Best Linux Distros For Newcomers

Datamation ^ | 11 January 2016 | Matt Hartley

[ShadowAce]

Most of the top Linux distributions are of the "easier to use" variety. Some observers might dispute this, but the fact is that most people not working in IT or software development will gravitate toward the easiest experience when it comes to Linux.

In this article, I'll share my top picks for best Linux distro for newcomers. These selections are chosen based on their ease of use, not their potential for "learning Linux." I hope to put to bed once and for all that myth that all who use Linux need to have a strong familiarity with how Linux works. After many years of casual usage, I can say for certain that this will tend to itself over time.

Ubuntu MATE -- Full disclosure, Ubuntu MATE is a project that I personally support and have even made minor contributions to. Putting that fact aside, I also have found that it's a great distribution for Linux newcomers.

I've found that locating applications and settings is straightforward, regardless of Linux familiarity, thanks to the MATE desktop. But Ubuntu MATE also has additional niceties behind the scenes as well. These include tweaks made under the hood that most people may not be aware of, yet ensure a great experience. One example that comes to mind is a properly working touchpad disable while typing feature. Another benefit is TLP for power management provided right out of the box.

I also enjoy the MATE Tweak tool that is provided with the MATE desktop. I really like being able to utilize different panel layouts with a simple pull down menus.

Features for newcomers: Folks coming to Ubuntu MATE will likely enjoy its straightforward layout, easy customizations and the fact it just works. The biggest benefit is perhaps the Welcome feature. This provides users with immediate access to help, software suggestions and a tour of what Ubuntu MATE has to offer. On a personal level, I know the founder cares deeply about providing a great project. This makes introducing Ubuntu MATE to newcomers a natural fit in my book.

PCLinuxOS -- PCLinuxOS doesn't receive as much press as it once did. This is a shame, since I believe they provide the best task-centric distro for newbies I've ever seen. Even though they also offer other desktops, I'm focusing on the FullMonty release in this case.

FullMonty provides multiple desktops designed for different tasks. For someone new coming to Linux, PCLinuxOS does a fantastic job showcasing software options and the categories they'd fall into. It's a great option for people interested in exploring software without knowing where to start.

Features for newcomers: PCLinuxOS' implementation of the KDE control center is very easy to use. Changing settings, adjusting appearance and so forth is very user friendly. I also like the setup wizard provided. Bundling this together with the functionality of a rolling release translates into a distro you install once and never have to reinstall a second time.

Linux Mint -- I have friends who swear by Linux Mint and its Cinnamon desktop environment. It's attractive, logically laid out and works really well. For someone coming from Windows, much of this (like with MATE) will feel quite natural.

Linux Mint offers many of the same benefits as its Ubuntu base, with the added polish of its "mintTools." These tools include a streamlined update manager, software manager, desktop applets, and the other relevant aspects of the Cinnamon desktop.

One common belief is that all Ubuntu Deb packages and PPAs are compatible with Linux Mint. This isn't completely accurate. While it's true that most PPAs will work with Linux Mint, there are some known compatibility issues that could create headaches. Therefore it's advised that you use PPAs designed for Ubuntu 14.04 with care.

Linux Mint is about striking a balance between simple and elegant. Updates are numbered, so users can better understand which updates make the biggest impact on the system. Another benefit with the Linux Mint updater is its ability to detect non-updated mirrors, apt issues and the option to choose a local mirror.

Features for newcomers: A strong update manager, logical desktop layout (citing Cinnamon) and their amazing desktop applets. Being able to get the battery reading on your wireless mouse is pretty impressive. It's clean, easy to use and based on an Ubuntu long term release.

Linux Distros not suited for newbies

Now I want to touch on some popular Linux distributions that I don't recommend for brand new users and why.

Ubuntu (Unity) -- Ubuntu (proper) has a great base, but the fact of the matter is Unity is NOT even remotely newbie friendly. I've tested it out with a number of casual folks and all of them found it to be vexing, especially when trying to browse applications. This doesn't mean Ubuntu proper isn't a good distro, it simply means it's not a good distro for anyone seeking a traditional desktop layout. That means most people won't like it. This isn't a poke at Ubuntu per se, rather me sharing my experiences with most newer users. To be completely clear -- Ubuntu base is great, yet Ubuntu with Unity leads to frustrated newbies based on my tests.

Manjaro -- It's a perfectly fine distribution for intermediate users and those who like the kernel installer or other features it provides. Unfortunately, it's unclear where the Manjaro advantage is for the newcomer. The packages are newer than with most distros, yet are held back longer than with an Arch proper installation. I'm not really seeing the value with that -- if something is going to break, it's going to break even if it's held onto for an extra week. This is a cutting edge rolling distribution. This means it may be offering packages at a greater pace than most newer users really need. Their security track record is not perfect, so that along with my above mentioned concerns make me hesitant.

Fedora -- Never could wrap my head around how Fedora could be a good option for newcomers. Fedora makes sense if you're in IT and want a solid, no bloat desktop. It especially makes life easier for those working in Red Hat and CentOS environments. But I promise you anyone coming from OS X or Windows isn't going to have a good time with Fedora. The distro is best for experienced users, this isn't even a debate.

Arch -- Unlike the above two example of distros to avoid, Arch Linux is a mixed bag. If you want to "learn Linux" and completely understand that you're basically building your own custom distribution from scratch, it's a great distro. Their documentation and software availability is second to none and unlike Manjaro, the packages are always fresh.

All of that said, asking a newcomer to build their own desktop is reaching a bit. Remember, most newcomers are gravitating to easy to install and use. That's not Arch nor is it the Arch way. Recommending Arch to a newcomer only makes sense if they are looking for an education, not an install and forget it distribution of Linux. Don't get me wrong, I've installed Arch numerous times and currently run Antergos (yes, it is indeed Arch Linux with an extra repo) along side my Ubuntu MATE installation. But it's not a good suggestion for newbies.

What say you? Perhaps you believe your neighbor down the street is a perfect for candidate for Arch? Maybe you believe Fedora is a great distro for you, the casual user? Agree, disagree with my suggestions? Hit the Comments and share your ideas with me.

[Pearls Before Swine]

I have to say, Fedora has gotten better.

One of the big gripe about Fedora was that you couldn’t keep up with the distributions easily, unless you were willing to uninstall the old and reinstall the new. The newer version of YUM, called DNF, promises to have a one-line distribution upgrade command.

And, I found Debian with XFCE very easy to get accustomed to last year.

[ThunderSleeps]

Agreed. There are any number of good distros out there, and a number of good window managers / desktop environments. Unity is not one of them.

I'm currently using Mint with KDE and like it. I agree with the OP that the "disable touchpad when mouse connected" feature is pretty neat. I set up my wife's laptop to dual boot and this one little feature is one of the main reasons she now does most of her stuff on the laptop in Linux. Without it, the laptop is just about unusable for typing anything in due to the size and placement of the touchpad.

[ShadowAce]

Yeah--I've upgraded Fedora a couple of times with the dnf command. It works as advertised.

I run xfce on Fedora. I really like the layout, and how it works. You don't really have to adjust your way of working to it--it can adjust to you.

[garryowenartillery]

Mint 17.3 w/Mate used here. No windows in my home, yet I can see for miles...

[MediaMole]

Grandma usually never installs anything, especially the OS, that’s for her grandchildren to do. ...but, with Mint and Ubuntu, installing new software and keeping it up to date is just like installing software on an iPhone, iPad or Android device.

There is the functional equivalent to an app store and you just click install or update.

[taxcontrol]

I also run RHEL on a work laptop. In fact, I am using it right now. Solid and easy to maintain .... if you know a little about system administration. Not for those new to linux though.

My bump for easiest distro for newbies is Mint.

[Old_And_Grumpy]

Mint with KDE or Mate. SuSE also does the best KDE distro going.

[Prospero]

btt

[hoosierham]

LinixMint used daily.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

LinixMint used daily.

Me too. It just works. My HP printer was recognized instantly and works well.

It's a joy for me...and my wife who is/was WindowsXP bound is staring to love it. So, we use both...Mint for internet and online...XP for everything else we've gotten used to over the years.

[Johnny B.]

I personally prefer Fedora/Mate. I like the looks of the UI more than the other distributions or Desktop Managers.

It works flawlessly with all of my hardware, and runs much faster than when I ran Windows 7 or 10 on the same laptop.

The main point I would make is that it's trivial to install "Live" images on a USB thumbdrive, and try out various distributions. That's the best way to try out Linux and decide if it's for you.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

The one thing I love about Linux Mint (don't know about other distros) is that when I select 'Shut down' it shuts the PC down in under 4 seconds.

My WinXP box takes up to 5 minutes while it sits with a "Windows is shutting down" message. But then, I have a huge registry.

[r_barton]

Check out Distrowatch.com. They have links and reviews to hundreds of Linux distros. Also they rank the top 100 distros for popularity based on visitor views. Great Linux website.

[r_barton]

It all depends on the user. The average person would never install Windows either. It comes already installed and with a basic configuration.

If Linux were sold this way on a larger scale, already installed on pc’s with a basic configuration, it would be more popular.

If Windows only came as software that had to be installed, like most Linux distros, neither would be more popular than the other.

Linux is just as easy (or difficult) as Windows to install. Look at all the problems people are having going from Win 7 to Win 10.

It’s all in the delivery to the end user. Delivery as software only is more difficult than delivery as already installed and working on hardware.

[TomGuy]

But we have to use Windows to get anything done.

Half-a-decade ago, I tried out several of the distros. They did the basic, but they were confusing and had few actual instruction/help or tutorials.

The number of versions or distros still make various Linux OS's difficult to use. If the makers really want to 'sell' Linux distros, they should come up with a 'comparability' list:

In Windows, to do XYZ, use these programs. In Linux, to do XYZ, use these programs.

I don't want to spend a lot of time learning a new OS to do things I can do immediately in Windows. However, I have played with Win10 a few times and found it AWFUL. Thus, I am more open to something different when Win7 goes the way of XP.

I have been using Android on a tablet and smartphone and have a similar opinion of it. It is okay for quick-and-dirty, but certainly not for doing real productivity computing.

[Mr. K]

Whats so awful about windows 10?

I am not sure i like what comes with it, but it worked nice on the new computer i just got

[TomGuy]

Win10's problem is the User Interface. I am an old classic theme person. I like to see buttons and scrollbars and window frames. Those are almost invisible on Win10. Per some early Win10 commentaries, MS removed the classic theme in some early beta versions and never put it back.

When I was experimenting with it, the frames bled together and were indistinguishable. Scollbars didn't show up until I moved the cursor almost on them, and when they did show up, they were too narrow to be useful.

[rdb3]

Slackware. The only linux I’ve used since 1995. Still an awesome distribution today.

Yes indeed.

I know this is for GNUbees, but still. . .

Jesus Christ: You can't impeach Him and He ain't gonna resign.

[Varmint Al]

I have a dozen friends using Linux Mint KDE 64 Bit. They are very happy with it. The updates are easy and the system is solid. All were ex-Windows users and it was easy for them to convert over to Linux.

It was easy for them because I installed the OS for them. It is an easy install and much easier than any Windows install I have done. Only a personal password is required and NO authentication is required.

The beauty of Linux Mint is that I can instal the complete OS with all the important applications on one hard drive and then duplicate that hard drive for other computers. All of the necessary drivers are built in. Linux Mint finds the wireless hardware almost automatically and is a snap to setup. (Try that with Windows and the included wireless setup CD)

Also going from Linux Mint KDE 17 to 17.3 is as easy as one click of the Update Manager. The Update Manager automatically checks for updates and does NOT bug you with Pop Ups. The manager icon merely puts a blue dot in its icon's center when an update is avaliable.

I am sure happy I cut the ties with Microsoft a year and a half ago.

Here is a link if you are interested in trying Linux Mint 17.3 "Rosa" KDE version.

Good Hunting... from Varmint Al

[2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten]

Fedora at home, Ubuntu with Gnome Shell at work (since Fedora isn’t an option there). That gives me the UI I’m used to and I’m with those that don’t like Unity.

Can’t get used to apt-get/apt-cache though - and below that layer prefer rpm to dpkg - but I guess I can muddle through all of that.