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1 • Migrate from Windows (by Pogi Americano on 2024-09-16 00:49:58 GMT from United States)
My first linux distro was Slackware in the early 90s. Today, I would recommend what I use, MXLinux.
2 • Migrating from Windows (by penguinx86 on 2024-09-16 00:56:57 GMT from United States)
I first tried using Ubuntu to migrate away from Windows. But then, I ran into lots of hardware incompatibility problems. There were driver issues with sound, video and especially Wifi incompatibility. Then, I switched to Linux Mint and everything worked with no hassles! I've been using LInux Mint for 15 years now. In fact Linux Mint works so well for me, I've made over 20 donations to their project. Yes, I put my money where my mouth is.
3 • user friendly (by rhtoras on 2024-09-16 01:08:52 GMT from Greece)
I don't get it. When i left windows i started with linux mint (before learning what systemD is). I started with this os mostly because people were telling me it user friendly. Let's be clear: it was new for me so even if it was gentoo linux preconfigured (calculate) that wouldn't make a difference for me. The reason for pointing mint to new users is cinnamon desktop. I can see though various distributions offering this, along various gui programs that are superior compared to mint. We talk for user friendly distributions coming from windows and i see Ubuntu, elementary, solus and emmabuntus mentioned ? I hope this is a bad joke with respect to all opinions. Elementary targets macos users while solus is not user friendly by any means. I also find ubuntu not user friendly although i can see why people mention it, since you can ask for help almost everywhere. Gnome desktop and ubuntu +snap ecosystem can make the experience really frustrating. MX and Antix are more appropriate for a new user imho. I will also surprise people and suggest refracta which is a very very nice distribution that works out of the box and has some really nice tools i.e refracta snapshot. Another distribution i could personally add is agarimOS based on void but i can see someone doubt about it. Peppermint based on Devuan could be also a viable option with it's interface for a newcomer. Last but not least i could suggest exe gnu linux which is one of the very few distributions coming with Trinity desktop out of the box. For those interested trinity desktop relies on an older version of kde 3+ and looks similar to windows7.
Now to the most important thing to consider. When i suggest linux for a newcomer i think of it as a challenge. Linux is not windows so serving him something that looks like windows might scare him thinking it might work with a free version of windows. There is no photosop, not auto updates and of course sometimes drivers might not be available for our hardware. Gaming is far behind and although it is far better than ten years ago it still needs more to be done. When suggesting linux to someone i have to explain how it works. Some people expect to be like windows and then return to microsoft. Remmember linux is for everyone but everyone is not for linux.
No
4 • Migrating to Mint (by Maximax on 2024-09-16 01:11:43 GMT from France)
Well, obviously, but it also depends of what users are expecting.
Mint is stable, secure (when setting automatic security updates because most people don't do updates manually), and fast, and Cinnamon (certainly the most familiar DE for newcomers) is pretty easy to use. But some people would have specific needs, expecting certain functionalities, and Mint may seem outdated or incomplete.
Now for users wanting an OS they install (or ask for somebody else to do this) once and use for the next 6-8 years without a single hiccup, I'm ready to bet that most people will not hop from Mint.
Depending of the computer age, LMDE could be better choice but may have shorter lifespan between major versions.
5 • Opinion Poll (by a on 2024-09-16 01:13:02 GMT from Poland)
I've voted for Linux Mint and I stand by this choice as the best beginner distribution, but for somebody with more than just the most basic computer usage knowledge I would also suggest to try out Void Linux - an awfully underrated distro.
6 • MX GNU/Linux- most user friendly for Windows users (by Elcaset on 2024-09-16 01:21:47 GMT from United States)
For Windows users, my first recommendation is the KDE Plasma version of MX GNU/Linux. I'm surprised the poll didn't include MX. My second recommendation is Q4OS.
7 • Opinion poll (by Pumpino on 2024-09-16 01:55:04 GMT from Australia)
I think the desktop environment makes more of a difference to new users than the distro. Mint is very polished and there is a choice between Cinnamon, Xfce and Mate, and the Cinnamon variant is also available with a Debian base. Mint is always based on the latest Ubuntu LTS release, so new users won't have to worry about a massive update every six months. MX is fine, but I don't see anything special about it. It doesn't have the same polish as Mint.
8 • Refugees from Windows (by Wedge009 on 2024-09-16 01:56:30 GMT from Australia)
I made the jump from Windows to Linux as my primary OS when Win7 support was killed off in January 2020. (Though even then I had already accumulated some years with Linux as a secondary OS.) Looking forward to welcoming more Windows refugees when Win10 support is killed off October 2025.
I appreciate that Linux Mint is well-known for being beginner-friendly and that reputation is probably warranted. I understand one of the Linux ecosystem's strengths - its openness and freedom of choice - is something that might be considered a weakness (or at least something different) for someone coming from a proprietary OS where there is no such thing as choice. One just accepts what's forced on them until they've had enough and migrates elsewhere.
Even in the comments we already have differing opinions on DE experiences and preferences. For whatever reasons I've always preferred KDE - been with it in its ups and downs since KDE3 - and for really old, low-powered hardware I've used LXQt. However, for the sake of trying to provide a consistent picture, I think it's reasonable to try to direct newcomers to what the majority recommend over personal preferences.
9 • 1st Linux from Win 11 (by Chrismo on 2024-09-16 02:03:01 GMT from United States)
I would go with Linux Mint. I started with Ubuntu, but it I had to do it over again, Mint would be my choice. A very close 2nd would be MX Linux because of its speed and the MX Tools.
The only reason why I don’t choose MX for pure Linux newbies because MX can be a little overwhelming when adding in all the options and flexibility it has when trying to learn how to switch to a new operating system.
Mint however looks and feels kind of like Windows and there are less “tools” options from the GUI that’s as readily available as there are in MX.
10 • Mint but maybe MX (by tomx on 2024-09-16 02:03:54 GMT from United States)
My wife uses Mint daily with no complaint, which is actually a huge thumbs up. I agree that MX belongs on the list of choices, though I wonder if MX is pointed at users with more technical interest than typical Windows users. Or than many Mint users.
Many of us don't spend enough time on Windows to know what is going on there. There are now fewer requests that I retrieve data from a Windows system that would no longer boot, which in the not-so-distant past was a big part of my exposure to Windows. So, other than easy of use and long-term support, the particular preferences of a Windows user are unknown.
For ease of use and long-term support, Mint and Ubuntu are hard to beat, but MX should be part of the conversation.
11 • Distro for Windows leavers (by Jan on 2024-09-16 02:25:04 GMT from The Netherlands)
For replacement of Windows (so on old hardware) I have been trying and testing a lot of Linux-distros, all the Distowatch top-rating distros. Very often first in live-mode, then installed.
I judged by the the browser snappiness and the availability of my preference programs.
For my old hardware I ended up with PCLinuxOS-Mate, MX-KDE and supprisingly Fedora-Workstation (which I consider the best, apart from the bizarre Gnome-monitor-User-Interface which for a Windows-refugee is uncomprehencible).
One very annoying problem is that for each distro the preparation of the partitions, when installing in dual boot with Windows, is different. And for a Windows refugee totally uncomprehencible.
PS
Coincidentically at reading DW I was installing Mint-Cinnamon on a old notebook, beside Windows.
After installing Mint, Grub-OS-choice did not show up, so no choice of Mint or Windows, after a black screen right into Mint.
Tried 5x reinstall. Till I found a message to press SHIFT at PC-booting, this plopped up Grub-menu with the OS-choices.
This kind of bizarre things should not happen for Windows-refugees !!!
12 • Linux Lite is very nice too (by David Milovanović on 2024-09-16 02:54:43 GMT from Serbia)
Mint is the best option for me too, but using Linux Lite was a great experience too. I don't know if it's still good as it used to be, but it was a stable, Ubuntu-based distro with a XFCE as a DE, with great support and devoted developers. My third option would be MX. I don't know if Zorin is any good, but I saw only positive reviews on the internet.
13 • Windows replacement..desktop environment and applications (by Matt on 2024-09-16 03:31:42 GMT from United States)
I voted Mint, but if I was installing the OS for someone it would be Debian stable. The reason is that Debian offers a lot of options with desktop environments and applications.
For look and feel that is familiar to a Windows user, Cinnamon desktop environment is pretty good. KDE is not too bad either. The choice of desktop environment is more important than the distro to simply get used to using the computer quickly.
After desktop environment is applications. In my opinion, applications are a bigger deal breaker for Linux versus Windows. Choosing a distro that has many applications gives the greatest flexibility in use of the computer.
My wife is not very tech savvy. A web browser is pretty much the only application she needs. In her case, all I needed to show her was how to log in and open up Chromium. If that is the type of user you are targeting, virtually any distro will work.
If the user is a CAD programmer trained on using Solidworks every day, I would tell them to upgrade to a shiny new machine that runs the terrible Windows 11.
14 • I started seriously... (by brad on 2024-09-16 03:46:04 GMT from United States)
using linux when , after failing with Suse, mandrake, red hat in the early 2000's I found PCLinuxOS and that started me on my journey... it just "worked" and then distrohopped for years... ended up using Arch when I figured out how to install and maintain it been using it for years now..
15 • Beginners migration to Linux (by Bobbie Sellers on 2024-09-16 04:32:38 GMT from United States)
I recommend when possible the PCLinuxOS and possible includes the
interest of the user in learning about the system and communicating
with other users via the PCLinuxOS Users Forum. It may not have
all the answers but most of the answers have been written already
While Linux Mint has a Windows like layout so do most of the other
recommended Linux systems. Zorin even more so. But the best
release of Zorin is being charged for the last I knew.
bliss- Dell Precision 7730- PCLOS 2024.09- Linux 6.6.51-pclos1- KDE Plasma 5.27.11
16 • Windows replacement (by MX aff. on 2024-09-16 04:39:45 GMT from Australia)
dunno why MX not on the list? some weird choices there guys ;P
anyway, my suggestion:
1. MX (Xfce) for XP/7 refugees, or MX KDE for W10-likers
2. Mint (Cinnamon)
3. maybe Zorin...
17 • MX 23.4 for me (by Justi on 2024-09-16 05:00:01 GMT from Philippines)
Any OS you are new will take time to get used to but in a day's time you'll get the hang out of MX if you are just after the basics and are deferring updates/upgrades on your 2010-2022 hardware.
18 • PCLinuxOS English only. (by Plop on 2024-09-16 05:13:43 GMT from The Netherlands)
I installed PCLinuxOS out of curiousity and nostalgia, as have used Mandrake in the past.
Anyway, at the first screen you can select a language and I selected Dutch.
After that the boot sequence took me to the live enviroment which was 100% in English.
Than I ran the installer and selected my region for the Netherlands.
After the install it booted into KDE/Plasma which was again 100% in English.
And in plasma's systemsettings I could only choose between some variations of English and I could not add the Dutch language.
In the PCLinuxOS system settings (forgot the name) it was no different.
Apparently I have to add the language myself with the softwaremanager.
This is allready not very user friendly and I doubt that a new user to Linux would figure this out.
But even after adding the language the desktop was still a mix of Dutch and English.
And I just stopped my 'review' right there.
Because if they do not pay attention to such trivial details then I do not trust the rest to be of any good quality either.
So I would definitely not recommend PCLinuxOS to a new user.
I voted for Linux Mint.
19 • Switching from Windows 10 (by uz64 on 2024-09-16 05:50:52 GMT from United States)
Linux Mint is the answer literally everyone seems to give, and although it's not a bad one, it's far from the only good one. Others include SolydXK, NeptuneOS and MX Linux on the Debian side; Kubuntu, Linux Lite and possibly Lubuntu on the Ubuntu side; and some other friendly distros include openSUSE, Fedora and Mageia.
Really, there is no shortage of Debian- and Ubuntu-based distributions that would be up to the task, and even in the Arch world you may be able to get away with something like Manjaro. I still would recommend Arch-based distros only to people with some decent experience of Linux in general, despite what all the Arch fanboys will say.
20 • Migration from Windows (by Ali on 2024-09-16 05:57:26 GMT from Iran)
If a I want to suggest a distro to a newcomer, I would recommend Q4OS.
21 • Migrating from Windows (by tomas on 2024-09-16 06:59:11 GMT from Czechia)
I have made the change from Windows XP.
At that time, Mint was probably my first choice because if featured also the KDE desktop.
That was when I wanted to see what desktop (and apps) would suit me best.
As a XP user I voted for KDE, after Mint stopped using KDE I stay with Mint Mate.
I do not like Cinnamon because it is much Windows 10 like.
Any tech ex-Windows user will probably do some distrohopping, as I did, and may come to Manjaro and Artix, though some previous experience is needed so probably Kubuntu is here a better choice.
22 • Which beginner friendly distro would you recommend for former Windows users? (by TMoss on 2024-09-16 07:58:38 GMT from Belgium)
It's interesting and a little sad to see that the majority of options in that poll are based on Ubuntu, when I thought this site wasn't Ubuntu-centric.
If someone is going to leave a non-free environment provided by a company with practices that aren't always entirely respectful of their customers, to put it diplomatically, why make a poll that'd push them back into something similar? Although Linux Mint as a Debian alternative, arguably (LMDE).
Even if Ubuntu *had* to be omnipresent, it's surprising not to see Pop!_OS, which is a destination of choice of many Windows gamers. It'd make more sense than an Elementary OS.
The options in that poll are a bit strange.
23 • PorteuX (by Barnabyh on 2024-09-16 08:21:06 GMT from Switzerland)
It would have been interesting to know why the developers decided Porteus does not fulfil their need any more or what makes PorteuX different, except a few more modules being available.
I also just tried it out a few days ago. Slackpkg can be used to furnish the system and install any Slackware package but as always you need to uncomment a line in the configuration file to tell it which server to point to to update from - geographically and also whether from Current or from stable.
24 • Migration (by dr.j on 2024-09-16 09:42:05 GMT from Romania)
Honestly! I would no longer advise any Windows user to switch to Linux. There are many many reasons for this. Just to name three fo them
1) when something goes wrong, Windows users expect outside help = patches from Microsoft, a hotline or a computer store nearby that can help.
2) With Linux things go wrong that a Windows user doesn't know, for example, that there is no driver for a scanner, that the printer doesn't work, that a harmless update destroys the installation or cups suddenly only prints in black and white or or or
3) If you are looking for an inexpensive notebook, you will not find many inexpensive devices that do not have an operating system or are delivered with a Linux system. But that's the end for all Windows users, because that means reinstalling or making changes to the computer etc.
25 • Which beginner distro do you recommend? (by James on 2024-09-16 09:43:00 GMT from United States)
Ubuntu Mate is my first recommendation. Why? While I used Mint Mate for years, the forum is no where near as newbie friendly as Ubuntu Mate. On Ubuntu Mate everyone gets an answer, everyone gets help. On Mint there are pages and pages of newbie questions that go unanswered. Also the multiple desktops with difference and multiple different answer confuses newbies. That said Mint is my second recommendation.
26 • OS for beginners (by Hank on 2024-09-16 09:47:24 GMT from Germany)
MX Not a choice, why.
It is really good and offers all the Debian software choices.
I left Mint due a series of issues which were due to its ubuntu base.
27 • migration (by rhoras on 2024-09-16 10:00:58 GMT from Greece)
i almost forgot to mention i voted for pclinuxos because out of these options it is the only one which is rolling so users can feel like newer windows and there are so many applications preinstalled, some of them are difficult to install on other options
also linux mint has a series of issues as @26 states with one being in graphics as they state in their forum and they haven't even solved it since last spring
oh and btw void linux is the #1 distro here in distrowatch if you change the criteria to users rating... and this says a lot
28 • coming from windows (by kc1di on 2024-09-16 10:13:35 GMT from United States)
I have found over the years that those coming from windows are overwhelmed with the choices available. But my suggestion is Mint but others in this order also may be useful.
Mx-KDE
PClinuxOS
Debian -KDE or XFCE
I don't recommend Gnome DE to most newbies as the way it works is far different than what they are used to.
They won't go wrong with mint out of the box.
29 • Beginner friendly distro (by angelico on 2024-09-16 10:34:34 GMT from Brazil)
Linux Mint is used in all public school classrooms in Paraná (a state in Brazil).
https://www.educacao.pr.gov.br/sites/default/arquivos_restritos/files/imagem/2022-03/educatron_1.jpg
30 • First distro, aesthetics and the chore of choosing (by SaneDefaultsAreImportant on 2024-09-16 10:53:34 GMT from Switzerland)
A bad decision is often better than no decision. So I would just settle on Mint which is good enough at about everything.
Mint also has the advantage of being pretty enough. Linux users and distro owners often overlook aesthetics but it can matter to newcomers. This is all the more true when newcomers have so many choices and lack better criteria for comparing.
Which leads us to a potential new poll. Which desktop environment should one recommend to a newcomer? It is easy to forget how frustrating it is to choose a DE once the tedious effort of choosing a first distro is over with. (I am glad my older hardware "railroaded" me to XFCE.)
My bottom line would be choose a distro and a DE, any distro and any DE, and move on. Any beginner-friendly distro will be a step-up from staying on Windows.
31 • distro for beginners (by RationalPenguin on 2024-09-16 10:55:09 GMT from Croatia)
how can anyone in a sane mind vote for mint while they don't even have kde desktop?
amazing.
32 • Re: Migrating from Windows (by Pumpino on 2024-09-16 11:39:05 GMT from Australia)
@21 Cinnamon is more like Windows than KDE? To me, KDE feels more like Windows than any DE. I prefer the look of Cinnamon to Xfce, but Xfce runs much faster on my machines.
33 • Distro for beginners (by Jorge on 2024-09-16 12:26:03 GMT from Argentina)
I think any distro that's run in your Computer is enough for any people.
For me it was Slackware.
With a little knowledge I think anybody can use it .
On other hand for lazy people MX can be friendly and easy to use.
34 • Migrating from Windows 10 (by Scott Dowdle on 2024-09-16 12:37:54 GMT from United States)
They should definitely use Linux From Scratch. Definitely.
35 • Migrating from Windows (by Nathan3 on 2024-09-16 12:39:59 GMT from United States)
As with others, I can recommend Linux Mint, either Ubuntu based or LMDE.
I just installed Linux Lite 7 on an older (2014) HP laptop, very similar to Windows 7.
On a way older (2008) Lenovo All In One desktop, I installed MX Fluxbox edition. Others were too slow. Lilidog would have worked but Openbox is not for everyone.
Zorin was very good except for the slowness of the SNAP updates.
36 • Windows to Linux (by crayola-eater on 2024-09-16 12:42:41 GMT from United States)
Basically, if you are going to have any meaningful input in helping one migrate to linux, you need to point them to the distro that you preferably are using yourself, or have used extensively in the recent past. Because no way around it, you are going to be tech support, and need to have immediate and intimate knowledge of the setup and tools available OTB, especially the package management arena.
And if it is the distro that you are running, hopefully the joy you have for it will bleed over to them as well.
37 • Beginner distros (by Jasper on 2024-09-16 13:04:40 GMT from United Kingdom)
'I always cringe a little when I see forum posts from novice users asking, "Where should I start?" and there are inevitably a dozen responses with twenty different distro and desktop recommendations - many of which are not geared towards beginners.'
Same here. And Mint is a good answer in many, perhaps most, cases. Though if possible, I would try to ask some questions to the novice user, for example:
- some details about hardware, how old things are, if they have an Nvidia GPU and what model (X11/Wayland issues), etc
- how much they like customising, and if they frequently feel frustrated by lack of options, or if they don't mind changing nothing but the wallpaper
- perhaps some of the apps and games they might run (some things may require newer stuff to work well, or are only available as a Snap, etc)
Use this information to choose the desktop and distro. In most cases the desktop should be GNOME, KDE Plasma or Cinnamon. If, for instance, they love customising every little thing, they need multi-monitor support, and you suspect they will need fractional scaling, then they would probably benefit from a distro with Plasma. If they like minimalism and hate having too many buttons on the screen at once, GNOME might be the way to go. If they are like that but also hate mobile interfaces on desktops, or want to keep a Windows-like layout, Cinnamon could be what they need, etc.
And of course, if they have a computer from 2005, you may need to recommend them something with MATE or Xfce. Though I would say even for something like an i5 with 4GB RAM from 2010, go with the heavier desktops first, especially if they are using it as their main computer. If they complain that it's just too damn slow, go for the mid-weights. If even those are too much, try LXQt, and LXDE for complete potatoes... anything less probably won't be much fun for a beginner.
Anyway, the distro is still important in my experience, not just the desktop. I would go for Fedora or an Ubuntu-based distro, perhaps directly Debian-based in some cases (eg for a 32-bit computer). They have large, reasonably well-maintained repos, decent security, wide hardware and software support, and active forums. Fedora and non-LTS Ubuntu have fairly new software. All the Fedora spins have reasonably-sized isos, and have all the virtual machine goodies enabled by default so the screen resizes automatically etc.
For GNOME... I'd go with Fedora Workstation, despite a few known quirks. With some gentle guidance through the installer, it should be alright. Ubuntu is still an option, but no flatpaks OOTB can be a problem. Its GNOME modifications are a little buggy in my experience, though the dock and system tray extensions are useful. Perhaps Zorin.
For KDE, Fedora has the advantage of rolling the KDE packages - and imo KDE is getting better at an impressive rate, and in my experience (might not be the same for everybody, of course) they have been doing such great work squashing bugs lately that even brand new versions of things are quite stable, or even less buggy than before. The new Kubuntu is coming soon though, with Plasma 6.1 I'd imagine, so that's fine I suppose.
For Cinnamon, Mint is of course the most polished experience. It is based on Ubuntu LTS though, so if they have an app that needs a new component of some kind, and flatpak isn't an option, something else may be required. Fedora's Cinnamon seems a little undermaintained sadly. Not sure how Ubuntu Cinnamon is doing these days.
For MATE and Xfce... probably Mint if possible, though the Fedora spins are OK. Ubuntu also seems fine.
For LXQt, Lubuntu looks and feels quite polished. Fedora LXQt works fine, though some theming might help.
Fedora LXDE is basic but does its job.
As for some recommendations I see in the wild (including DW's beginner distros page). Arch is not for beginners. I'm unconvinced that Manjaro is a good idea for someone who has no idea what they're doing. elementary OS used to be good from what I've heard, but just look at its recent DW reviews - a little walled garden of an app store and buggy, featureless apps. Admittedly I haven't yet tried it, but it looks like a bad idea to let this be anyone's first impression of Linux. PCLinuxOS, Solus are a small, independent, rolling release distros. Maybe they're great in their own way, but come on, don't recommend them. Void may be elegant for some, but you need to know what you're doing. Oh, and I almost forgot openSUSE. It's fine, I suppose, though less software available and YaST is old and slow, though functional nevertheless.
Sorry for the long essay. I'm bored. It'll probably come back to haunt me.
38 • Migrating from Windows to Linux (by Linux Revolution on 2024-09-16 14:46:09 GMT from United States)
I would choose ZorinOS hands down. Why not list distros with missions that actually target Windows users? Beginner friendly and Windows users might still be two different audiences. Even beginner friendly distros can have confusing work flows for a Windows user that may drive them to frustration. If targeting Windows users, Zorin checks all the boxes. I don't think we're talking stranding them with a distro either. We're talking introducing a Windows user. Down the line, once they get up to waist level then they can move to more versatile distributions.
39 • Newbie (by Friar Tux on 2024-09-16 14:51:06 GMT from Canada)
I'm definitely with the Linux Mint crowd. In my own experience, Mint was the ONLY distro that installed issue-free and the only distro that, once install, worked out of box every single time. All the rest either has issues installing, or wouldn't install, or, once installed, would not work right, and/or break at the next update. Not Mint. I must have installed Mint hundreds of times (no exaggeration) and it worked perfectly every time. Even The Wife, who technical experience is zip, nix, nada, love her Linux Mint/Cinnamon.
For a bit of history, my very first foray into Linux was the early, early 2000s with Fedora/Gnome. It scared me back to my Windows 95. Then, I bought a disc with Mandrake (v 3.1, I think). It worked fine for a while, then I ended up going back to Windows (can't remember why). I stayed on Windows, but toyed with Linux until the Windows 10 forced update fiasco. It hit my computer first, right in the middle of some work I was doing. After an hour, I simply did a hard shut down and installed Linux Mint/Cinnamon (which, by then, had pretty much proved itself to me). The Wife had the same issues a couple of days later, also while in the middle of something. In her frustration, she just said, "Fix it!" So I installed Mint/Cinnamon on her laptop and made it look as close to "XP" as I could. Have not had a complaint since. We are both on our laptops daily, usually from about 6:30 am to about 10:30 pm. We're both retired and do everything on our laptops, from communicating with family, to reading our favourite books/magazines/authors, to watching videos. I have/would recommend Linux Mint/Cinnamon as the best newbie distro out there.
40 • Windows to Linux recommendation (by King_Bob on 2024-09-16 14:55:17 GMT from United States)
I was older before changing to Linux, I'm 69 now. Used Windows for 33 years from Windows 3.1 and up. I built desktop PCs for my friends and even employers. Call me an over the top enthusiast. My past life taught me there is always a MS resource to learn from when solving problems. I also found several "masters" web sites that were reliable sources of correct info and even offered GUI tools to impliment their ideas. When someone asks me what distro should I start with the answer is Linux Mint. Three reasons: 1. The community treats you with respect and courtesy. No one can say that about Arch. New people are intimidated with total change of the landscape. They neither ask for or deserve a brow-beating. They are desktop users, not ISP programmers, server farm managers or graduates becoming programmers.
2. Linux Mint has always excelled at providing GUI interface. Small example: MintStick. Comes with image writer and USB format tool. For years it was the only distro with a USB format tool that resembled Windows format tool. Oh I know about gnome-disk-utility, don't brow-beat me over that GUI.
3. Linux Mint forum is like an encyclopedia of problem solving tips spoon fed to new users with courtesy. The Great Mint Forum.
Don't get me wrong like many I know the Great Arch Wiki and have used it, it is truly a grand work that constantly grows. However they do not spoon feed, do not encourage, rarely state the obvious. It is an intellectual marvel. Today I use openSUSE, by the way. My desktop of choice is KDE Plasma although I have used the majority of them all. I hear Fedora might change to Plasma. Huh !
41 • Windows to Linux (by cleric on 2024-09-16 15:47:06 GMT from United States)
I'd recommend Mint if I wanted to give someone a familiar desktop that also felt like a new fresh thing to be excited about, but Zorin was almost my choice. Zorin would give them something even closer to Windows but...I feel like if I was new to Linux, and had something that close to Windows, and then started running into issues, I'd be more inclined to just wish I had actual Windows rather than be excited to learn. I think giving the user something fresh while not straying too far from their old interface(I would not recommend GNOME) would keep them engaged more. That being said, being able to get to a web browser easily is probably enough for a lot of users, and all the distros listed could easily get them there.
42 • Windows to Linux (by DachshundMan on 2024-09-16 15:52:04 GMT from United Kingdom)
If you switch you want a system that just runs without crashing regularly, that does the main jobs you want to do with tools similar to the ones you are used to, with ways of working that are fairly familliar and is easy to get help for if you need it. This is why I recommend Mint Mate
@40: You have totally hit the nail on the head. You have given the explanation I was trying to write to explain why I recommend Mint Mate.
@34: Linux from Scratch...are you serious.? Most Windows users run a mile if you ask them to use the command prompt so they are never going to build an OS from scratch. If you suggested that they would probably never consider Linux again.
43 • Linux for beginners (by Flavio on 2024-09-16 16:22:52 GMT from Italy)
I voted "other": Mageia with KDE Plasma Desktop.
44 • Linux newcomers (by the oneirocrat on 2024-09-16 16:32:38 GMT from Portugal)
Besides Mint, Mageia or Spiral Linux, set it and forget it kind of distros.
45 • Migrating (by David on 2024-09-16 16:43:12 GMT from United Kingdom)
I must admit that I usually recommend Mint — how many users are ever disappointed and how many computers ever give problems? But I've just voted for the distro I use, PCLinuxOS, because with rolling release you avoid that dramatic moment every few years when you have to switch to a new version. Most rolling release distros tend to be bleeding-edge but PCLinuxOS is very cautious and unlikely to have problems. I do remember the time that a couple of applications stopped working after Python was updated, but the problem was fixed in 24 hours. It may not be quite as easy to install as Mint, but they very fact that some-one is willing to try Linux shows that they are prepared to be a bit adventurous!
46 • PorteuX (by the oneirocrat on 2024-09-16 16:45:03 GMT from Portugal)
PorteuX consumes slightly more RAM because the OS is fully loaded into memory. Other than that - and persistence working slowly with USB 2 - it performs great.
47 • First Linux Distro (by onlylinux on 2024-09-16 17:02:35 GMT from United States)
In 2004 my very first Linux system install was the just released Redhat Linux 9 (shrike). 2 weeks later i migrated to Slackware 9.1. I would suggest starting with Linux Mint for someone new to Linux.
48 • Migrating from Windows 10 to Linux (by Kazlu on 2024-09-16 17:02:36 GMT from France)
Jesse, I completely agree with your whole statement. Spot on. I would second the suggestions of a few users that same week to set up a section on Distrowatch for Windows refugees and/or Linux beginners (there is a large overlap but it's not necessarily the same thing) that would be short and could look like:
"What distribution should you try?
Short answer: Linux Mint
Longer answer:
1. Do you have have a relative who knows about Linux and is willing to help? If yes, then just go with whatever they suggest and don't worry too much about anyone over the Internet is saying. Your relative will know better what you need and could help you if needed.
2. Otherwise, and if you don't know how to chose, try Linux Mint.
3. If you want to put more care in what distribution is better for you, depending on your needs, then use Distrowatch search page with criterion you want to select some distributions to try out. You can also ask in the comments section, or on any Linux forum, but be ready to have several different suggestions!"
Why Mint? For me, as someone with personal experience in introducing a few Windows or even Mac users to Linux, Linux Mint is *by far* the distro with which the transition was the smoothest. Mainly because it's organised in a fairly familiar way when coming from Windows, but you *know* it's not Windows. The welcome window and the update manager when it opens up for the first time do a *really* good job at giving you the basic information you really need to setup your OS for the first time, without beeing overwhelming.
ZorinOS? It's interesting, but it looks so much like Windows that some people tend to consider *everything* should work like Windows. And they will try to install software the same way, not understanding why it works weirdly, when it does. Yo don"t want to end up with all your software being Windows versions installed with Wine...
I think the wide adoption of Android or iOS is actually a good thing to help people transition away from Windows. To explain what is GNU/Linux, instead of saying "it's a replacement for Windows", you might be better off saying "it works a bit like Android, but with an interface fit for computers". I think it's way easier to grasp software management this way for a beginner.
As for desktop environments, Cinnamon/KDE/MATE/Xfce/LXQt/etc. doesn't really matter. As long as you have a panel at the bottom with a start menu, task switcher and notification area, language support and clearly labeled items in your start menu, that's enough. You don't *need* to look exactly like Windows, you just need people to know where to start looking.
So I would suggest Linux Mint as plan A. But sometimes you need a plan B. So I would like to suggest a few alternative choices that may suit better than Linux Mint in specific scenarios. Of course, you may have a different opinion, that's just me.
- Light on resources/adapted for old hardware: in that order, Spiral Linux (with Xfce or LXQt desktop), wattOS, Salix
- Looks more like MacOS: elementary OS
- I want to learn how Linux works in the process, nothing hidden, I make the choices, I am ready to read a lot: Arch Linux
- Audio/Video editing: try Ubuntu Studio, but once you are comfortable with it you may revert to a "normal" distro and install the software you discovered in Ubuntu Studio
- Only libre software: Trisquel
- Need more documentation : Mageia. This one is a bit odd, but I found that the Linux Mint documentation, while fairly good, may lack some detail. Sometimes, you don't understand what you see. The Mageia documentation is more detailed, everywhere I checked, even if it is sometimes outdated (like screenshots). You have more explanations, more choices, while still having an easy to use OS. But I think Mageia is not as good as Mint as an OS. So, plan B. OpenSUSE might fill the same niche.
49 • @24 Migration (by Kazlu on 2024-09-16 17:08:52 GMT from France)
"Honestly! I would no longer advise any Windows user to switch to Linux. [...]"
It's not exactly the point. The start of the reflection is people who cannot migrate to Windows 11 because the hardware does not support it. So, yes, you could say "stick to Windows and buy a newer computer for Windows 11", and that would be the safe decision. Butfor people who struggle with money, or even for those who went for it but now have a spare computer that can no longer run Windows, what is the *next best* choice?
Regarding your points:
1) True. But Linux support also exist, including via hotline.
2) The same happens with Windows. When you migrate to a newer version, some hardware may stop working (especially scanners) and you have NO solution. Having trouble finding a solution is better than having none.
3) Yes, you can. I did that years ago and since then the offers have flourished.
50 • @30 migration (by Kazlu on 2024-09-16 17:09:40 GMT from France)
" A bad decision is often better than no decision. So I would just settle on Mint which is good enough at about everything."
100% agree
"Which leads us to a potential new poll. Which desktop environment should one recommend to a newcomer?"
I think this is already going a step too far with regards to "simple recommendation for a beginner". But a good idea for people willing to dig a little deeper.
51 • Linux for Windows users (by George on 2024-09-16 17:21:59 GMT from Canada)
I went on a quest on this very issue. I compiled a list of distros which support a Windows-like look and running Windows programs.
-Zorin can right-click and select "Run as Windows"
-ChaletOS looks like Windows but is no longer updated
-WindowsFX/LinuxFX these are almost the same and look and work a lot like Win10 (Cinamon) Win11 (Plasma)
-Deepin has a Win11 look.
I find Linux very buggy! Here are my notes on the review of Zorin:
-Installer is very simple, but stays on laptop display. I wanted to install with external monitor
-Wouldn't boot. Have to select UEFI file manually, grub/grub.efi
-Never got Zorin connect app to work, which is supposed to transfer files to your phone
-Mouse moved shakey
-Video play only played once then stopped working
-System Tools/Power Statistics/UPS could read only a few sensors on my UPS
-Rythmbox was buggy, added library once then the icon disappeared. Never worked again
-Calculator app was confusing
-Need to know DON'T install Steam, do "Steam install". Also only half my games showed up, I couldn't get others to work. Most importantly, none of the games I wanted to play would work. Managed to get it stuck in unrestricted compatibility mode.
-Multitasking is poor
-Cawbird Twitter client couldn't get it to work
-Some games will never work in Linux due to kernel anti-cheat methods (League of Legends)
-Snap packages won't work. Was a message to use Snapseal.
-Calibre (ebook management for Kindle). Ran once, wouldn't run again.
-Windows programs: Might have to install things manually like net 6.
-Various scaling issues on 4k monitor. I can basically never use 4k mode in Windows or Linux. Spyder/Anaconda Python editor has scaling issues.
-When Snaps work, like installing Firefox browser, you can't access external drives. This is a big surprise when you try to drag a file into a webpage to upload
-Never sure where a program will install. Have to look around for it
-When I got a Windows program to run under Wine, I had to use a specific version of Wine. If that automatically updated, suddenly the program stopped working. I still haven't figured out how to run each Windows program with a specific version of Wine and not let it update
----------
Zorin was too difficult to use, so I switched to LinuxFX
This worked much better.
-booted properly
-video player worked
-Native/deb packages are always very out of date or won't work. You should always use the Flathub version
-Avoid Snap versions due to issues described previously
-It was less buggy overall but I was unable to keep Windows programs working
-Some things are VERY complicated on Linux that are simple on Windows, such as real-time noise cancellation when recording voice.
-Using the video editor Davinci Resolve can't resize windows. Is said that Gnome won't draw "windows decorations" so there is no minimize/maximize. You need to install another program to add that. Never solved it.
Overall, if the Windows version works under Wine, it is far better than the native version. Linux itself is just too buggy.
---
I also tried Mint. It did not feel as polished or look as good in comparison. The settings tools and the software centre were not as nice.
52 • Migrating to Linux. (by Dr Glyn Burgess on 2024-09-16 17:36:48 GMT from Brazil)
I'm somewhat perplexed at the level of arrogance demonstrated in some of the posts here especially the one inferring that for 'lazy' people who can't manage Slackware there is always MX. Some of us don't need to feel superior just because we can enter some code into a terminal nor do we expect the majority of potential migrants from Windows will be inclined to do the same. For them in terms of what you get from a default install and what you have to do with it afterwards Solus KDE would come close. If you want something equally easy but as a base you can build on Q4 KDE makes this process easy enough. My own preference is for the Darkstar version of PCLinuxOS but I accept this involves using Synaptic and/or Flatpak to draw in the rest of your apps as opposed to the user friendly GUI tool provided by Q4.
53 • Priorities (by the oneirocrat on 2024-09-16 18:01:51 GMT from Portugal)
Prospective ex-Windows users will have to reassess their expectations and adapt accordingly:
- If they do not want to/can't continue to use Windows; if they're no considering Apple; if they want to carry on using a computer, what else can they do but to accept what the Unixes have to offer?
54 • Migration from Windows (by Breaker on 2024-09-16 20:21:21 GMT from Czechia)
@20 I agree. For users still familiar with WinXP, Q4OS with Trinity is a good choice. In addition, a new computer is not required and it can be installed on a Windows disk. A good choice for gradual familiarization with another new system.
55 • Apps Matter Most for Windows Migration (by Random Experienced Void User on 2024-09-16 22:13:46 GMT from United States)
Prior commentators hit the correct dividing line for Windows migration distro choice: whether (a) installing solo, or (b) having a nerd pal (or nerd self) do it.
(a) Solo case: Pick a distro easy to install for someone unfamiliar with partitions, bootloaders, *nix filesystems, and LSB. The installer should hold hands. Desktop gloss isn't as important.
(b) Nerd case: As someone has observed, the distro doesn't matter. Any competent nerd can configure a point-n-click desktop on anything.
What matters in either case is long-term support. Long-term stability is best with BSDs. Community issues matter for newcomers and PCLinuxOS has the best.
Most people need just a few apps. Advice should center on which, not the underlying OS.
Top of the app list is a web browser. The typical answers Firefox and Chrome are bloatware. Derived and improved alternatives are Zen and Brave. A nerd pal should spend as much time installing and tuning an alt browser as the base OS. Zen may be too alpha but other FF spins and user.js setups exist. A profile cleaner is good too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pNMSRPGLSE
Cross out Void Linux for its long-standing "policy freeze" on alternative browsers. Still thanks for mentioning AgarimOS, I had never heard of it, wonderful.
The other typical need is an office suite. LibreOffice "fresh" is about the only reasonable choice. Some desktops have their own office apps, but stay with LibreOffice. If true bit-for-bit MS Office compatibility is needed (LibreOffice is near, but not at 100%) then advise running actual MS Office in WINE, but install LibreOffice too.
A decent text editor is a must. It needs a GUI, not dorky "vim keybindings" or "modal input" geek appeal. It should cover in obvious ways elementary needs like converting Windows CRLF to Unix LF. Geany occupies a nice middle ground between normal use and dev work. I prefer CudaText, but it's more for devs. UltraEdit is an excellent choice for anyone (on Linux or Windows, dev or otherwise). Default DE text editors (GEdit, LeafPad, whatnot) are too basic. For terminal use, install nano with syntax highlighting. I combine stock nano highlights plus
https://github.com/galenguyer/nano-syntax-highlighting
Installing WINE allows migrants to run familiar programs. It can soften the shift over to *nix.
Don't forget fonts.
Apps to interchange data with cellphones are needed nowadays. The DE file manager might cover this base with plugins, modules, or extra system packages. If not, install something.
Then come whatever specialty apps the user wants, plus how they package themselves. If one key app only has a .deb on offer, then install antiX runit edition, arguably the fastest Debian around with a very pretty desktop, Linux Mint Debian Edition, or Devuan with any DE of choice. Please not Ubuntu...just, no.
56 • opinion swimmingpool migrating from windblows (by Europe on 2024-09-17 00:23:01 GMT from Germany)
As of 17.September.2024. I'm writing this
1) Linux Mint LMDE. If you do not need the Graphics card drivers.Just the open source ones onboard.
2) Linux Mint Ubuntu based if you need to use your Graphicsc.(Proprietary drivers)
3) MX Linux ahs for newer hardware/ ( my laptop is however already 10 years young and MX ahs, works like charm on it) Graphicscard support, no problem.
MX Linux Xfce is the Workhorse. Nothing pretty here. No Eye candy, but it just works.
Or MX KDE for pretty looks. ( Do not know if plasma is available)
4) Nobara Linux KDE is Fedora based. Amazing for brand new Hardware. Multi boot is also possible,(2 years ago it was.do not know how it is now in 2024) just like the Debian versions of Linux I mention on here.
Final Thought:
Or stick to Windblows, because you may start to distrohop, for the next 50 Years.
Also if I may. My personal observation:
It is now the 17.September.2024 and there is really in my personal opinion, no decent operating system (for civilian folks) for computers available, that does not eat and consume our lifetime up..
Hardware that we purchase at the stores, is also if I may say-crap and fragile..
So I started Gardening and use Computers less and less.
Happy Hunting and sorry for my grammar. Great you all and have nice day. Thank you.
57 • Migrate from Windows (by lincoln on 2024-09-17 00:46:51 GMT from Brazil)
Whenever I can, I recommend Debian with Cinnamon (an intuitive, flexible, pleasant, and practical interface) that is stable, without crashes or reformatting, and has a huge collection of software available, analyzed and tested in the official repositories. In summary, the newcomer will have a reliable operating system free of headaches. I am still shocked because almost no one recommends Debian with a good graphical interface for newcomers.
58 • Migrate to Linux (by Rochester Bob on 2024-09-17 01:01:37 GMT from United States)
I am surprised that noone has suggested the use of DistroSea (https://distrosea.com/) to test drive a Linux distro.
I have done my share of trying "easy" distros and have found none to meet my needs like MX does. However, MX, as well as other Linux distros, may not meet the expectations of an everyday Windows user. Some upgrades to a new LTS version are supposed to be as easy as clicking on the Upgrade button, but there can be disastrous results as I experienced with Xubuntu. There may not be Linux drivers for hardware such as printers and scanners like our Dell laser printer and Canon scanner which run wonderfully in Windows with many "bells and whistles". People want plug and play.
Perhaps an everyday user would be very attracted to those computers designed for seniors such as the Telikin Elite II and the WOW computers. I understand that those use a heavily modified distro such as Tiny Core in order to have a computer which is easy to use by anyone. However, $1300 for an under-powered minimal capable computer is crazy. Perhaps HP and/or Dell can offer a bundle of a powerful, flexible Linux computer with a monitor and a choice of laser and/or inkjet printers with all-in-one features at a fair price. Perhaps a modified system that has 10+ years of support like a pure Ubuntu distro.
59 • Distro is important too (by Jasper on 2024-09-17 01:31:41 GMT from Romania)
@55
LibreOffice is the classic choice, but what about ONLYOFFICE? Seems to have been designed for MS compatibility, and isn't exactly a niche program. And I get the impression that at best only old versions of MS Office work in Wine (if new versions work fine, I don't see what all the fuss is about).
For text editors, don't forget Kate :). And yes, I am a KDE shill. Pretty sure it works on Windows and macOS too. Pretty lightweight compared to things like VSCode and JetBrains editors, while having fairly advanced functionality. KWrite is like a simplified Kate, pleasant for simple edits.
For terminal text editors, I have yet to see anything that beats Tilde. The reason being that it is the only such text editor I know of that everyone already knows how to use. It has the standard File, Edit etc menus at the top, perfectly usable with both keyboard and mouse. It's like Notepad in a terminal. It's in the Debian and Ubuntu repos, among others. Termux too, so you can use it on Android. Sadly not Fedora...
Recommending Bottles is probably the way to go rather than just Wine. Specifically the flathub version, it's the only one supported by the Bottles devs.
As for that last paragraph... antiX? For a novice? Maybe if their computer has 512MB of RAM. If you're going for Mint, there's a reason the Ubuntu editions are the main ones. And Devuan over Debian... come on. Windows users don't give the southern end of a northbound rat about systemd. And what's wrong with Ubuntu? Snap instead of flatpak isn't ideal, but there are derivatives to choose from, not least of all Mint.
60 • Migrate from Windows (by Pumpino on 2024-09-17 01:41:07 GMT from Australia)
@57. Why use Debian when it uses Cinnamon 5.8? Use LMDE, which has the same Debian base and Cinnamon 6.2.
61 • Distro is important too (by Pumpino on 2024-09-17 01:42:05 GMT from Australia)
@59. There's also FreeOffice.
62 • Lamba Migration Windows to Linux (by Oldtech LinuxBSD user on 2024-09-17 01:54:16 GMT from Canada)
Hello everyone,
I've spent my career in enterprise and institiutional software integration and formation. So I have a good experience with Lamba Windows users. I started in 1993 and still active in 2024.
Most PC users past and present are the same in my book. I can say if there's one system that's not for beginners, it's Windows!
Most people who use Windows don't even know how to install a driver. Today's young people are a little better, but not much better than their parents. It's the button-click-click generation. The ZombiePhone generation are essentially click-click-click users.
I first use Linux back in the 90s. My first experience was with Slackware. I really started using LInux in 2003/2004 on a personal basic daily drive.
My experience of last 30 years for the Opinion Pool exercise :
1. LinuxMint is number one for all reasons many people have demonstrated here.
2. MxLinux is very stable nice Linux distro but for intermediate beginner only in my book.
3. PcLinuxOS is a good system but also intermediate beginner able to understand rolling system and separate update system, Libreoffice, language localization management update.
4. SalixOS a very simple distribution for a Lamba user never mentioned here
Installing the live version is very very easy for everyone.. Fast and responsive system with a very modular and reliable desktop environment XFCE. My wife is a Lamba user, has been running her 2012 Lenovo laptop with SalixOS 15 for last 2 years without any problems, she update upgrade herself. I haven't had to do nothing in 2 years. Before SalixOS she use Manjaro KDE and Fedora KDE but I often had to many intervention for system operations. She asked me to install a simple, quick with not to much update to do for her. So I thought of SalixOS and she liked it.
Now for Windows users able to install Windows, can partition a hard disk and can able to install drivers, they can go to Fedora, Manjaro, Mageia, Ubuntu family, OpenSuse, Some Arch great derivate etc…
My advice stay with mother distributions or distributions with 8 years old or more.
After 30 years integrator and trainer, 80% of Windows PC users use a Web browser to access their social networks. For the other applications, they use between 5 and 10% of the functionalities available in software. Not more !
The other 20% is good technical user or gamer can switch from Windows to Linux without too many adaptation problems. They'll integrate the logic behind Linux in a few hours.
They'll be the ones interested in Gentoo, Slackware, Void Nixos etc.…
For those who want to know what I'm currently using I'm on Slackware on main desktop and FreeBSD on my Laptop for fun with gnome desktop! I don’t like gnome but it for experimental testing. Freebsd-current
Although I work with Windows in my job, I hate this system. Win 11 is a horror! I can't wait for my retirement in 3 years.
Thank Distrowatch for all years pf great information Linux distro
63 • Migrate from Windows (by lincoln on 2024-09-17 03:01:35 GMT from Brazil)
@60. In my opinion, overall, Debian is simpler, more efficient, and more stable than Mint LDME. For example, on Debian, updating versions requires just a sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade, compared to using the mint-update application on Mint and the need (as far as I know) to use Timeshift, which consumes resources and time. Additionally, I believe that version 5.8 of Cinnamon on Debian tends to have fewer bugs than version 6.2 of Linux Mint LDME, and the X-Apps have not been validated by the Debian community.
64 • Migrate from Windows (by Pumpino on 2024-09-17 03:37:31 GMT from Australia)
@63. That's fair enough, though no-one has to use Mint Update, just like no-one has to use Synaptic in Debian. sudo apt update && sudo apt dist-upgrade works the same in Mint.
65 • Re: Lamba Migration Windows to Linux (by Pumpino on 2024-09-17 03:46:49 GMT from Australia)
@63. I guess if the majority of people spend their time in the web browser, ChromeOS is an option. Updates install in the background without intervention, navigating settings is basic, you get access to linux apps in a rock solid Debian container, and you get built-in syncing to Google Drive (which isn't possible in linux without a third party app, and these don't work well in my experience).
I'd choose linux every day due to the flexibility and privacy, but ChromeOS is even easier than Mint.
66 • Migration from Windows to Debian (by mikel on 2024-09-17 05:23:17 GMT from Germany)
@63 I prefer KDE-Plasma, but otherwise I agree completely. Installing and particularly maintaining Debian is not one iota more difficult in the end than any other supposedly "beginner-friendly" distribution. Some basic Linux knowledge is required anyway.
67 • Migration from Windows to Debian (by samtfalterblau on 2024-09-17 06:17:45 GMT from Germany)
I recommend for beginners
Q4OS with KDE Plasma --> https://www.q4os.org/index.html
and / or
Space'Fun & Friends --> https://www.spacefun.ch/
There are very good explanations by the maker Lioh Möller.
68 • Which beginner distro do you recommend? (by JIm on 2024-09-17 10:22:45 GMT from United States)
Here is what I would recommend depending on which version of Windows the user preferred:
Win 10 lover: Zorin desktop (modified Gnome desktop) -Zorin
Win 8 lover: Gnome desktop - Ubuntu
Win 7 lover: Cinnamon Desktop - Mint
Win XP lover: Mate - Ubuntu Mate Desktop
Linux = choice.
69 • Migration from Windows (by Vukota on 2024-09-17 11:09:48 GMT from Serbia)
I fully agree that Linux Mint is an easy way out for Windows 10 users, for couple of the reasons
- Installation is very easy (though this might be the case for many distros).
- Cinnamon Desktop. Any Windows user will feel at home. No googling needed for anything.
- Usually, everything just works (as long as you don't use ZFS which is not a default choice) and you don't need to use command line for anything (unless you want to). Updates/upgrades in 99.9999% of cases does not break (other distros does not have this good track record no matter what other fanboys tell you). If something breaks, there is usually a very good help online/community to get you out of any trouble. Printers/scanners are usually easier to configure (be auto detected) in Mint than most other distros.
- There is a huge community that will often be able to help you, as long as you are not rude.
- Anything that you may need to customize (use third party applications, configure drivers, use niche hardware, etc.) works exactly the same as in Ubuntu (other than snap packages) and thus all documentation for Ubuntu and community help will work in Mint.
- Security is pretty good as it is using Ubuntu base for most of the packages and has large community to support/act quickly enough in most cases to security threats.
- There is a huge selection of software available for Linux Mint (and often anything that works in Ubuntu will work in Mint as well). For things that are not available for native Mint, there are Flatpacks.
Reasons to look elsewhere might be
- "Ugly" desktop or not great Wayland support (though later will improve over time). KDE might look/feel more like Windows 10/11 but you will need to google sometimes how to customize things.
- Software not being at cutting edge version. Sometime, there are alternative repos, or software can be installed from sources.
- Cinnamon desktop being sluggish on a very old hardware (though I can't see it happening on Windows 10 capable hardware). In that case some other lite desktop may work better (like XFCE, LXQt)
- You are unlucky one and your hardware is not well supported out of the box.
- You need touchscreen. It works in Mint, but experience may not be the greatest. KDE distros may act more like Windows (like virtual keyboard when you need input, etc.).
Distros to stay away from:
- Arch based and rolling releases, as they will break sooner or later and you will need to know (or find out) how to fix them and you have to update, update, and update often, otherwise it will be impossible to update your system.
- Distros with small community, as you will not get a help you need when things break or you get stuck.
Now, back to the original poll, it is also biggest surprise to me why MX is not on the list. There might be few other choices that deserved to be on the list, but MX is probably the biggest.
70 • Which beginner distro do you recommend? (by Geo on 2024-09-17 12:55:51 GMT from Canada)
Zorin. Switching my whole family of normies over. I don't want them to notice any difference. For them, using an ABM is like launching a missile.
If someone wants to learn about Linux, I recommend Mint.
If they have absolutely ancient hardware, I recommend Bodhi. It was the only "light" distro I could get to run on old low spec gear but still appears familiar to newbies.
Best of luck everyone - Geo.
71 • @57 Debian Cinnamon (by Kazlu on 2024-09-17 13:35:03 GMT from France)
"I am still shocked because almost no one recommends Debian with a good graphical interface for newcomers. "
Because Debian is a pain in the *ss to install. The first challenge is finding the right ISO to download on the website. If you're new to Linux, good luck. Then, while the installation is easy enough, although more crytic than many other distros, plain Debian will soon feel incomplete for a newbie. Plenty of basic things are missing like clock management if you dual boot with Windows, printer management, multimedia codecs, automatic checks for updates... When you know your way around Linux, it's fine, but not when you're a beginner. I even myself got fed up with the recurring need to find bits and pieces to add or set up even one or two months after installing Debian (but I was using Xfce so it may have been even worse than Cinnamon; I suppose Cinnamon ships with a user management utility for example, Xfce does not). While Debian makes for an excellent base for an OS, the best there is in my opinion, don't suggest plain Debian to a beginner. They would be better off with Spiral Linux, which is a Debian spin.
72 • @62 • Lamba Migration Windows to Linux (by Kazlu on 2024-09-17 13:37:31 GMT from France)
"SalixOS a very simple distribution for a Lamba user never mentioned here"
Memememe I mentioned it in post #48!!
Sorry that was a bit childish. I tried Salix a few years back and was pleased. In the end I found happiness elsewhere but I still think Salix is an excellent backup for old computers, very tiny footprint, very good performance while being easy to use for day-to-day tasks.
73 • @63 Migrate from Windows (by Kazlu on 2024-09-17 13:39:31 GMT from France)
"updating versions requires just a sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade"
You can stop right there. A large portion of Windows refugees will not touch a command line interface, consider it too technical and even if they try it this is error prone. They are likely to say "it doesn't work, I'm done trying, I'll just buy a Windows PC" without realizing they just mistyped a command. YES this is silly, but that's the way it is. Having a simple GUI for something as elementary and yet risky as system upgrade helps A LOT.
I'm on team "fresh install" anyway but for those who do package upgrades, really, a GUI helps.
74 • @65 ChromeOS (by Kazlu on 2024-09-17 13:40:07 GMT from France)
ChromeOS is a decent option if you're okay with Google policy. However, I don't think you can install ChromeOS on any computer, which was the starting point here. If people are ready to buy a new computer, well they will just buy one with Windows 11!
75 • @74 - ChromeOS Flex (by Uncle Slacky on 2024-09-17 17:10:47 GMT from France)
ChromeOS Flex should work on any PC less than about 10 years old, though the list of PCs it officially supports is small:
https://chromeos.google/products/chromeos-flex/
https://support.google.com/chromeosflex/answer/11513094?hl=en
76 • Migration Windows to Linux (by lincoln on 2024-09-17 19:40:30 GMT from Brazil)
65@. I have never used ChromeOS, but I can observe how most people on Android struggle with the concept of local files or cloud storage, and how containerized applications trap data and their users within them. Just this week, I saw my girlfriend unable to open a supposed PDF on Android outside of Adobe PDF; in fact, it was a link that needed to be saved locally (within Adobe PDF) to later access the file via the Files app and/or share it with another application.
66@. Yes, I agree, any change requires acquiring basic knowledge; the same would apply to the transition from Linux to Windows."
@73. "A large portion of Windows refugees will not touch a command line interface, consider it too technical and even if they try it this is error prone."
Allow me to disagree with you. I installed Debian Cinnamon on my father's and girlfriend's computers, and they definitely follow instructions like 'open the terminal and type text X' better than navigating through a bunch of screens (which can lead to visual clutter) and clicking on a dozen buttons (often without immediate feedback from the action). What is too much to ask of them is to memorize terminal commands and their options, but asking them to type a piece of text is effectively an easy task for any literate human.
@71. "plain Debian will soon feel incomplete for a newbie. Plenty of basic things are missing like clock management if you dual boot with Windows, printer management, multimedia codecs, automatic checks for updates..."
Returning to the experiences of my father and girlfriend, they have never missed:
- Clock management (they no longer want to boot the system through Windows, even though this option is presented by GRUB, and they access their old files through Debian);
- Multimedia codecs (they watch movies and listen to music without any issues);
- Automatic checks for updates (they were relieved not to be forced into updates and system reboots anymore, but I do have to remind them to update the system; nonetheless, they have never broken the system);
- Printer management (all scanners worked very well; sometimes they managed to print directly, while other times they resorted to sending documents for printing via email or through a mobile app. In none of these cases did using Debian hinder them).
And to be completely honest, the needs of a beginner go far beyond that, and they become genuinely interested in the system when its potential and conveniences are presented. Just this week, my girlfriend wanted to know how to download a video from YouTube as well as how to download just the audio from it. Then she wanted to know how to convert the audio into text. You should have seen how she (an intern in law) found it simple to use the command line for these tasks:
python3 yt-dlp linkYoutube
python3 yt-dlp -x linkYoutube --audio-format mp3
whisper audio.mp3 --language Portuguese --model base
77 • @76 Debian (by Pumpino on 2024-09-17 20:37:28 GMT from Australia)
I think one of your earlier points about Debian was its huge package repository. What I've always found hilarious is that a package as common as xfce4-docklike-plugin, which is essential for me to have so that my frequently used apps are centralised in the panel, isn't available in Debian's repos. Xubuntu, Fedora, openSUSE and even MX - no problem. Yes, it can be downloaded from MX's mirror and installed in Debian, but it's a simple example of the hurdles Debian newcomers face.
Also, let us not forget that prior to Bookworm, wifi (even Intel) didn't work without installing a driver. This meant connecting an ethernet cable or if the laptop didn't have a network port, transferring the driver to it on a flash drive. What a nice surprise for a freshly installed system. No thanks.
78 • Terminal (by Friar Tux on 2024-09-17 22:38:31 GMT from Canada)
@76 (lincoln) Sir, your grandfather and girlfriend are the exception. MOST Windows users, switching to Linux, have no clue on how to use the terminal. This is a Microsoft trait. Microsoft Windows is set up for the everyday person to use - without the need for extensive training or memorizing 100s of commands. Most of the people I have dealt with that have moved to Linux do not want to mess with terminals and commands, they simply want to install a trouble-free operating system, and get their work done, and point and click is the simplest way to do it. No training necessary, no requirement to remember a lot of commands. Point and click, period.
I, personally, do not like terminals as one tiny spelling error can break your entire system (and that "spelling error" includes typing the wrong symbol before hitting Enter). I also feel that we are in the twenty-first century and can leave the terminal for hobbyists and coders. But that's just me.
79 • Debian (by Gary W on 2024-09-18 04:25:12 GMT from Australia)
@71 Debian, notwithstanding all its wonderful features, is hardly a packaged, configured distro like so many others. I liken it to a box of parts, some assembly required. Not something I'd give to a Windows refugee (unless they were nearly as geeky as me),
80 • Debian (by mikel on 2024-09-18 06:36:38 GMT from Germany)
@79 I beg to differ completely. In my experience (usually KDE-Plasma) it is nowadays very well configured and ready from the get go. Even amazingly so.
Apart from special needs, of course, like wine, virtual machines, etc. that most PC illiterate users usually don't need anyways.. .
81 • Depends on who the newcomer is (by Esteban Mousetrap Sr. on 2024-09-18 07:03:35 GMT from Denmark)
If my mum's computer dies, I'll tell her to buy a new computer with Windows on it. Even though I'd never use Windows myself, it's just easier for old people.
If my nephews in their twenties want to try a new OS, i'll recommend Mint. Wouldn't use Mint myself either, but it's easy for newcomers who are willing to learn something new.
82 • debian (by peer on 2024-09-18 07:12:20 GMT from The Netherlands)
A few years ago I used kubuntu. I was very easy to work with, even a bit boring. So I moved to debian kde. To my surprise it was very simular to kubuntu. Installing was (then) not that easy because the wifi adapter was not found. But after installing it just worked without any problems. I never looked back to kubuntu. Nowadays, installing debian is easier because non-free frrmware is found and installed during installation
83 • @76 experiences with Debian (by Kazlu on 2024-09-18 08:10:30 GMT from France)
Good to see your relatives are ready to see past the looks of the command line and look forward to the benefits. I envy you. Mine are not. The first time I show a terminal they usually stop right there saying someting like "I knew this was too much of a nerd thing, this is not for me" or "I will never be able to do this, please show me an easier way to do that". Regarding updates, some of them associate so much updates with hassle, not even seeing the benefits, that even when I explain them repeatedly the point and benefits they don't think about updating. Like, *never*. So they need either an automatic reminder to say "you have new updates, please get them at your convenience", or possibly auto-updates (thank you timeshift...). As for printers, even when drivers are not a problem (which frequently happens, it's a hit or miss), if I'm here to setup for them it's fine, they can use them. But they couldn't setup a new printer without me on Debian.
My point: people are different and if you are targeting people who *do not* have someone to assist them, Debian will not be a good fit, Cinnamon or not. If they have someone, then yes, by all means this is an excellent choice, especially if they are willing to learn along the way.
84 • @73 upgrading (by JIm on 2024-09-18 09:58:23 GMT from United States)
Upgrading on Ubuntu is as simple as clicking on upgrade software and entering you password.
As for upgrading to a new release all you need is copy and paste, and yes Windows users can do that. Synaptic will do that. If they want to use the command line and don't have the command someone in the forum will give it to them to copy and paste.
I have used Linux for over 16 years and am a total GUI guy. The one command I find essential is
in the case an upgrade gets interrupted by something like a power outage. I am old, can't type other than hunt and peck and don't have the best eye sight so have that command on a cheat sheet. You are talking about 20 years ago.
If you want the terminal it is there, just like it is there if Windows users want the terminal. I also had to use the terminal when I used Windows a few times, and there were tutorials for that which I also copy and pasted.
85 • Windows vs Linux (by dragonmouth on 2024-09-18 10:54:36 GMT from United States)
NOBODY is born knowing Windows. Everybody must follow a learning curve. Linux is no different. The biggest problem in switching is admitting that Linux is NOT Windows and quit trying to force Linux to look, feel and work like Windows. UN-learn the Windows Way and learn the Linux Way.
86 • Windows vs Linux (by Jack on 2024-09-18 13:10:48 GMT from France)
@85
"NOBODY is born knowing Windows. Everybody must follow a learning curve. Linux is no different. The biggest problem in switching is admitting that Linux is NOT Windows and quit trying to force Linux to look, feel and work like Windows. UN-learn the Windows Way and learn the Linux Way."
In fact, I did so. I downloaded the "Debian Administrator's Handbook" for free and I learned how to use Debian.
87 • Migration (by GTC on 2024-09-18 14:03:43 GMT from Uruguay)
I migrated to GNU/Linux some time ago. Windows user since 1996. I did it because Windows wasn't giving me anything extra and *nix operating systems were an interesting challenge to learn. And I am still learning.
That said, I would recommend Linux Mint to someone coming from Windows. That was the path I took. For people new to linux but not necessarily coming from Windows, then MX is a good option too. Learning curves are different between, say, gentoo/arch/void and MX/Mint. But then again, it depends on the target at hand. If you want to learn just to use it without too many hassles, something pre-configured does the trick. If you want to learn more, then you can go deeper with something more KISS. Even Linux From Scratch would do.
One of the great things I find in linux/bsd is you can get an OS tailored to your needs. Kali Linux, Ubuntu Studio/AV Linux, etc. are already made to make your life easier. So I take advantage from that. In the end, it has always been a matter of personal choice and objectives. I don't think there is a one size fits all and probably I would be against such an
approach too.
88 • First Distro for Newbies to Linux (by Otis on 2024-09-18 15:04:57 GMT from United States)
First and LAST distro needed: MXLinux, the best.
89 • Unlearn Windows way (LEARN!) (by Fried Tux on 2024-09-18 15:53:16 GMT from Germany)
@87 (by Friar Tux)
dragonmouth: "UN-learn the Windows Way and learn the Linux Way."
Friar Tux: "Sorry, not going to happen. Mainly because of standardization and muscle memory. This is the reason why ALL auto makers put the steering wheel on the same side (depending on country). Why the control pedals, on the floor of the car, are always arranged the same, etc.."
Wrong, Friar Tux, wrong.
Not all gear changers (levers, buttons...) are same, not all roof-opening mechanism are same...
Either you learn, or you stay behind.
90 • @87 Friar Tux: (by dragonmouth on 2024-09-18 18:25:09 GMT from United States)
" Sorry, not going to happen."
Sorry, Friar Tux, it already did happen. Whether you realize it or not, whether you you want admit it or not, you are doing things the Linux Way.
Speaking of muscle memory - do you blindly type the same commands as in Windows? Because if you don't, you have UNlearned Windows.
Do you get your O/S updates automatically every Tuesday?
Are you forced to get new hardware every time you update your O/S/
When you install apps, do you execute an .EXE file?
Do you use Window Defender or any of the many security apps?
Do you pay for most of your software?
etc. etc. etc.
BTW - 'muscle memory' is not as permanent as you might think. People constantly develop new 'muscle memory' pathways, either because they have to (injury) or want to (they learn a new skill). You learned how to walk, then how to ride a bicycle, then how to drive a car. Didn't you? Each activity forms different 'muscle memory'.
91 • Linux Mint Mate (by Roger on 2024-09-18 18:59:30 GMT from France)
Linux Mint is what I have been using for many years now from 2006 version 2.0 and I always install Linux Mint Mate for new users.
Simply the best one around and very stable, easy to use and does what an OS needs to do.
No further explanation needed, it's good.
92 • Suggested Linux distributions for Windows users (by z9mt on 2024-09-18 22:16:59 GMT from United States)
Suggested Linux distributions for Windows users (as well as macOS and Chrome OS users):
1. Debian
2. Spiral Linux
Suggested desk environments (DE):
1. GNOME for devices having RAM of 4GB or more
2. LXQt or LXDE for devices having RAM of less than 4GB
Reasons:
.Debian is the parent distribution with the most number of derivatives.
.Debian is stable and secure, requiring little administration.
.Debian offers many packages and DEs, and can run on a variety of hardware devices/architectures.
.Debian has three versions (stable, testing, and unstable) so users can use the stable version or try the latest version.
.Spiral Linux is a set of polished, user-friendly configurations of Debian.
There are good reasons why GNOME is chosen as the default DE for Debian. It is matured and clean looking. GNOME is easy to use. To use an application, just hit the Super/Windows key, and then type in the name of the application in the search bar.
93 • Coming from Windows ccrporate environment (by Clarence Perry on 2024-09-19 13:32:19 GMT from United States)
When my wife retired, I had to be the IT group she called for support. I was already on Linux so she had me to support her. Applications were more important than distro. She was used to a browser to access apps and had to have email.
Firefox works for the browser and she never noticed the difference from work.
Thunderbird goes along with Firefox. She is just happy that everything works on Monday morning.
That is the extent of moving her from Windows at work to Linux at home. She doesn't want to know anything about Linux because she didn't know anything about Windows either.
94 • Some problems with Linux-distros (by Jan on 2024-09-19 15:45:00 GMT from The Netherlands)
In my quest to find a reliable+secure+assured-maintenance/support replacement for Windows on my old hardware I have tested many distros, in live and installed.
I stumbled over a few problems, a.o. Linux freezing with keyboard and mouse not reacting any more. I found more reportings about this.
A few distros have this very often, I have the impression that they are KDE-distros and possibly Debian-based. However MX-KDE seems not to have this. To evade this problem I went to test Fedora, no problem with them.
So what is going on?
Another problem is that with a lot of distros the browser (FF) is behaving irritating slow. Not smooth behaviour and, when data is needed, slow networking.
A few distros do not have this, MX-KDE + Q4OS (KDE) + Fedora workstation (Gnome).
Anybody a constuctive comment on this?
PS
I also enjoy internetradio, QMPLAY2 can be set for this exclusively and has a huge database to choose from. Fedora-WS and MX-KDE (and Windows of course) have this program from their repository, Q4OS alas not.
95 • Slow FF (by Otis on 2024-09-20 00:47:02 GMT from United States)
@95 Your post reminded me of the many times over the years I have tried PCLinuxOS and most any Gnome based distribution. Also (gaudy) Garuda, but that doesn’t count as it is a quick delete for too many other reasons.
Firefox needs tweaking for speed, but it’s there if you don’t mind doing that.
96 • Slow FF (by Pumpino on 2024-09-20 21:30:12 GMT from Australia)
@94 I've found Firefox slower than Chromium every time I tried it (even recently). I recently switched from Chromium to Brave, primary because I like having the Brave repo which provides a DEB, rather than me having to use a flatpak for Chromium (flathub.org releases Chromium updates much faster than most distros). I'm really happy with Brave after disabling a few things, so consider testing it.
97 • Slow FF and Linux-freeze (by Jan on 2024-09-20 23:25:24 GMT from The Netherlands)
@95 Are you referring to https://easylinuxtipsproject.blogspot.com/p/firefox.html ??
Or are there popular extensions which slow FF?
@96 Interesting remark and advise. However Chromium-based browsers are going to get extension-restrictions, so I think it is not the way to go ??
98 • @95 Linux-freeze (by Jan on 2024-09-20 23:37:09 GMT from The Netherlands)
Forgot my comment on the Linux-freeze.
My old hardware is Lenovo X200 and X201, which seems to be very sensitive for this problem (using a live/installation -USB).
The strange thing is that with an older PCLinuxOS-iso (from 2019) there seems not to be a problem. With the latest iso (2024.04) the problem seems worsened.
But PCLinuxOS is not the only distro with this problem.
Remarkable is that the are KDE-Debian-based distros which do not have this problem. So a Linux-code-nerd should be able to discover the problem-cause !!
I evade this risk to go elsewhere.
Number of Comments: 98
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