Just wondering as ive been told many os’s online and then told to not use certain one aswell, i feel confused on what linux os to try someday. i come from windows 10 and i always find i need windows on atleast 1 device, and put linux on the “outdated” devices, but i keep hoping around, i cant seem to make up my mind.

  • BreakingBigfoot@lemmus.orgEnglish
    1·
    1 day ago

    I’ve been using MX for years, stable reliable Dedian distro, regardless of which kernel, KDE Plasma desktop keeps workflows clean & familiar. If I was a total newbie in 2026… I’d try ZORON… it’s impossible to goose that up and can use ubuntu store.

  • myszka@lemmy.ml
    301·
    7 days ago

    Linux Mint. It was specifically created for this use case. It just works. That’s it.

    • Diplomjodler@lemmy.world
      8·
      7 days ago

      And it’s still great once you know what you’re doing. If you just want your computer to work, Mint is a fantastic option.

  • HaraldvonBlauzahn@feddit.org
    5·
    6 days ago

    Ubuntu or Mint is quite okay, I have used both of them in the past and set it up for a friend with little money, little time, and very little PC expertise. Worked perfectly for them for over 10 years without a problem.

    Today, if you can get a little help with setting up, I’d recommend Debian stable with either GNOME or KDE. It is more stable and has longer and better long term security support, which did become more important.

    Also, it is now easy to set up with disk encryption, which matters for keeping private data secure on Laptops which can get lost or stolen.

  • eco_game@discuss.tchncs.de
    9·
    7 days ago

    To friends I usually recommend the distro I run myself, as I’m most familiar with it and troubleshoot it the best.

    If it’s someone who won’t get constant tech support from me, I’d probably go with Mint.

    As a power user Ubuntu sucks, but if you’ve never used Linux before it could also be a good starter distro. The vast amount of tutorials online are made for Ubuntu.

  • PotatoesFall@discuss.tchncs.de
    6·
    6 days ago

    People keep saying Mint, and now that it runs on Wayland at least they will be able to watch a movie without screen tearing. But I do feel like KDE Plasma is a much better first impression, since it doesn’t look like a desktop from 2013 (no offense), and has so many customization options that showcase the freedom of a linix desktop.

    So for gamers, Bazzite, otherwise Fedora KDE or something

    • selokichtli@lemmy.ml
      2·
      6 days ago

      What’s so new about Plasma’s desktop paradigm? I would expect that about GNOME’s, but Plasma’s? It’s a polished and consistent UI, that it is.

      Also, customization in Plasma is overwhelming, and I know KDE since version 2.

  • brax@sh.itjust.works
    3·
    6 days ago

    If I’m forced to support it, Arch… It’s really not that difficult to use, and I’ll be damned if I have to remember all the Debian stuff 😂

  • daggermoon@piefed.worldEnglish
    6·
    7 days ago

    I use and recommend CachyOS. PikaOS is cool too. So try either of those. I hear good things about Fedora as well. Whatever you do, use something with the KDE desktop environment. It’s the best.

  • Simon_Shitewood@lemmy.ml
    5·
    7 days ago

    There are 3 answers and only 3 answers:

    • New and casual users: Mint.
    • Gamers: Bazzite.
    • Power users: just try a bunch and see which one(s) you like, you people are exactly why there’s are so many distros.
  • corsicanguppy@lemmy.caEnglish
    2·
    6 days ago

    You’re gonna get “this is my favourite distro and this is why it should be just fine for any purpose including …what were we talking about again?”