Learning the ins and outs of Linux can be quite a challenge. Even though it’s one of the most widely used operating systems, there are so many different distributions out there that choosing the right one for your needs can be tricky. If you’re new to the world of Linux and aren’t sure where to begin, you should consider trying out one of these top five beginner-friendly distros.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu has been the most popular Linux distro for years, and it’s a great choice for beginners. It’s a bit more user-friendly than other distros, and it’s also the most widely supported by third-party software providers. Ubuntu is a good choice for both desktops and servers, and it also comes in a few different flavors (such as Ubuntu Budgie, Ubuntu MATE, Ubuntu Kylin, and Ubuntu Studio). Ubuntu’s Welcome application is a good starting point for new users, and there are lots of helpful tutorials and documentation online. There are also lots of user forums where you can ask questions if you get stuck. Ubuntu is based on the Debian Linux distro, which means it’s a bit more technical than other beginner-friendly distros like Mint and Fedora. If you want to learn more about Linux, Ubuntu is a great choice.
Linux Mint
Linux Mint is another very beginner-friendly distribution that’s based on the Debian Linux distro. It’s a good choice if you want a more user-friendly experience than Ubuntu, but you don’t want to completely remove yourself from the Linux ecosystem. Mint is based on the Gnome 3 desktop environment, which is much more user-friendly than Ubuntu’s Unity desktop. Mint is a great choice for both desktops and laptops, and it’s also easy to install on other devices like Raspberry Pi boards. If you’re planning on dual-booting Ubuntu and Mint on the same computer, you can use a tool called mintSwap to make the transition between operating systems a bit easier. Mint has an excellent selection of documentation and tutorials, along with lots of user forums where you can ask questions. It also has a built-in helpdesk feature so you can report bugs and other issues directly to the developers.
Debian
Debian is a bit less user-friendly than Mint, but it’s an excellent choice if you want a more technical experience. The sheer number of different versions and configurations you can choose from makes it easier to find the perfect distro for your needs. If you’re looking for something as close to vanilla Linux as possible, Debian is a great choice. You can also install it on a wide variety of devices, including Raspberry Pi boards, Android devices, and even Amazon Echo devices. If you’re planning on running Debian on a server, you should consider trying a slightly more user-friendly distribution like CentOS. Debian has a huge selection of documentation and tutorials, but it’s less user-friendly than other distros. If you get stuck, you can also report bugs directly to the developers.
CentOS
Like Debian, CentOS is less user-friendly than other beginner-friendly distros like Linux Mint and Ubuntu. It’s a good choice if you want more technical experience and wants to learn more about Linux. CentOS is a free and open source enterprise-level Linux distribution that’s extremely stable and secure. It’s also used by sites like Wikipedia and NASA. CentOS is a good choice if you want to run Linux on a server, or if you want to learn more about how Linux works. It’s very common in data centers and on cloud computing platforms like Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud. CentOS is also very popular among people who want to run Linux on old or discontinued hardware. CentOS is less user-friendly than other distros, but it has a large selection of documentation and tutorials.
Fedora
Fedora is a great choice for Linux beginners who are interested in trying something very different from Ubuntu. It’s a community-driven project that prides itself on being completely open source and free. It’s also one of the most beginner-friendly Linux distributions, as it includes lots of helpful apps and software tools out of the box. If you’re a Mac user, you’ll also appreciate that Fedora is completely compatible with your Macbook. It’s also a great choice if you’re interested in tinkering and building your own Linux distribution from scratch. If you want to run Linux on your PC, you can simply download a live disk image. You can also use it to install Linux on your Mac or other devices.
Final Words: Which distro to choose?
When choosing a Linux distro for beginners, you should consider what you want to get out of the experience. If you want a user-friendly experience, try Linux Mint or Fedora. If you want something a bit more technical and open source, try Debian or CentOS. No matter which distro you choose, you’ll find plenty of helpful documentation and tutorials online to get you started.