5 Best Linux Distros for Beginners

Linux Stans ^ | 25 December 2020 | Valentino Bocchetti

[ShadowAce]

Are you tired of Windows problems?

Have you heard about this magic place called Linux and you want to try it out?

Here are the 5 best distros for beginners.

They are all Debian-based distros, so they all use the apt package manager by default. This kind of distro is easy to learn and to install.

Ubuntu

How can we not start with Ubuntu? This is one of the most famous distros out there. After the login, we throw into a friendly desktop, similar or not to Windows style. The force of Linux is the chance to have only the thing that we like (all pieces are in fact interchangeable). Following this line, Ubuntu gives us many desktop environments (called also flavor) to pick for all kinds of PC performance or tastes. The difference between those is about the consumption and the look and feel (so you are not limited to a single desktop environment and its features). Its default flavor is Gnome, but as just mentioned you can choose another flavor by installing one of Ubuntu’s derivate.  So based on your target of use I suggest you:

• Lubuntu and Xubuntu if you want a low consuming distro.
• Kubuntu, if your target is high personalization.
•  Gnome (and its fork Mate) if you want a Windows-like view.

Ubuntu offers to the users two types of version:

• The latest version (20.10)
• LTS (long-term support) version (20.04)

The difference is about guaranteed support.

If you have any problem you can count on its giant community, which helps you to learn and practice. So in a very tiny time, you can efficiently learn all you need.

Mint

You love Windows-style, but not Windows? Linux Mint is the distro for you! This distro is focused on easy use, cleary immediately. After the boot, you will feel like home, due to its 3 different version: cinnamon, mate, xfce (plasma is no more officially supported), that makes Mint easy to learn and manage. As just said the look and feel are similar to the habits of a Windows user, with a panel that displays all the information that you need, so a plus feature. It also offers a very useful community, for all your doubts.

WARNING: By default, version 20 (Ulyana) doesn’t allow snap package, but you can enable it following this command on terminal:

1. sudo rm /etc/apt/preferences.d/nosnap.pref
2. sudo apt update
3. sudo apt install snapd

Here we go!

MX Linux

MX Linux deserves special attention for well-made offline documentation, that guides the user to learn about how this system works step by step, a very friendly community, and a lot of tools out the box helpful to manage the system. By default, it is shipped with KDE and XFCE flavors.

In the installation live we can also install programs, which will be transferred to the final system (a very useful feature, if you make some changes, that you want to preserve after the installation).

Deserve a mention the presence of tools out the box helpful to manage the system:

• Nvidia driver installer;
• Codecs installer;
• User manager;
• Tools for the maintenance;
• iDevice Mounter (for iPhone users);
• Live tools for updates.

Elementary OS

If you are a lover of Mac OS style, Elementary OS is the distro that best suits you. It is shipped with Gnome too, so you won’t have problems with the position of all the screen elements. The home screen present:

• a status bar on the top (with all the toggles that you need) very similar to Mac-OS style;
• a bottom bar easily customizable (like the Mac-OS dock).

Helpful additions are:

• The key bindings for keyboard shortcut callable with pressure on Super key (the windows key);
• The screen time & limits (you can find it in the setting) that allow you to set a limit to the use of screen and internet (to avoid some contents for your kids)
• A very well-made “app-store”.

So if you like this kind of style you will feel at home.

SPOILER: if you want to install free Elementary OS you can set 0 on the payment offer

Zorin

Zorin OS is a distro for those who want to have a clean and futuristic design. It is derivate by Ubuntu, and like it is shipped with Gnome by default; there is also a version with xfce desktop environment for old PC. This distro present 4 edition:

• Ultimate, which has a cost of 39 $ (this price is to help them to develop the distro);
• Core;
• Lite;
• Education.

	ULTIMATE	CORE	LITE	EDUCATION
Libre office suite	✔	✔	✔	✔
Advanced desktop (Gnome 3)	✔	✔		✔
Lightweight desktop (XFCE 4)	✔		✔	✔
Zorin Connect	✔	✔		✔
Standard desktop layouts	✔	✔	✔	✔
Premium desktop layout	✔
Educational apps & games				✔
Business & media apps	✔
20 games preinstalled	✔
Zorin installation support	✔

These difference are minimal, because all of the pluses of the Ultimate version, can be installed also on the other version

INSTALLATION

All these distros are installable with a graphical installer, which is intuitive (you are not exposed to command-line). In the installation you can also choose the type of installation:

• lightweight installation (if you want to install other programs instead of the default programs)
• full installation (it includes all the updates and the basic programs)

The installation program presents you three choices:

• Automatic partition
• Manual partition
• Installing the distro alongside another OS (the dual-boot mode)

FIRST CHANGES

You don’t like the default theme? Don’t worry:  all these distros present a lot of themes besides the classic light and dark theme.

I suggest some of them:

• If you are a dark user:
  • Arc theme;
  • Adapta theme;
  • Darcula theme;
  • Material Theme;
• If you are a light user:
  • Numix theme;
  • Ultimate maia theme.

You would like to change also the icon theme, so here to you my favorite:

• Papirus icon theme;
• Numix Circle;
• OS Catalina (if you like Mac-OS style);
• Vimix;
• Breeze.

WHAT I NEED TO START

Mint

linux mint

You love Windows-style, but not Windows? Linux Mint is the distro for you! This distro is focused on easy use, cleary immediately. After the boot, you will feel like home, due to its 3 different version: cinnamon, mate, xfce (plasma is no more officially supported), that makes Mint easy to learn and manage. As just said the look and feel are similar to the habits of a Windows user, with a panel that displays all the information that you need, so a plus feature. It also offers a very useful community, for all your doubts.

WARNING: By default, version 20 (Ulyana) doesn’t allow snap package, but you can enable it following this command on terminal:

sudo rm /etc/apt/preferences.d/nosnap.pref sudo apt update sudo apt install snapd

Here we go! MX Linux

mx linux

MX Linux deserves special attention for well-made offline documentation, that guides the user to learn about how this system works step by step, a very friendly community, and a lot of tools out the box helpful to manage the system. By default, it is shipped with KDE and XFCE flavors.

In the installation live we can also install programs, which will be transferred to the final system (a very useful feature, if you make some changes, that you want to preserve after the installation).

Deserve a mention the presence of tools out the box helpful to manage the system:

Nvidia driver installer; Codecs installer; User manager; Tools for the maintenance; iDevice Mounter (for iPhone users); Live tools for updates.

Elementary OS

If you are a lover of Mac OS style, Elementary OS is the distro that best suits you. It is shipped with Gnome too, so you won’t have problems with the position of all the screen elements. The home screen present:

a status bar on the top (with all the toggles that you need) very similar to Mac-OS style; a bottom bar easily customizable (like the Mac-OS dock).

Helpful additions are:

The key bindings for keyboard shortcut callable with pressure on Super key (the windows key); The screen time & limits (you can find it in the setting) that allow you to set a limit to the use of screen and internet (to avoid some contents for your kids) A very well-made “app-store”.

So if you like this kind of style you will feel at home.

SPOILER: if you want to install free Elementary OS you can set 0 on the payment offer Zorin

Zorin OS is a distro for those who want to have a clean and futuristic design. It is derivate by Ubuntu, and like it is shipped with Gnome by default; there is also a version with xfce desktop environment for old PC. This distro present 4 edition:

Ultimate, which has a cost of 39 $ (this price is to help them to develop the distro); Core; Lite; Education.

ULTIMATE CORE LITE EDUCATION Libre office suite ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Advanced desktop (Gnome 3) ✔ ✔ ✔ Lightweight desktop (XFCE 4) ✔ ✔ ✔ Zorin Connect ✔ ✔ ✔ Standard desktop layouts ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Premium desktop layout ✔ Educational apps & games ✔ Business & media apps ✔ 20 games preinstalled ✔ Zorin installation support ✔

These difference are minimal, because all of the pluses of the Ultimate version, can be installed also on the other version INSTALLATION

All these distros are installable with a graphical installer, which is intuitive (you are not exposed to command-line). In the installation you can also choose the type of installation:

lightweight installation (if you want to install other programs instead of the default programs) full installation (it includes all the updates and the basic programs)

The installation program presents you three choices:

Automatic partition Manual partition Installing the distro alongside another OS (the dual-boot mode)

FIRST CHANGES

You don’t like the default theme? Don’t worry: all these distros present a lot of themes besides the classic light and dark theme.

I suggest some of them:

If you are a dark user: Arc theme; Adapta theme; Darcula theme; Material Theme; If you are a light user: Numix theme; Ultimate maia theme.

You would like to change also the icon theme, so here to you my favorite:

Papirus icon theme; Numix Circle; OS Catalina (if you like Mac-OS style); Vimix; Breeze.

WHAT I NEED TO START

In order to give a chance to Linux you need:

An ISO (image it as a complete copy of everything stored on a physical disc) of the distro chosen; A pen drive or a CD; A burn-iso program, such as Rufus or Balena-etcher (more friendly in my opinion);

And there is it. Now turn off the PC, connect the disc, and boot into it.

Enjoy it!

In order to give a chance to Linux you need:

1. An ISO (image it as a complete copy of everything stored on a physical disc) of the distro chosen;
2. A pen drive or a CD;
3. A burn-iso program, such as Rufus or Balena-etcher (more friendly in my opinion);

And there is it. Now turn off the PC, connect the disc, and boot into it.

Enjoy it!

[daniel1212]

Thereby proving my entire point. Say that same sentence to your grandma and tell us what she says. I am not knocking Linux or its users- just the fanatics who think "Linux Uber Alles" and look down on those lesser-humans who debase themselves with Windows. I don't get the impression you are one of those, just a fan of Linux- and I am too- I just made a TON of money programming for Windows.

Yes, i can almost be like a cult. Any negative comments intolerable. Glad we have an alternative though. I runs on another PC here that is only used for the Internet, mainly conservative video and audio content.

[Paleo Pete]

Thanks, I’m looking into this, already have a 2nd laptop, might need to pick ip a spare hard drive though. Not sure I have the right type.

Will look into the live cd option, would like a test drive.

Partitions - other builds have used Grub, I think it is, works well. Windows can do it, but only fat32 since linux can’t read ntfs. Not sure if I want a linux specific file system. ext or whatever. Can’t remember. ext2? Have to look it up.

Been thinking about dual boot too. Might go that route, but it’s been a while. Last one I put together was win 3.11, DOS 6.22, win98. Everything ran from a DOS boot. Switch to the right folder, type “win” and you’re off and rolling. Also had a GUI script but DOS was more fun. Initial boot had win98/DOS option from autoexec.bat. I’d usually just let it time out and boot DOS. Started to put together a win98/XP machine but decided what’s the point?

[Openurmind]

Sounds great, let me know if I can help when you get caught up. And I feel your pain, we are very remote ourselves and have had no power off and on for two weeks now because of the wind. But we got internet right? :)

Trust me when I share why mess with a Pontiac Firebird when you can have a Cadillac for the same free price. Just go with the Mint Cinnamon and be topped up with all the bells and whistles right away. You will end up wanting all the stuff it comes with eventually anyhow. :)

[Bob434]

THE DUAL boot with linux uses grub menu IF you install it after windows is already installed- you’ll get a menu that asks to boot into linux or windows- simply pick the one you want and off you go- don’
t have to enter anything- just highlight and hit enter- if you install linux after windows, it will boot automatically to linux first if you don’t choose anything at the menu- i just hit the power button in the morning, and it boots to linux- then at night, i restart, and choose windows to work on my art and photos in windows-

I use linux as my main os because it is much safer than windows online- i do all my emails, browsing, reasearch etc on linux- then boot into windows 7 which is always offline, to do anything i need to in windows- best of both worlds-

i would say my time spent in linus is about 90% of time, while windows is 10%- I love having both- the only pain is if you want to switch, you gotta reboot- would be cool if i could boot both at once, and use a switch to go back and forth instantly- but that is above my paygrade I’m afraid-

Yeah i think it is EXT2, or EXT4, can’t remember now- My windows is NTSF- I have a backup drive which i have partitioned to keep linux backups in as well as windows file in the NTSF partition on the drive— When im in linux, it reads all the files in the NTSF section ok, and i can pull files from the NTSF partition and put on my main linux HD and they are viewable fine-

[Paleo Pete]

Grub has a very good reputation. Have a friend and fellow geek who made the mistake of trying to install Linux first once...oops, format and start over. He kept a linux/xp system going all the time. He also tried letting the XP start up script do it, fell flat on its face. Same for DOS. Let Linux handle the boot script, it works perfect. He worked with one of the security groups, used to get me to drop viruses in a zip file and email them to him so they could dig through the code. I didn’t know that, told him I had a certain virus in my quarantine folder (on the phone) he said zip it ip and email it to me HUH??? New variant, they didn’t have a fresh copy.

This guy was a true computer expert, you do not want him, or me for that matter, going over to the dark side. We tried to intentionally find ways to trash windows, and did, so we’d know how to fix it. We could both get access to a computer for 2 minutes, next time you reboot you’d be forced to reinstall unless you knew exactly what was done, and how to use DOS pretty well. The world has no idea how lucky they are we stayed with the good guys...

I kept a computer on a table that was strictly a test bed. I reinstalled the thing 30 or 40 times, running win 98 at least 2 years before XP was released. Everything but a case. Why bother when I’m constantly swapping parts? Must have destroyed windows a dozen times. Ooops, I guess that didn’t work...now where’s that cd...

The fastest thing you could get then was the 233MMX, if you had 256MB RAM you were uptown, and that was expensive. The test box was a 166, I think it had 128MB RAM. Biggest hard drive in existence was around 2.4 GB, it had a 640MB. Those were about the only parts that stayed constant. Video, modem and sound cards were swapped out all the time, rare was the week something did’t get yanked. Even the printer never stayed put more than about a month. I worked at a repair shop, took in lots of parts.

My Mandrake 9 machine was the only one in the house allowed to connect to the internet. (2 or 3 years later) The xp machine didn’t even have a wire plugged into it. Had 3 or 4 games on xp, only thing I ever used it for was that and recording, and most picture editing.

Linux had GIMP for picture editing and it’s very good but too complicated, a lot like photoshop. I use a simple windows program, Irfan View. Handles 90% of my photo editing nicely, usually just crop and resize.

I probably spent 75% of my computer time on the mandrake box. Laser jet printer did a nice job and the word processors are hard to beat.

It would run for months at a time, never shut down unless the power went off. Up and running for over a year without any memory glitches, never bogged down at all. Try that with wondows. I’ve had to reboot windows after 2 months when it refused to wake up after overnight inactivity.
Memory management is probably windows’ worst feature.

Best thing is the only driver I ever had to install (or find) was the nVidia video card. Everything else just plugs in and works. Even an external US Robotics modem. Make sure it’s plugged in while you install the OS, you’re good to go. I spent more time looking for windows drivers than anything else. I burned a dozen cd’s with nothing but drivers on them. Probably still have a few stashed away in a box...file sizes keep growing and growing...next thing you know we’ll have to have the entire state of Maryland just for file storage. Which actually might not be a bad thing...that would fix the crime problems in Baltimore...

[Bob434]

I’m getting to the point that I don’t have the brainpower to dig into things like I used to. Years ago it was fun, and I old remember quite a bit, but now I have to relearn things over and over again. If I’m not doing them every day routinely. So need.ess to say, I need things pretty simple now. The dual boot was a little bit of a challenge, but not too bad. Gives the best of both worlds. Though you will run into a problem with you windows system restore points getting wiped out over and over again. Guess its a known issue. So be aware of that if you do go that route

Sounds like you have a ton of experience with this stuff, but if you have questions, either I or openurmind or others can help, but really, it’s not too bad a process.

I started way after dos at about wi dows 98 se. Linux back then was a monster to deal with. Buttoday it’s way way easier. Back then I gave up on Linux, but today I love it