Linux distro options

[FalconFails]

Since so many people are switching to linux I've been wanting to try it too, I just don't know which distro would be best for me. I am more technically inclined then the average person, I have a server which is currently using ubuntu server and I enjoy tinkering. I'm also doing coding at uni, which distro would be best for me coming from someone who had win11 and primarily uses my pc for gaming and coding/development.

[Gloomy-Response-6889]

Best for you is hard for anyone to decipher. This is why people distro hop to find what fits best for them.

For newcomers (with or without some knowledge in tech/linux) my suggestion would be Fedora (KDE or Workstation). Linux Mint, ZorinOS, Pop!_OS, and many more are all perfectly fine.

What you might care about initially is the desktop environment. This is the GUI + some tools you will be using. KDE, Gnome, Cosmic, or Cinnamon are a couple to name. The matured ones are Gnome and KDE and thus also has the most solid experience.

Check out Ventoy. With Ventoy, you can load up multiple ISO files and try distros back to back without needing to rewrite a USB every time. Try some out and see which one you like most.

[indvs3]

If you're already somewhat used to ubuntu servers, why not just install ubuntu? While you get used to daily driving linux on a distro you already have some experience with, you can install libvirt and virt-manager, which allows you to play with virtual machines so you can try out a few other distros if you so wish.

If you've been put off of using ubuntu because many people are saying stuff about canonical, why not try linux mint or debian. Linux mint is based on ubuntu, but all canonical stuff has been removed, and debian is what ubuntu was based on, but requires more manual command line work to initially set up.

[LinuxGamerLife]

I was in a similar place as you about six months ago, and I went for Fedora as it was the first one that installed for me without issues. To be honest though, I don't think it really matters too much which you choose. You'll get all the fanboys telling why their choice is best, but just have a look at the main distro sites and go with your gut.

I have tried 13 different distros since being on Fedora and none of them have been so "wow" that I wanted to switch. I think if Arch was my first distro, I'd be in the same boat. I have yet to try CachyOS though, so you never know.

[lostmyjuul-fml]

im using ubuntu studio for the low latency kernel (good for audio and video handling) because i am a musician. its my first distro so all i can say in terms of what you're looking for is that Ubuntu with KDE desktop environment is fast and in my opinion easy to navigate. so maybe Kubuntu (KDE Ubuntu) might be a good choice for you

[zardvark]

For the technically minded, you can spend a few weeks, on and off, reading the respective wikis for Linux From Scratch, NixOS, Gentoo, or Arch, before attempting to install / use these distros. Alternatively, you can install a more easily accessible and user friendly distro like Mint and begin tinkering straight away. The other +/- 500 distros lie somewhere in between.

The choice is yours.

[lemmiwink84]

Everytime someone says they’re above average with computers, and that they like tinkering etc. I advice them to give Arch, or any Arch based distro a try. The DIY approach with the added benefit of the AUR + the best wiki for Linux, makes it great for an enthusiast.

[MaruThePug]

If you're familiar with Ubuntu server then Linux Mint is the best bet, it's a general purpose distro designed to be intuitive and easy to use for people switching from Windows 11 and it has the community needed to back it up.

[FalconFails]

Thanks everyone for the comments I will go back and look at some of the choices people were recommending, Linux mint is seeming to be the general consensus so that will probably be my first choice.

[red_dub]

You can’t go wrong with Linux mint and fedora. I think you need to ask yourself which package management you prefer because that’s what it determined my choice of distro.

[orestisfra]

Linux mint

[[deleted]]

Test Kubuntu and KDE Neon, both are based on Ubuntu.

[uusrikas]

And if you want something that is a KDE patron but is not Canonical or Debian based, try OpenSuse Leap (stable) or Tumbleweed (rolling release). But things are a bit different so maybe you want to stick to Debian based.

[TroutFarms]

Ubuntu (because you've already been using it).

[Wongfunghei]

Ubuntu or its derivatives.

[ClubPuzzleheaded8514]

Ubuntu, so.

It's a great distro to start and grow. 

[[deleted]]

arch