(Page for newbie users to choose Linux distributions, it's not too complete yet, but it's also too late for me to stay up right now so if you want to make changes, do so please. It covers the usual troubles you face when choosing distros, different types of distros (not exactly done) and a good enough introduction.) |
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=== Rolling Release Distribution's === | === Rolling Release Distribution's === | ||
[ | [https://endeavouros.com/ EndeavourOS] is a good introduction into rolling release distributions, it provides what Arch Linux does with the benefit of a GUI to boot and many applications that you would find in the terminal, as GUI applications as well. | ||
[[Arch Linux]] is a rolling release distribution that is commonly used on its own, or as foundation for other rolling release distributions. | [[Arch Linux]] is a rolling release distribution that is commonly used on its own, or as foundation for other rolling release distributions. | ||
[ | [https://www.opensuse.org/ OpenSUSE] is a good option if you do not want to use Arch or it's derivatives, but want to use a rolling release distribution. It also has custom tools such as snapper which handle system snapshots. | ||
=== General Purpose === | === General Purpose === | ||
[ | [https://fedoraproject.org/ Fedora], while it primarily uses GNOME, it has many differing desktop environments or "spins", that could emulate the look of macOS, Windows, or you could go for a tiling window manager! (Don't worry about not knowing what that means yet, you aren't missing out.) | ||
With Fedora, you are also getting the package testing seen in Debian, but the package releases close to what you would see in Arch Linux. It's a good in between that works if you just want to move to Linux for the first time. | With Fedora, you are also getting the package testing seen in Debian, but the package releases close to what you would see in Arch Linux. It's a good in between that works if you just want to move to Linux for the first time. | ||
[ | [https://www.linuxmint.com/ Linux Mint] is also a good starter, with it being a very popular distribution with a massive community behind it. It is based off of Ubuntu, while not having as many of the problems (if you want to call it that) that Ubuntu has. | ||
Linux Mint also uses the Cinnamon desktop environment, which if you have used Windows for long enough, may feel familiar. | Linux Mint also uses the Cinnamon desktop environment, which if you have used Windows for long enough, may feel familiar. | ||
Revision as of 23:58, 3 June 2024
Introduction
Welcome to Tux's Linux Distribution parlor, what are you getting today, a ROLLING release distribution or a STABLE distribution?
This should function as a general guide to what distribution you should get with factors such as "what you want" being taken into account.
Usual troubles
One may look at your distribution as being "inferior", this should always be ignored as you probably haven't gotten used to Linux user etiquette at this moment, for the best you shouldn't.
If you find your distribution to be a lot less as promised as you thought, it would probably be a solid idea to try something new until you find that distribution that suits you best.
What do you want out of a distribution?
With so many Linux distributions, there has to be quirks about one that doesn't exist in the other. One may be born to be "as quick as lightning" while another may be born "to break free from the norms of modern Linux distributions".
Rolling Release Distribution's
EndeavourOS is a good introduction into rolling release distributions, it provides what Arch Linux does with the benefit of a GUI to boot and many applications that you would find in the terminal, as GUI applications as well.
Arch Linux is a rolling release distribution that is commonly used on its own, or as foundation for other rolling release distributions.
OpenSUSE is a good option if you do not want to use Arch or it's derivatives, but want to use a rolling release distribution. It also has custom tools such as snapper which handle system snapshots.
General Purpose
Fedora, while it primarily uses GNOME, it has many differing desktop environments or "spins", that could emulate the look of macOS, Windows, or you could go for a tiling window manager! (Don't worry about not knowing what that means yet, you aren't missing out.)
With Fedora, you are also getting the package testing seen in Debian, but the package releases close to what you would see in Arch Linux. It's a good in between that works if you just want to move to Linux for the first time.
Linux Mint is also a good starter, with it being a very popular distribution with a massive community behind it. It is based off of Ubuntu, while not having as many of the problems (if you want to call it that) that Ubuntu has.
Linux Mint also uses the Cinnamon desktop environment, which if you have used Windows for long enough, may feel familiar.