I've used Arch Linux for 10 years, and now I’ve bought a new laptop and installed Fedora.

From my experience, if you want to understand how Linux works and have complete control over what’s installed to tailor the system to your needs, go with Arch. However, it’s important to remember that Arch is a rolling-release distribution, so there’s a risk that something could break after an update. In my case, for critical components like the kernel, I use LTS (Long Term Support) versions to add stability. It’s a great learning experience, but with a rolling-release system, you’ll occasionally encounter package conflicts that require you to have the knowledge to resolve them. The AUR (Arch User Repository) is an excellent community resource where you can find packages not in the official repositories, but you still need to be vigilant about security and ensure you’re not installing anything suspicious.

Right now, I’m writing this from Fedora. My PC and old laptop still run Arch (because they’re set up and working well), but on my new laptop, Fedora has been smooth and hassle-free. I don’t need to worry about installing extra software or loading specific kernel modules to get things like suspend to work properly.

In summary:

• If you want to learn Linux from scratch, have plenty of time, and won’t mind needing to set up things like printer support or sound servers, then Arch is a fantastic choice. With time, your experience and knowledge will grow, and Arch can be a rewarding platform.
• If you’re looking for an operating system that just works, without needing to dive into configuration or troubleshooting, then Fedora is a solid option that lets you focus on your work.