Just wondering as ive been told many os’s online and then told to not use certain one aswell, i feel confused on what linux os to try someday. i come from windows 10 and i always find i need windows on atleast 1 device, and put linux on the “outdated” devices, but i keep hoping around, i cant seem to make up my mind.
I’ve been using MX for years, stable reliable Dedian distro, regardless of which kernel, KDE Plasma desktop keeps workflows clean & familiar. If I was a total newbie in 2026… I’d try ZORON… it’s impossible to goose that up and can use ubuntu store.
Linux Mint. It was specifically created for this use case. It just works. That’s it.
And it’s still great once you know what you’re doing. If you just want your computer to work, Mint is a fantastic option.
I suggest Linux Mint, it just works. I have moved over 10 people to it in the last 2 years. Basically, giving life to their old laptops. Never heard a complaint! Here’s the latest one, my niece: https://mastodon.social/@eugenialoli/117304062578785444
Fedora
Ubuntu or Mint is quite okay, I have used both of them in the past and set it up for a friend with little money, little time, and very little PC expertise. Worked perfectly for them for over 10 years without a problem.
Today, if you can get a little help with setting up, I’d recommend Debian stable with either GNOME or KDE. It is more stable and has longer and better long term security support, which did become more important.
Also, it is now easy to set up with disk encryption, which matters for keeping private data secure on Laptops which can get lost or stolen.
Upvotes for Ubuntu. Bazzite is also pretty spiffy these days.
To friends I usually recommend the distro I run myself, as I’m most familiar with it and troubleshoot it the best.
If it’s someone who won’t get constant tech support from me, I’d probably go with Mint.
As a power user Ubuntu sucks, but if you’ve never used Linux before it could also be a good starter distro. The vast amount of tutorials online are made for Ubuntu.
Hannah Montana Linux
I’d say Mint as many others. But any major distro (except Arch) would do the trick if you’re willing to learn.
If you’re willing to learn arch will (probably) work too
The learning curve is steep and the terminal reliance is too much for people who are not used to it. Once you get used to the terminal then… yes
People keep saying Mint, and now that it runs on Wayland at least they will be able to watch a movie without screen tearing. But I do feel like KDE Plasma is a much better first impression, since it doesn’t look like a desktop from 2013 (no offense), and has so many customization options that showcase the freedom of a linix desktop.
So for gamers, Bazzite, otherwise Fedora KDE or something
What’s so new about Plasma’s desktop paradigm? I would expect that about GNOME’s, but Plasma’s? It’s a polished and consistent UI, that it is.
Also, customization in Plasma is overwhelming, and I know KDE since version 2.
CachyOS or PikaOS. Nothing Fedora-based for god’s sake
Why not Fedora?
They apparently support fascists and fascism-supporters (Framework i.e.), and also have a shitty user treatment (remember all the shit with their licensing that made life impossible for AlmaLinux and the like). They also support AI. And they’re the main ones, with GNOME, trying to bury X.org.
The hell did framework do
Supports Omarchy 💀
Goddamnit man
If I’m forced to support it, Arch… It’s really not that difficult to use, and I’ll be damned if I have to remember all the Debian stuff 😂
And now with ArchInstall, you can see the basic building blocks needed for an install.
Install Linux mint, never think again
I started my wife on fedora about 10 years ago, and my kids have grown up using fedora
Learn basic desktop Linux? Mint. Learn how Linux works and really interested in more of the ins and outs? Arch (Artix if you want systemdless) Learn how Linux works in great depth and are very committed? Gentoo.
