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Which Linux distribution would you recommend for a complete beginner?

Linux & Open Source

I've been using Windows my whole life but I'm curious about trying Linux. The problem is there are like hundreds of different versions and I have no idea where to start.

I mainly use my computer for web browsing, some light office work, and occasional photo editing. I'm not a developer but I'm not afraid to learn new things.

What distro would you recommend for someone making the switch? I've heard Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Pop!_OS mentioned a lot. What's actually the easiest to use coming from Windows?

2 Answers
38

Best -->

Linux Mint Cinnamon edition. Period.

I have helped probably 20+ Windows users switch to Linux over the years, and Mint has the highest success rate by far.

Why Mint over Ubuntu:

  • More familiar Windows-like layout out of the box

  • No Snap packages

  • Everything just works - codecs, drivers, etc.


My advice: Download Mint, make a bootable USB with Rufus, and try it without installing first (live boot). Play around for an hour. If it feels comfortable, install it.

17

I switched from Windows to Ubuntu about 2 years ago. The learning curve was not as bad as I expected.

For a complete beginner, I would rank them:

  1. Linux Mint - Most Windows-like experience

  2. Zorin OS - Literally designed for Windows switchers

  3. Pop!_OS - Great for gaming and newer hardware

  4. Ubuntu - Solid but slightly steeper learning curve


Also, dual-boot first. Keep Windows on a separate partition until you are comfortable.

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