This is how you waste your time by watching this for hours per month, not anymore!Posted on 07/15/2022 7:12:57 AM PDT by ShadowAce
We give you the ten best Linux distro(s) for beginners, which can be the perfect starting point and help you to pick the best of the lot.
If you are manifesting joining the Linux clan and thinking about it, it’s time. It’s time to ditch Windows for good and save some money by doing so. Also, keep your sanity from monthly Windows updates that are gigabytes in size, save on your internet bill, save precious time watching a dumb blue screen (like below) and so on. The blessing of ditching the Windows list is pretty long.
And you are in a perfect place to choose your first Linux distro as we prepare this list with much care and your very need.
This is how you waste your time by watching this for hours per month, not anymore!There may be mixed opinions about what qualifies a distro for a beginner. From my point of view, I believe a distro is perfect for beginners if it possesses the below criteria:
As you can see, these are pretty basic needs from a computing standpoint for an average user. And these are the distros which I believe are a perfect fit for beginners’ distros.
Over the years, Linux Mint proved itself to be an ideal distro for not only beginners but everyone. You can easily use this operating system for any use case.
Hence, our first on this list is Linux Mint.
Linux Mint comes with three variants based on different desktop environments. But at its core, it remains the same. It is based on Ubuntu LTS and has a 5-year support plan.
Moreover, for those five years, you get hardware support, bug fixes and security fixes. This alone makes it to be a perfect beginner distro.
Linux Mint Cinnamon EditionIn addition, a vast friendly community and well-structured documentation is a plus point. If you are a new user and are stuck for any help, you can go to several communication channels to get help from the community. Usually, the Discord server of Linux Mint is ideal for a fast response.
Another important aspect is that Linux Mint comes with all possible (old and new) hardware support out of the box. So, if you are wondering whether your old printer or any hardware would work or not, then worry not. Try Linux Mint; ideally, the hardware should work out of the box.
That said, here’s a recap of some advantages and disadvantages of Linux Mint with the download link.
Pros
What makes it a great choice?
Cons
But these are some of the constraints
Zorin OS is the second beginner distro on this list. It is perfect for those who want a good starting point with Linux with stability and good looks together. Powered by a custom desktop environment inspired by Xfce and GNOME 3, it brings several ready-made desktop looks. The desktop looks include macOS and Windows with different variations of panel and taskbar.
Zorin OSOther than that, Zorin OS is based on Ubuntu LTS (long-term support), which gives you five years’ worth of support and security updates. Finally, it brings three major variants – Pro, Lite and Core edition to cater to various user bases. The Pro version is a paid version (with a minimal fee) which brings additional desktop customisation options and tweaks.
Pros
What makes it a great choice?
Cons
But these are some of the constraints
The third beginner’s distro in this list is Linux Lite. I have included this because millions of Windows 7 or Windows 10 users whose hardware suddenly became obsolete after the Windows 11 hardware requirement.
But hardware does not become obsolete overnight for specific evil rules imposed by the giants. Linux Lite is perfect for older hardware and also for newer ones. It is powered by Ubuntu LTS releases and comes with a lightweight Xfce desktop environment.
Linux Lite 6 Xfce DesktopIn addition, it brings several in-house utilities specially designed for new users. For example, a beginner may not know how to use a terminal in Linux or upgrade a system. So, Linux Lite has several graphical utilities to take care of day-to-day system & maintenance work.
Pros
What makes it a great choice?
Cons
But these are some of the constraints
Ubuntu Linux is the most used and downloaded Linux operating system. It’s more popular than all the distros in this list combined. Ubuntu Linux (mainly the Long Term Support edition) is used by millions of users, enterprises and real-world business needs.
The only reason we featured Ubuntu as a beginner distro is its capability, popularity and perhaps most widely used. Because of that, beginner users get massive support from an already established user base, forums and so on.
Ubuntu LTS with GNOMEMoreover, almost all third-party applications, games and other associated critical software targets Ubuntu first as their compatible platform. Hence, it is easier for beginner users to get the software they need without many hurdles.
Pros
What makes it a great choice?
Cons
But these are some of the constraints
MX Linux is a Debian-based systemd-free Linux distribution which brings several advantages for beginner users. Hence it is 5th on this list.
For a new user, it doesn’t matter to know what is “systemd” or “init” systems. These are little advanced Linux knowledge in that term.
The primary reason it is a suitable beginner distro is that it brings a complete operating system with pre-loaded applications, easy-to-use desktops and longer-term support.
MX Linux 21 DesktopThanks to Debian, MX Linux officially supports more than 5 years with bug fixes and security updates. In addition, it brings all necessary applications packaged in its installer so that you do not require to perform any further post-install tweaks.
Also, a wide range of free and proprietary hardware support is available, thanks to Debian.
Finally, the Xfce desktop environment is faster and easy to navigate.
Pros
What makes it a great choice?
Cons
But these are some of the constraints
Lubuntu is the LXQt-based Linux Distribution based on Ubuntu Linux. It is one of the super lightweight distros that is stable, super-fast and brings a wide range of hardware and software support.
Thanks to its Ubuntu base, you get all the advantages of being a Ubuntu-based distro which we featured above for Ubuntu.
Lubuntu 22.04 LTS Desktop – isn’t it nice and cleanThe LXQt desktop is the most friendly and super fast legacy desktop today. It even outranks Xfce and KDE Plasma in terms of performance. In addition, beginner users do not require to learn anything additional to use this desktop because of its legacy design.
Hence, I believe it’s a perfect choice for a set of beginner users.
Pros
What makes it a great choice?
Cons
But these are some of the constraints
Fedora Linux with KDE Plasma desktop can be an ideal distro for new users to power users. There are many reasons for this. Firstly, unlike Ubuntu, Fedora Linux is a little advanced and a pioneer in bringing new emerging technology to you. Hence, if you are a beginner in Linux and have modern hardware, Fedora is a perfect choice.
Besides that, the KDE Plasma desktop is a powerful desktop with a vast selection of customisation options. A famous tagline perfectly fits KDE Plasma – “Simple by default, powerful when needed”.
Fedora KDE EditionHence, the blend of Fedora Linux and KDE Plasma is perhaps the most intuitive and powerful combination for all types of Linux users.
Finally, a friendly community of Fedora and KDE Plasma must be another reason to choose this distro over others.
Pros
What makes it a great choice?
Cons
But these are some of the constraints
Pop OS is a Linux distribution created by Americal computer manufacturer System76 for its hardware line-up. Although it is primarily designed for its hardware, it is free to download and use.
The primary reason I think it is perfect for a new user is that it’s designed to be a powerful distro which works well with modern graphics card line-ups and AI-ML workloads. In addition, Pop OS also features a dedicated installer for NVIDIA cards so that you do not require to spend time installing drivers.
Besides that, it’s customised “COSMIC Desktop” brings built-in tiling features, well-designed system tray controls and an application repository called “Pop Shop”.
The Pop Shop is an attractive app which gives you easy access to thousands of apps classified by your use case – Study, Development, Gaming, etc.
Pop OSFinally, due to its popularity, many leading computer manufacturers such as HP and Lenovo launched several Laptop models with Pop OS as the default operating system instead of Windows.
Hence, Pop OS is one of the best contenders in this list as a beginner Linux distro.
Pros
What makes it a great choice?
Cons
But these are some of the constraints
The elementaryOS is famous for its looks and design. It’s the best distro for beginners who wants a mix of aesthetics and stability in Linux. This distro is heavily inspired by macOS and its design principle. IF you are a macOS user and want to jump into the Linux world, this is a perfect distro.
At its core, it is powered by the Ubuntu long-term support editions, which give you the necessary security and bug fixes for more than 5 years with extended support.
elementary OS 6 ODIN DesktopOne advantage of elementary OS for a beginner is its own “App Center”, which is loaded with curated applications for your daily needs. These apps are designed to work well and give you an immersive experience within the desktop itself.
Finally, the Pantheon desktop is perhaps the best-designed desktop environment among all the options listed here.
Pros
What makes it a great choice?
Cons
But these are some of the constraints
The last Linux distro for beginners in this list is the famous Deepin OS. It features the stunning Deepin desktop environment popular among Windows and macOS users.
The Deepin desktop is known for its out-of-the-box aesthetics, customisation options and design. At the core, Deepin is powered by a Debian-stable branch, which means the support lifecycle is available for more than five years.
Deepin 20 DesktopMoreover, Deepin brings its own “App Store”, which features selected applications and is easier to download/install/uninstall software for beginners.
Deepin also supports advanced features such as face unlock, fingerprint login, etc.
Pros
What makes it a great choice?
Cons
But these are some of the constraints
I hope this list of Linux distro(s) for beginners helps you choose the best one for your needs. The above list comprises a blend of different desktop environments suitable for novice users. I also gave some hints about the advantages & disadvantages of each one of the beginner’s distros (s). Although, the pros and cons are subjective and depend on individual taste. But I tried to keep a balance while featuring those.
Also, I have not included any distro based on Arch Linux consciously because it is a little difficult for new users. There are many user-friendly Arch-based distros, such as Manjaro Linux, but I firmly believe Arch should not be a starting point for new users in their Linux journey.
I always use the xfce desktop
I really like xfce. I’m currently using KDE and am getting to like it as well.
I use Mint and am quite happy with it.
Someone posted about a version that was very much like windows- I hadn’t heard of it before, but now can’t recall the name. I checked it out, but it looked like maybe a work in progress, so,I didn’t check it further. Though i should try it on a spare hd jusy for something g to do. I. Thinking it was called something like xplinux or soemthing like that. I’ll see if I can find it somehow
I've been using it for years. I loves my Mint!
“Cons
But these are some of the constraints
Not much of an eye-candy desktop
Legacy desktop layout (menu & icons)” [Linux Mint]
Sound like Pros to me....
Note that it is nearly trivial to add a photo as wallpaper in Mint. [Distros tend to supply a number of attractive choices, but one can round up one’s own].
I’ve been all Linux for about 8 years now. Started with Redhat Fedora but have been using linux Mint the last 5 years.
Saved a lot of money. No gaping holes or needs to be filled.
Libre Office (for Word and Excel compatibility)
MariaDB (Mysql)
Netbeans for Java development.Gimp for photoshopping.
Blender for Video and 3D models for 3D printing.
Apache webserver for hosting my websites through static IP
I’m a bit of a power user. But without the Microsoft until death tax.
Good info...Thanks Much
So I would expect Linux to gain many new users.
Also read
Get over it: Microsoft is a Linux and open source company these days
https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-the-linux-company/
I have been using Ubuntu for the shop office always on machine. It has been the easiest for me to get working with the tethering app, PDAnet, for unlimited data off my cell phone plan. I go through hundreds of gigs a month and tmobile just sends a text warning they may throttle. They never do. I don’t do much with linux except for music and podcasts and running a local backup server. All my engineering and design software requires window$.
Linux Mint babe!
One of the "Con's" of Ubuntu is listed as:
Requires modern hardware for better performance
The bare-bones minimum requirements for any Linux distribution should be 8Gb of memory, which is no different than Windows for the last 8+ years now. (I know, Windows says 4Gb, that's not realistic and Windows runs like a pig on three legs with only 4Gb.)
My 12+ year old AMD FX-8350 with a fairly old NVIDIA video card and a reasonable 500Gb Samsung SSD runs Linux 22.04 with Linux Kernel 5.18 very well. Enough so that I use it for my Ham Radio operations and DSP audio processing & editing.
While I haven't tried a number of the distributions on this list, I've been hard pressed to find any hardware made in the last 10-12 years that doesn't have at bare minimum a 2 core Intel or AMD CPU, 8Gb of memory that won't run Linux.
I frequently get older hardware in, clean it, refurbish it, add a cheap SSD here and there, install Linux, Brave Browser, Libre Office on it, secure it, ensure it runs reasonably well and then donate it to someone who needs it. I've done more of these than I can recall. I've yet to run across an older PC that meets the minimum requirements above, that won't run a reasonably well supported version of Linux, Ubuntu being my personal preference.
If you have older hardware 'laying around' give Linux a try. (Again, my preference is Ubuntu and it's install is as easy/simpler than Microsoft Windows. An average computer user can easily install it.)
What would you recommend for a USB stick distro? (For those of us not ready to take the final leap)
Hmm. Good question. My first reaction would be to say try out Ventoy:
Ventoy is an open source tool to create bootable USB drive for ISO/WIM/IMG/VHD(x)/EFI files.This would give you the opportunity to try out pretty much anything you want without the cumbersome process of installing the distro onto the USB stick. Ventoy will just use the existing ISO/image that you download.
With ventoy, you don't need to format the disk over and over, you just need to copy the ISO/WIM/IMG/VHD(x)/EFI files to the USB drive and boot them directly.
You can copy many files at a time and ventoy will give you a boot menu to select them (screenshot).
You can also browse ISO/WIM/IMG/VHD(x)/EFI files in local disks and boot them.
x86 Legacy BIOS, IA32 UEFI, x86_64 UEFI, ARM64 UEFI and MIPS64EL UEFI are supported in the same way.
Most types of OS supported (Windows/WinPE/Linux/ChromeOS/Unix/VMware/Xen...)
920+ image files are tested (list), 90%+ distros in distrowatch.com supported (details)
If not Ventoy, try out Linux Mint or PCLinuxOS
Some form of a load of Linux that is a persistent setup so one can put data on the USB stick and then use it in a different computer where the Linux IDs the hardware on the different machine and then loads up your regular desktop.
Here’s one set of instructions: https://www.fosslinux.com/60398/create-a-linux-mint-usb-drive-with-persistence.htm
I loved them until they dropped KDE :/
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