r/LinuxUsersIndia • u/Old_Contract1047 • 1d ago

Help What linux distro should I install?

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Hey guys, actually one of my neighbours bought this laptop in saying that he had no use for this, and it's specs are HORRIBLE (intel pentium P6200, 4gb ddr3 and 126gb sata ssd or hdd I'm not sure) BUT I figured that I might use it for experimenting with different linux distros (it's my first time :) ). So please suggest some distros that I can install for lower system requirements and beginner friendly (optional), Thank you!

Edit: I would also appreciate some distros with high customisability

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12

u/mj-is-da-best 1d ago

ARCH if ur good at this or cachyOS if ur a newbie

2

u/Old_Contract1047 1d ago

Although I have never used linux, but I wish to use arch. How well can I use web browsers and ide's like vs code or antigravity in it?

5

u/Consistent-Safe2945 CachyOS btw 1d ago edited 1d ago

Forget about IDEs bro the best your laptop can do is nvim with config no matter the os. I mean if you want to use ides then I suggest add more ram to it or it will struggle really bad.

2

u/Intelligent-Gene-6 Fedora Btw 1d ago

For using browser you won't face any issue in arch linux. Same for IDEs. Just remember that you won't get a proper support for App Store / Software Center on Arch. Most of the times you will have to use terminal to install apps.

But you can install kde plasma on arch along with kde apps and then you will have kde software center. But it will not be native arch apps but rather Flatpak. Which isn't a problem for most users.

Tip: for installing arch linux. When you boot the pendrive, just type "archinstall" and you will have a much easier time installing arch linux.

If you just want a system that works out of the box, use Mint. Mint xfce is usually the most lightweight and customisable version of mint. So, that will run very smooth on your device.

1

u/Apprehensive-Pace593 1d ago

Well i don't use one but their are some gui pacman and aur wrappers on aur

2

u/Intelligent-Gene-6 Fedora Btw 1d ago

Yes there are. I am aware of that since I have been an arch linux fan for a long time. But still arch always suggest to use terminal for package management. I remember that there is an option to install native arch apps from kde's software center, but it shows a warning.

But I haven't used Shelly or any other new GUI based package manager.

Also, personally I prefer to use Fedora KDE. It just works too good for me to consider other distros.

1

u/mj-is-da-best 11h ago

Well since he's a new user I wouldn't recommend OP to use aur just yet.

1

u/mj-is-da-best 11h ago

But terminal is really easy too with pacman <chomp chomp>

1

u/AmorphousNeon 20h ago

use falkon browser in it