The Linux propaganda here got to me about 2 years ago and I switched to Linux mint. Pretty smooth sailing for day-to-day stuff. However, a few days ago I decided that I wanted to try modding fallout new vegas on my computer and that’s been a pain in the ass (still trying to figure it out). The problem is that a lot of the default packages in the mint repositories are outdated and cause a lot of more recently updated programs to malfunction. So I’ve had to figure out how to get updated packages by using the terminal (first time I’ve needed to open terminal this entire time) and update them one by one, figuring out which new thing is breaking one by one until everything is working.
For that reason, I’d recommend going with a distro that doesn’t have as much of a lag between updates if you’re planning on doing anything like what I described. There’s almost certainly ways to do what I’m trying to do that are less tedious/frustrating in mint, but I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing, dont understand most of what I’m reading, and there just isn’t much out there for my specific issues.
Despite my gripes, I’m still enjoying Linux more than windows. If something didn’t work on windows, and it couldn’t be solved with updating drivers or something similar, I’d just give up. Since everything is wide open in Linux, I know that the solution to my problems are achievable if I just do it right. Instead of being told no by my OS, I’m given a list of reasons why something isn’t working, and then I can just go and fix it
Honestly I’d say it doesn’t matter much. What matters is that your data are safe and you can afford a bit of time at first when things are a bit different than what you are used to.
If you have a LOT of time or are very eager to learn, take something strange or not very popular. If you are in rush then start with a distribution that is popular, ideally that a friend, colleague or acquaintance also uses. Think of it as a team exercise.
I personally use Debian but others might prefer Ubuntu or Mint to start with.
But… yes, can be anything, just BACKUP your (and by that I mean data you have produced, e.g. documents, photos, saved games, etc) data then you should feel free to try!
What distro do you recommend? I know Linux tangentially from my Steam Deck, and am looking to finally swap my PC.
The Linux propaganda here got to me about 2 years ago and I switched to Linux mint. Pretty smooth sailing for day-to-day stuff. However, a few days ago I decided that I wanted to try modding fallout new vegas on my computer and that’s been a pain in the ass (still trying to figure it out). The problem is that a lot of the default packages in the mint repositories are outdated and cause a lot of more recently updated programs to malfunction. So I’ve had to figure out how to get updated packages by using the terminal (first time I’ve needed to open terminal this entire time) and update them one by one, figuring out which new thing is breaking one by one until everything is working.
For that reason, I’d recommend going with a distro that doesn’t have as much of a lag between updates if you’re planning on doing anything like what I described. There’s almost certainly ways to do what I’m trying to do that are less tedious/frustrating in mint, but I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing, dont understand most of what I’m reading, and there just isn’t much out there for my specific issues.
Despite my gripes, I’m still enjoying Linux more than windows. If something didn’t work on windows, and it couldn’t be solved with updating drivers or something similar, I’d just give up. Since everything is wide open in Linux, I know that the solution to my problems are achievable if I just do it right. Instead of being told no by my OS, I’m given a list of reasons why something isn’t working, and then I can just go and fix it
I usually recommend Pop_OS! (Though I havent tried that one myself) or the good old classic Linux Mint.
Honestly I’d say it doesn’t matter much. What matters is that your data are safe and you can afford a bit of time at first when things are a bit different than what you are used to.
If you have a LOT of time or are very eager to learn, take something strange or not very popular. If you are in rush then start with a distribution that is popular, ideally that a friend, colleague or acquaintance also uses. Think of it as a team exercise.
I personally use Debian but others might prefer Ubuntu or Mint to start with.
But… yes, can be anything, just BACKUP your (and by that I mean data you have produced, e.g. documents, photos, saved games, etc) data then you should feel free to try!
Debian with KDE. It’s just simple without any weird (anf hard to understand) extras like Ubuntu anf Mint.
Any distro with KDE will pretty much feel the same and debian is just a work horse.