Which Linux distro to install in the future?

[bingbongbangbung]

Currently using Acer Nitro 5 laptop, but when I eventually upgrade to a high end custom PC, I'll natively boot into Linux and then virtually boot into Windows. I have used Ubuntu, RedHat, and some CLI distro before, but those were for my classes in college inside VMs (yes I know they lag more in them). Excluding my use of Android, I don't regularly use Linux at all, so I don't know which to choose. Currently on Windows 10 and I'll most likely abandon Microsoft completely except for using it in a VM for the few programs that don't work or have issues in Linux.

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[Oliverlogan263]

Here are some distro options I would consider for your new high-end custom PC:

- Pop!_OS - Based on Ubuntu but optimized for gaming and high-performance systems. User friendly and has Nvidia/AMD drivers built in. Good choice if you want something that just works.

- Manjaro - Arch-based but easier to use than plain Arch. Still bleeding edge but stable. More customizable than Pop so you can tweak it more. Great for true power users.

- Zorin OS - Another Ubuntu variant but tries to mimic the Windows UI a bit more. Good if you find Ubuntu too "Linux-y" coming from Windows. Still very capable.

- Fedora - A great middle ground between cutting edge and stability. Backed by Red Hat so very polished. A bit more involved than Pop or Zorin but very solid.

- OpenSUSE - Very configurable like Manjaro but with its own tools and package management. Long term stability thanks to SUSE's enterprise background.

I'd maybe start with Pop or Zorin to ease the transition, see how you like it, then consider Manjaro or Fedora once you want more tinkering power. Ultimately try some live USBs and pick the one that fits your vibe. With a high-end PC you can't go wrong really - just pick one that looks cool! Let me know if any other questions come up.

[bingbongbangbung]

I don't have a high end PC yet

[Oliverlogan263]

No worries man, don't even sweat it. You'll get your dope new rig built eventually, just takes time to save up the bucks for all that sweet hardware.

In the meantime don't feel like you gotta run Linux on it to be legit, y'know? Your laptop will still let you mess around and learn the ropes. Maybe start with a distro like Linux Mint - it's pretty lightweight so it shouldn't bog down your current setup. Or try one in a virtual machine if you want.

The important thing is just playing around and seeing what you dig about Linux. Command line, tweaking little things, finding new apps - it's all part of the fun. No need to wait on a monster computer to get your learn on.

Plus now you got time to browse forums and subreddits, get hype for all the dope configs you'll do in the future. Dream big, my dude! By the time your new battlestation's done you'll be a freakin' Linux wizard.

Just keep your head up, stay curious, and save those pennies. Your tech dreams will come, bro, just takes some patience. But no matter what you use, the OS is secondary - it's the nerding out that really matters!

[bingbongbangbung]

Yeah I have messed with it before, but my laptop isn't fast enough to run Linux in a VM without any lag, unless it's a distro that is CLI based instead of having a GUI. My laptop has a Nvidia GPU which any Linux veteran knows doesn't work that well there, even with superior open source drivers. I also don't wanna dual boot from the same SSD because Windows doesn't like that, and my second SSD is for storing games and other personal software.

[Oliverlogan263]

Ah man that sucks about the Nvidia GPU, I've heard they can be a pain with Linux. Since you can't run it in a VM without lag and don't want to dual boot, your best option for now is probably just sticking with Windows on your laptop.

Once you build your new PC though, definitely go with a Linux distro natively. With better hardware it'll run super smooth. Maybe by that time Nvidia support will be even better too.

For now maybe you could mess around with a CLI-only distro in a VM just to learn more about Linux. Or check out the different desktop environments in live USBs when you get a chance, without installing. That way you can get familiar with it before committing to your new build.

But yeah, with your current laptop's limitations Windows is probably the most hassle-free for now. Just don't forget about Linux when you upgrade! Let me know if you have any other questions.

[syncheart]

I prefer Linux Mint XFCE. No matter what Linux distro and DE you choose, you will need to do some customizing to get it to look and feel exactly the way you want.

[bingbongbangbung]

Yeah I guess Mint is a good start

[syncheart]

I have used other ones, and found that Linux mint works the best over all.

[IslaTheWitch]

AFAIK VMs on Ubuntu are working OK now. But I've been on macos for 5 years so I don't follow Ubuntu updates anymore

[bingbongbangbung]

Ubuntu isn't the only popular distro; there's also Arch, Debian, PopOS, Mint, RedHat, etc

[IslaTheWitch]

I know, but I worked mainly on RedHat, which requires a lot of custom settings before everything starts to work and Ubuntu, which works as expected without any additional customisation.

I used Debian as a server for my deployments.

[bingbongbangbung]

I just want a user friendly Linux distro, so something like Ubuntu or Mint

[IslaTheWitch]

That's why I wrote Ubuntu. It's my opinion. You don't have to agree with it lol

[bingbongbangbung]

Uh ok but do you have any other suggestions?

[llorando]

It really up to your personal preference, but if your new to Linux, then a Ubuntu based distro like Mint and Elementary OS would be a good place to start, both offer a live version so you can try them without installing them. Right now I have Elementary OS installed on my laptop, it has a clean, elegant user interface and is based on Debian/Ubuntu. FYI, you can dual boot Linux and Windows without a virtual machine (if you don't want windows connected to the internet, disable network/wifi adapter in device manager), I do on my desktop, when I turn it on, I get the option to either boot into Linux or Windows. If it wasn't for gaming I'd use Linux 100% of the time.

[WonderingManII]

I like Linux Mint.

[Jennz6]

Don’t get Linux

[bingbongbangbung]

I will because Windows is too much of a security and privacy risk, and I don't wanna use Windows 11 or whatever comes after when Windows 10 is discontinued. Especially since I have my own startup, Windows is an even bigger threat to my privacy and security to me.