Hello! I’m getting a new (windows) laptop that I’ll mainly be using for writing text documents, surfing the web, and basically doing studenty things. I thought I’d use the chance to give linux a try since I’m too scared to jump in head first and trying to move everything over on my main computer. I’m not tech savvy at all but after watching a lot of videos explaining the basics and reading the guides here to help beginners pick a distribution, I think I’ve narrowed it down to either Linux Mint Cinnamon or Ubuntu (leaning towards Kubuntu because it looks a lot like Windows).
The two big things for me are 1. I don’t want to use the command window for everything, or really much of anything, at least at the start. and 2. I currently use Proton VPN and I’d like to use it on this new laptop too. Unfortunately, based on what I saw on the Proton website, if I want to use it on linux it looks like the only way is to get it on Ubuntu, Debian, or Fedora using the console. I don’t really want to switch away from Proton VPN right now, so while I’m sure there are other vpns that are more linux-friendly, that will have to be something I consider in the future. So, does this mean I should use Ubuntu? And will Kubuntu work or would I have to use a different version of Ubuntu? And is there no way to get Proton without using the console?
A few less important considerations for me are if I’m able to change to a custom mouse pointer (I currently use a cute one that I’d like to also use on the new laptop) and if keyboard shortcuts like alt-tabbing work or are easily configurable. If none of the beginner friendly distros support those then it’s fine, but they would be nice.
Also, I’m kind of confused about how updating things works on linux. Will I be able to easily update to a new version of whatever distro I’m using? Do I even want to update to the newest version? And is there a way to be notified and set auto-updates for some applications? I’ve seen quite a few threads and questions about having to manually update things, but if I get an application from the software manager then will it be as easy as a clicking a button?
I know I’ll have to adjust and just learn-by-doing some things no matter which distro I pick, and I’m willing to try out some other distros in the future. I just want to ease my way into things. So based on all that, should I just go for Linux Mint like most new users? Or would you recommend a completely different distro?
Just for reference, uhhh how easy is it to fuck up the process of trying and then installing a linux distro? Like completely-make-the-computer-unusable fuck up? Because that’s my biggest fear
P.s. I’m sorry to make another “what distro do I use” thread, but I had some questions that I didn’t see answers for in the other threads. And honestly, I’ll feel a lot more comfortable with switching if I feel like I’ve actually talked it out with people who know what they’re doing.
Edit: Hello! I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who responded! I read them all, but literature cafe was down and I could edit the post from my alt acc. After trying out a couple distros from usbs (and panicking during the installation) I ended up on Kubuntu! I’m liking it a lot, and I’m gonna slowly learn to use some basic commands. Thank you to everyone for being so encouraging! I literally would have given up without you all <3
That makes sense. I have found a new love for KDE. I had been a GNOME user for years before but I went with Pop_OS for a bit before feeling like that was a bit old. I moved over to Kubuntu for the new Plasma 6 hotness and I really like it. I’ve run Arch before and wasn’t really keen on the instability so I haven’t delved into any of the derivatives yet, although they are looking nice these days. Maybe I’ll dip my toes in those waters soon. I’m still in a test phase for full-time desktop Linux, though. I’m probably going to buy a Tuxedo laptop soon and I plan to give their OS a try with the purchase.
KDE’s great. The Arch derivatives have that same constant new software churn and sometimes broken bleeding edge packages too. I went full time a few years ago and I’ve been extremely happy. Best of luck to you!
That’s my only concern with running pure Arch. I like my computer to be usable. I’m well beyond the state where I want to spend more time tinkering and repairing than using. I do like the idea of rolling release but not bleeding edge (i.e., released 5 minutes ago). Also, I removed snaps from my Kubuntu instance first thing.
Nice yeah I gave snaps a fair shot when they rolled out but then I witnessed firsthand the horrible upgrade experience that is snap with a Firefox upgrade and removed it. Fuck snaps.
The way I see Arch upgrades you really have 2 choices with their own pros and cons:
Upgrade infrequently (say once a month):
Pros: software stays the same so nothing breaks, no forced restarting of anything. Cons: If a new package broke something, you now have a much more difficult time picking out which package out of hundreds caused the trouble. I’ve heard that waiting too long to upgrade can cause things to break.
Upgrade frequently (every day which is what I do):
Pros: If a package caused an issue, you can more easily narrow it down and exclude it from updates. I had to do this for a few months after Plasma 6 was released, it was unusable. Cons: More restarting of services and reboots to ensure you’re on the latest version. When there are KDE core upgrades I’ll relog my session because sometimes things get weird with old and new libraries being used at the same time. There’s also just more useless system activity this way, for example sometimes I’ll update my kernel twice in a week but not reboot for a week or two. I now exclude kernel updates until I’m ready to reboot to avoid disk writes.
I really like how Debian and most other distros explicitly tell you that the update you’re doing is a security update. On Arch a typo fix warrants you installing a whole new version of the package.
I gave snaps a fair shake as well. I’ve never been beholden to any specific distro or family line either so I’ve always been open for new and better. I just struggled with the lock-in and the slower responsiveness.
I didn’t have much trouble with updates on the Arch side but I saw it more as an accomplishment than a daily driver. I did run it for a few years on an older system where I needed to squeeze out efficiency. I haven’t been one of those users that needed to tweak everything always for a long time.
I also appreciate the delineation between regular updates and security updates. I did my biweekly system updates for work yesterday and that delineation helps me gauge the time it will take before pressing enter.