Alright, peeps, I want to build Linux on my new PC and need some help with that. On my old PC, I had kubuntu installed, which I liked (at least until downloading Skype fried most of my installers and rebuffed all attempts at deinstallation). When installing kubuntu, I had a lot of help (and by a lot, I mean my friend did like 90% of the work) but as I don’t see them quite as often and I would like to be a little more self-sufficient this time around, I implore thee, Linux users of Hexbear. So here are some general questions:
- Which distribution is right for me?
I have some experience with MINT and kubuntu. I really liked the KDE environment of kubuntu and generally preferred it to MINT. My friend uses archlinux, but they also warned me that arch requires a bit of expertise and isn’t necessarily user firendly. It looked really cool, though. I am willing to learn, but I generally suck with computers. I will mostly use my PC for basic programming tasks and data analysis (mostly python using jupyter, but I would like to learn some basics in C++), similar work related tasks (using TeX-Studio, the pdf editing functions of programs like okular, Libre office on rare occasions etc.) and the occasional Minecraft session.
- Where can I find useful resources for learning about a given distribution?
Keep in mind that I suck absolute shit at computers. I know how to access/use the basic functions of the terminal and how to superficially navigate the PC, but anything beyond that is magic to me.
- Y’all got any good wallpapers?
A FALGSC themed wallpaper that doesn’t burn your eyes out due to being perdominantly red would be cool.
-
Pop!_OS and Zorin OS are both really nice beginner friendly distros (besides the ones already mentioned).
With all you’re describing, you can’t suck at using computers.
Someone knowing how to use terminal is already a god to me😅
-
I generally aim newbies at Mint, but ubuntu derived distros are pretty easy and stuff often ‘just works’. That’s why my daily driver is xubuntu.
-
All over the place, really. Another advantage of ubuntu derived distros is you’ll find a lot of the tutorials and stuff will assume you’re using ubuntu. I just hit a search engine if I need help with something.
-
Can’t help you there I’m afraid.
- 1
If you’re looking for something that won’t break, Debian and openSUSE Tumbleweed are two good options. Both offer the Plasma desktop, though openSUSE may have an easier installation interface for some. Note that some video codecs aren’t (officially) available, so if playing “differently acquired” media is a concern, perhaps Debian would be easier.
If you wanna try arch, consider EndeavourOS. It simplifies the installation process significantly, though it doesn’t do much to help maintain the system. That’s on you. Avoid Manjaro like a plague.
- 2
The Arch Wiki is universally considered the best source. 99% of what you’ll see on there will work on any linux distro, so don’t worry about the name. Aside from that, your favourite search engine is your best bet.
- 3
No clue what FALGCS means, but https://wallhaven.cc a great place for wallpapers.
Edit: seems the Manjarno site is down. Shame, genuinely useful site for times like this.
An alternative to Kubuntu is TuxedoOS (similar to PopOS (Gnome) but for KDE). You can also try KDE Neon.
You can use VM to install and try new distro, worst case you make a new VM and start again.
For learning, if it was me I would just roll with Arch, using distro like Garuda that has BTRFS rollback or even EndeavourOS. A fuck up can be saved from BTRFS rollback, back up dual boost or 2nd pc.
