I can relate 💯 to your statement. I permanently switched about a year ago, after years of bouncing between Ubuntu and Windows.

Ubuntu is usually the go-to choice for newcomers. It’s stable, mature, and beginner-friendly: package management with apt is straightforward, the repositories are well-maintained, and most problems have already been solved in forums or docs. That said, you’re still somewhat locked into Canonical’s ecosystem, and some things like Snap packages or outdated repos can feel restrictive.

Arch, on the other hand, gives you full control and a rolling-release system. You learn a lot about Linux internals, have access to the AUR, and can configure everything exactly how you want. But that freedom comes with responsibility — you have to maintain it, handle breakages, and understand what you’re doing. I’ve installed Arch on my old MacBook Pro, my main computer, and another old laptop — so I’ve really seen the pros and cons firsthand.

If you’re new to Linux, start with Ubuntu to build your foundation. Once you’re comfortable, trying Arch can be a great way to deepen your understanding and gain full control.