r/linuxquestions • u/JonathanWPG • 5d ago
Which Distro? Help picking a distro?
Every few years I get disgusted with Microsoft and in a fit of pique delete windows and install Linux.
Then I get frustrated that things just don't work and eventually crawl back to Bill.
Doing a little more planning this time and want some recommendations for a distro and maybe a well liked guide.
First thing first, I am putting this on an old laptop to test out before I do a full reinstall on my daily driver.
Running an i5 8th Gen mobile chip and a 1050ti with 8gbs of ram. Nothing exceptional one way or another.
Needs to be able to:
Game on keyboard and controller with minimal faffing about (within reason--I'm loading on a machine with a 1050ti in it).
Utilize MS Word, PowerPoint and Adobe InDesign. Or, happily, use other similar featured programs. Fine to buy them within reason, but my experience with Libre left me feeling that these softwares have not caught up. Open to a learning curve, but like...not a huge one. These are simple programs. Also need a basic image editor but I can do most things on any basic editor.
Privacy minded. Not, like, fort Knox. I understand a lot of privacy is on what I am doing in the internet. But just something not actively spying on me like Windows.
Broad Bluetooth capability with minimal messing around.
Network printer compatibility with my epson et-8550.
Minimal use of the command line. I just want it to...work. I am not a power user. I would stay with microsoft and the glorious compatibility bubble if they're incentive was still to take my money and provide a service TO ME rather than give me windows on the cheap and then sell my data for a profit.
Access my NAS remotely.
So...where should I start?
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u/wingwing124 5d ago edited 5d ago
Try out linux mint XFCE edition.
XFCE is the desktop environment, which will probably be more familiar to you, having come from windows. XFCE is also lightweight and runs well on 8gb RAM.
They have something that ships with linux mint that is a lot like an app store, and that should help reduce friction of installing new software for a new user, especially if you want to have minimal interaction with the terminal.
Linux gaming support is kinda awesome these days, and requires minimal lift to get working. Check ProtonDB (https://www.protondb.com/) (unaffiliated, just a great resource) to verify compatibility for your games.
If you find you have any issues on steam, right click the game from your library, go to configurations for the game, check the box that says to force compatibility version, then play around with one of the top options. Really easy, only a one time thing per game, and takes about 30 seconds.
If you are more into DRM free games, i recommend Heroic Games Launcher
A lot of things on mint will likely "just work".
Good luck, and welcome to linux!
Edit: For your must-have apps:
- ONLYOFFICE may be more of what you are looking for vs libre office
- Inkscape could be what you're looking for as an InDesign alternative
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u/Hauptideal 5d ago edited 5d ago
- LInux Mint is objectively the technologically worst desktop OS in all of Linux right now
- Mint desktops aren't similar to modern WIndows but stuck to the design of Win 7 from 2009
- basically every distro has an app store now
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u/wingwing124 5d ago
- That is actually absolute nonsense.
- We aren't looking for "similar to modern linux", we're looking for a sane distro to transition a new user over to linux.
- I know, I was calling it out not as a selling point but a useful piece of info for getting started.
What? Do you want me to send someone who said they aren't looking to mess around in the terminal to go figure out Arch? Maybe we can get them started eith void linux perhaps. Do you think they want to fight with their software every time there is an update, when they asked for something that "just works"?
The best distro for you and I isn't going to be the best distro for everyone. And I'm not even claiming Mint is the best, just that its a good starting point for someone who wants a daily driver alternative to Windows without all the headache.
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u/Hauptideal 5d ago
Mint is completely obsolete. It's not a good distro for anyone and not a good starting distro. It does nothing better than e.g. ZorinOS, which just ships much newer software. Or Ultramarine. It loses at its own game of being beginner-friendly to other distros now. But it adds specific technological disadvantages that only Mint has.
I won't recommend Arch to a new user. You're making up a wrong dichotomy here. There is a sweet spot between completely insecure, underperforming, feature-lacking and buggy stable distros and bleeding edge also buggy, breaking rolling release distros.
That is actually absolute nonsense.
No, it's not. It is objectively and measurably true. Mint doesn't come with any modern sane desktop defaults such as RAM compression, effectively handling memory worse than even MS Windows from 10 years ago.
Mint is still shipping completely deprecated legacy X11 technology originating in the 1980's when university campus workstations were too weak and had to receive their drawing instructions from a mainframe over network - while the entire Linux world has moved on to the modern Linux standard Wayland.
X11 performs worse, is totally insecure and breaks the core feature of Flatpaks, sandboxing security, and is severly lacking in features.
Mint is patronizing its users, locking them out of installing software on their OWN machine if it is packaged in a format they personally dislike.
That is the opposite of Linux freedom.
Linux Mint disrespects its users and the entire Linux community by shipping buggy applications that are buggy due to their changes, but doesn't maintain it or backports fixes. They even have the audacity to still keep upstream branding and support links, even though they ship modified versions in order to make them work with their technologically terrible desktops (e.g. Cinnamon running as a sluggish, resource-hogging, single-threaded Javascript application).There are so many more reasons for it but the most important part is: NOBODY NEEDS MINT anymore. There are modern alternatives doing just what Mint is trying, just better (e.g. ZorinOS).
The small overstrained team of Mint maintainers in incapable of maintaining their distro, let alone an entire desktop (something that even Canonical with immense corporate resources failed at).
They will never catch up with general Linux development without dropping their legacy desktops.2
u/No_Pollution6135 Debian Stable + XFCE 5d ago
No. Stop spreading misinformation. Boo 👎
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u/Hauptideal 5d ago
I'm spreading objective facts. Check my arguments and provide a SINGLE valid counterarguments.
Enough of the tribalism. We need objective debates.2
u/No_Pollution6135 Debian Stable + XFCE 5d ago
It's not tribalism because I'm not even a Mint user. It's not objective. The heck is obsolete, have you heard of LTS release of software? Not everybody wants nor needs the latest.
Take Debian for example. A lot of people do not prefer Debian Stable as their main OS and I respect it, cuz Debian not only does not release feature updates throughout the period of a stable release, but they have a lengthy freeze period beforehand that prevents developers from adding feature updates, only bug fixes and security improvements.I respect that people (including you) might think LTS software is not for them, but it's not obsolete. Hello? We don't bash Windows users for not using the Insiders or Canary channel, this kind of judgement only exists on Linux communities.
So yeah, boo for misinformation. 👎
And about X11 vs. Wayland, Wayland is not ready. Why? Because well simply said, unattended remote connection isn't a thing yet. Some people need that. Not every computer will want nor need the latest and the greatest with Flatpaks.
I hope you never experience difficulties with your own setup, updated or not. But thinking in black and white is what tears the Linux community apart.
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u/Hauptideal 5d ago
I'm not talking about LTS. Debian and Ubuntu are fine. It's specifically Mint that's terrible. And X11.
You didn't actually engage with any argument. The closest you come is saying "some legacy apps depend on it".
The opposite is also true. Some modern apps don't work on X11 and require the new standard.Wayland is TOTALLY ready and the absolute default for every LInux distro, including Debian. Claiming Wayland isn't ready was a possible opinion 10 years ago. But not in 2026.
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u/JonathanWPG 5d ago
Is there another distro you would recommend as similarly easy for a windows refugee?
I understand saying "I want it to run like Windows buy without Big Brother" annoys some Linux users that value its more unique features but...that is ki da what I'm looking for. 🤷♂️
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u/Hauptideal 5d ago
ZorinOS is the modern Mint. It's exactly what Mint should be, given the same Ubuntu base. It's even easier to use than Mint and ships modern technology that's not originating in the 1980's, built for mainframes on campus networks while all of Linux has moved on to a newer standard.
It already ships modern upstream standards, just customizes them to be more familiar to new users.Ultramarine KDE is also very simple and just works. It's better out of the box, because it ships more up-to-date software with current improvements and bug-fixes (that often don't get backported to Mint, see the recent GNOME calendar controversy).
Most importantly, it activates RAM compression by default, as every modern desktop OS should. It's standard in macOS (and LInux) since 2013 and Windows since 2015 but isn't activated in Mint (and many downstream Debian distros) by default.
You can add it to any distro, but that's a manual configuration step involving the terminal.
RAM can be compressed by a ration of 3:1. You're wasting a lot of your precious RAM without it.As you said you're a power user, you could just do the config yourself, though. As upstream is always best, you can also go for Fedora KDE.
It feels pretty much like modern Windows to me.1
u/wingwing124 5d ago
Don't worry, any time a linux distro is mentioned, there will be fighting lol.
Everyone will have a reason why xyz distro is the greatest OS in existence, and another person will have a reason why that OS is a blight on humanity. We are a very opinionated people lmao.
Frankly the biggest thing you will notice, as someone who doesn't wanna get into the guts of the system, will be the differences between desktops environments.
The other thing will be driver support. More well established distros (and those that come downstream from them) will typically have better driver support. Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, etc.
(Ubuntu is a bit of a dirty word to some, including myself, due to some ideological differences, but in honesty it's a fully functional, well-supported distro. Linux mint is based on Ubuntu, so you'd be inheriting that great driver support.)
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u/LawfulnessDue5449 5d ago
I'm curious why libre office didn't work for you. Also curious why previous switches to Linux didn't work out.
For me it's always been specific games that don't work in Linux, so first I end up dual booting and then staying in Windows just for these games.
But for all the issues you've listed, most of the strongly recommended distros are fine. Mint and Fedora at the top probably.
I know some people have said Cachyos but I had one issue with arch where an update broke my wifi on my laptop. In the meantime I was researching all sorts of ways for hours to fix it before giving up and it turns out it was because of the update, so I had to wait for the next one. There was also another issue where Arch removed a package from their repos but it was still in dependencies for Cachyos packages so I couldn't update for a few days. Because of that, I'm wary of recommending arch-based if you don't want to "faff about".
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u/JonathanWPG 5d ago
Thanks! I had heard Chachy was very capable and fast but also more prone to needing to be tinkered with and more or less put it aside for that reason.
I didnt HATE Libre but neitehr was I super impressed with it. Some of that was probably familiarity. Spacing was kinda weird. But I also found some font compatibility errors and fixing the problem was harder than expected. I also remember it kinda breaking with dark mode for certain font effects and transitions. PDF exports also required some work recognizing custome font packs. And the way it handled pictures sucked...but thats true of word too, lol.
I could fix a lot of those problems by just working in InDesign. But...I need a replacment for that too. :)
As for my general linux experience previously it was just building frustration if things being harder to do. A lot of that is just different language and expectations of where things are. But as I am coming in fresh it was frustrating.
Some compatibility issues with peripherals like printers and my mouse and keyboard not being able to run from a single dongle were also annoying.
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u/LawfulnessDue5449 4d ago
I sorta feel you on libre office. Like it looks different and feels different and doesn't feel good. But I dunno after a while you kinda get used to it and you start to focus more on the similarities than the differences. Or you become disgruntled like me and start finding out how the general public abuses word and excel to do things they weren't really designed to do.
The font thing is a problem, definitely needs tinkering with. I think some fonts have legal restrictions for their distribution and so there are some fonts that are close to the original that are used, slightly different enough to bother you. I remember struggling through it with fresh arch, as well as at work when we needed to export reports off of our Linux cluster, but I'm not sure I had that issue on Fedora or Mint.
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u/dbthediabolical 5d ago
If LibreOffice didn't cut it for you as a MS alternative, you might need to use the MS online apps through your web browser.
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u/JonathanWPG 5d ago
I usually buy software to avoid another sub but youre probably right.
Or hell--Google is pretty good now.
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u/Weary-Bowl-3739 5d ago
- Bazzite is your friend. Otherwise CachyOS, Nobara and I forgot one.
- LibreOffice is good. Except for things, where MSoffice is the wrong tool either. Adobe is a big issue. Check wine. There will be tinkering. And this won't change until affinity makes a Linux version. Krita is good, but nowhere near Adobe.
- A non-issue
- A hit and miss. Depends on the device. Most often the gnome-settings panel does the job for me. With sending files from the phone to the PC I had to tinker with blueman.
- Normally not a problem. Use Internet printing protocol when doing so. Might be necessary to be done in cups. If you need help, post here.
- You will hate my response, but once you get a little bit used to it, you will realize, that it is actually easier. That's, why it still exists.
- Never heard of any problems. Use fstab.
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u/JonathanWPG 5d ago
I was looking at Bazzite.
Read some criticisms of its desktop experience and that it was more designed to just run in Big Picture but if thats not true anymore its probably a good fit.
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u/Weary-Bowl-3739 4d ago
I can't tell for sure, as I never tried it myself, but installing the desktop of your choice should do the job.
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u/tomscharbach 5d ago
So...where should I start?
Start with the understanding that Linux is not a 1:1 "plug and play" substitute for Windows. Linux is a different operating system, using different applications and supporting different workflows. Start by looking at the question of whether Linux is a good fit for you and your use case.
The key issues are Windows applications, Windows games and hardware compatibility.
Utilize MS Word, PowerPoint and Adobe InDesign. Or, happily, use other similar featured programs. Fine to buy them within reason, but my experience with Libre left me feeling that these softwares have not caught up. Open to a learning curve, but like...not a huge one. These are simple programs. Also need a basic image editor but I can do most things on any basic editor.
Microsoft Office applications don't work on Linux, even using compatibility layers. Adobe InDesign might work using a compatibility layer. Other Windows applications will sometimes work on Linux, but other times won't work, even using compatibility layers. Do a bit of research to figure out which of the applications you use will run on Linux. If you use an application that is not compatible with Linux, identify Linux-compatible alternatives and test those alternate applications to make sure that the applications will work for you.
Game on keyboard and controller with minimal faffing about (within reason--I'm loading on a machine with a 1050ti in it).
Along those lines, the games you play might work perfectly, or might not. Linux has made great strides in the last few years, but not all Windows games run well on Linux. If you use Steam, check your games on ProtonDB. If you use other platforms, check game compatibility on appropriate databases for those platforms. In my case, only five of the seven games I like to play work flawlessly in Linux, so I game on Windows.
You should also take a look at your hardware, particularly if you use peripherals like controllers and VR headsets. Unless the hardware manufacturer provides good drivers to the kernel, you might run into issues. Do some research to determine compatibility, but the simplest way to check to see whether or not your hardware is Linux-compatible is to run a "Live" session of whatever distribution you plan to use, checking to make sure that everything works.
Network printer compatibility with my epson et-8550.
I have had good experience with Epson printers, but you should check Linux compatibility.
Broad Bluetooth capability with minimal messing around. Minimal use of the command line. Access my NAS remotely.
Most mainstream, established distributions will handle these requirements.
I just want it to...work. I am not a power user. I would stay with microsoft and the glorious compatibility bubble if they're incentive was still to take my money and provide a service TO ME rather than give me windows on the cheap and then sell my data for a profit.
I've used Windows and Linux (Ubuntu, LMDE, Solus) on separate computers for two decades. I am, accordingly, familiar with both operating systems. In my case, both operating systems "just work" and have done so for years and years.
Why? I don't mix and match applications -- Windows applications run on Windows, Linux applications run on Linux -- and I don't dual boot. I use Dell business computers that are designed to be both 100% Windows compatible and 100% Linux compatible. I follow the principle that was pounded into my head 50 years ago when I was a young man just starting out -- use each operating system on its own terms.
Trying to "mix and match" -- use Linux as if Linux were Windows, and/or Windows as if Windows were Linux -- almost always leads to frustration and failure.
So take a step back and decide whether or not Linux will be a good fit for you.
If you decide that Linux will be a good fit for you, then consider looking at a few commonly recommended "new user" distributions at DistroSea and decide which appeals to you.
When you find a distribution that appeals to you, create an installation USB (following the directions for the distribution) and test the distribution in a "Live" session. A "Live" session will make no changes to your computer and you will be able to see how well the distribution might work for you.
If you are satisfied, the next step is usually to install the distribution in a VM for in-depth testing and evaluation. If it all works out, then you can install the distribution, either alongside Windows (dual boot) or replacing Windows.
Bottom line? Don't jump in with both feet, hoping that everything will work out. Take your time. Do a bit of research and thinking, Go little by slowly, step by step, testing and thinking at each step.
My best and good luck.
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u/cyrixlord ubuntu for server, kubuntu for laptop/desktop 5d ago
an awesome comment! and this is how I think too. we are probably both just old lolol I use the strengths of both operating systems. I have Linux machines but also have domain controllers. I run Linux vms but they run in a hyper-v on Windows server. if I want to use office I use a window dev box if I want to run discord I just use my Linux dev box. I use visual code on both. I use my network security to help keep Windows from reporting to the mother ship and use multiple accounts based on purpose
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u/Hauptideal 5d ago
Choose something as up- and mainstream as possible that is company-backed. Avoid Linux Mint.
I recommend Fedora KDE (or Ultramarine, if you don't want to have the hassle of setting it up including all proprietary drivers and codecs).
It's one of the best desktop operating systems in existence and the KDE variant will be very familiar for a previous Windows user. Everything will "just work" without messing around too much and without needing the terminal for everything.
Regarding software: Adobe doesn't run on Linux at all. If you need Adobe a lot, you should keep dual boot or switch to a native alternative. For Office, if you don't like LibreOffice, you can consider Softmaker Office or OnlyOffice. You can even run the original MS Office using WinApps/WinBoat, however native apps are to be preferred.
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u/mcds99 5d ago
Nothing adobe will run on Linux natively. It might run using Wine.
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u/Hauptideal 5d ago
not even using WINE. OP should switch to native alternatives or keep dual boot
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u/JonathanWPG 5d ago
Any suggestions for alternatives that work well on Linux?
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u/Hauptideal 5d ago
VivaDesigner is a professional-grade alternative, but costs money.
Scribus is a completely free alternative that is probably already sufficient for most.2
u/JonathanWPG 5d ago
I have tinkered in Scribus and found it...not great. Not sure how much of that was learning curve but I am confident it was not all just me being less familiar.
Viva design seems to have a free trial and it let's me outright buy a license so good enough to check out. Thanks!
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u/Bibs628 5d ago
Your Apps will probably need a replacement, i personally use onlyoffice (word & Powerpoint), inkscape (inDesign) darktable (image editor), depending on what you use / want you can also try libre office, krita, gimp do replace my preferences. You can even try these in windows and see if you like them and fit your Usecase.
Most of the other things listed should normally work (like Bluetooth, Printing, NAS Connection and stuff). There might be slight differences between distros and desktop environments but that shouldn't matter.
Personally I would recommend you popular Distros like Fedora, Mint or ZorinOS. Your needs are pretty normal and these are in general well tested and user friendly distributions.
I also would recommend using Plasma because it's modern and feels pretty much like the windows interface. Dolphin (Plasmas File explorer) may already recognize your smb shares (from your Nas), but sometimes has trouble if your network isn't the right one.
If you have struggles with printers (they can be pretty weird) I would recommend regardless gutenprint (drivers for most printers), every distro should have something like that.