browser, from a variety of sites (social media, streaming services, news sites, file sharing sites, ZERO problems. All videos have played every time.)
Again, just install them if you want them. Nothing is stopping or preventing you from having them, you’re just choosing to complain about something that isn’t even a problem. Users should expect that all the software they want to use comes preinstalled with the OS, including software with EULAs and proprietary licenses that they must agree to, and they’ll never ever need to install a software package? 🙄
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You’re just factually incorrect as both twitch and twitter videos play perfectly out of the box.
What an arduous mountain you’ve created from the molehill of installing a package using a package manager. My eyes can’t roll harder
EDIT: I just checked and adding the nonfree repo and installing the package can even be done entirely from the Discover GUI. It’s literally just a checkbox 🤡 God forbid the user check a box in a GUI, it’ll send them straight back to Windows 😂
Hello! Random person coming in. I’m a New Linux convert. Have used Mint and its great, works well. Much to learn but I feel like I got this. Tried out Fedora recently, and while I’m getting things to work. if feels like I made a mistake, like it doesn’t feel as good to solve my problems on Fedora as it does something like Mint. I’m still learning, yes, but from a new Linux convert, Fedora does not feel as good to use and learn.
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it’s not an easy switch then
We’re asking for an easy alternative
There isn’t an OS or distro that doesn’t require you to install the software that you, one specific person in particular, want, sorry.
They will assume the basics should be there by default. It’s sad but to have an actually usable computer you need some proprietary software bs
Mint or Pop
I switched 10 years ago, started on Ubuntu and hated it, switched to ZorinOS and gained understanding, then switched to Mint and found a home. I now recommend Mint to all windows refugees, it’s layed out similar enough to be intuitive and let’s you learn Linux at a comfortable pace.
Tl;Dr - switch to Linux Mint when leaving windows.
I’ve used Ubuntu and multiple flavors of mint. I like bazzite the best. Literally zero problems since I switched.
I second this.
After all the tinkering in Arch, it’s almost boringly stable lol
Linux Mint
Maybe Fedora but it has a bigger learning curve. You also could try Fedora KDE.
That question is like asking which superhero is the strongest in a comic shop. There is an answer, but some people have made their own opinion part of their identity, and are extremely
passionateemotional about it.It’s Linux Mint, by far. Others like Fedora and Pop are solid choices, and things like Arch, Bazzite, or CachyOS have their merits, but Mint offers by far the most uncomplicated, entry-level experience.
distros are like porn
There’s a general consensus, but everyone has their kinks and preferences that bring people near insanity
I made the worst fucking comparison
I’ve seen way more heated and immature arguments about distros than about anything related to porn.
I guess the best comparison is that distros are like religions
Some time ago I answered this question on a post that seems have been deleted but got some good feedback:
If all you do is use a browser and game then bazzite is solid.
If you do more stuff then fedora might be the way to go.
I started with popos but since its more on a stable ideology updates to stuff take much longer which is why I started looking around to try all the lingo I’ve heard about on Lemmy like KDE Wayland immutable atomic etc etc
How is KDE Wayland Immutable Atomic? Been meaning to try it.
Fedora Ublue is immutable/atomic and Bazzite is gaming distro built on top of that which has the option to use KDE Wayland as it’s desktop environment
Do you want to game much?
Kubuntu
Pop! OS
Try ZorinOS, very pulled together.
Mint if all you want is all your shit to work. Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) if you also have ideological issues with microsoft’s involvement in the israeli genocide of the Palestinian people
I’m not sure I understand for Linux Mint is tied to the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
Linux Mint isn’t affiliated with Microsoft. (Not even a little)
it’s not about linux mint, it’s about its base, Ubuntu which also isn’t involved with microsoft, but its parent company, canonical is guilty of providing similar aid as ms does. so if you’re boycotting microsoft, you should boycott canonical, too. thus, LMDE being my recommendation in that case. LMDE is developed by the same people who make Mint. i was never trying to imply they’re the proplem
That makes more sense
Thanks for the explanation. I personally don’t see Linux Mint as supporting Ubuntu since they are independent and not financially tied but I think that comes down to personal choice.
i contribute code back a lot so any distro i use will end up getting free labor from me so it works a little different for me. like you said, it’s a personal choice