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Which distro for a non-technical windows user? (gehirneimer.de)
submitted 3 months ago by BentiGorlich@gehirneimer.de to c/linux@programming.dev
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Hi everyone, I am planning to install linux on my friends laptop and I am not sure which distro to install for them.

The options I am considering:

  • Fedora: I have it on my PC and since I will be the first person to be asked, I thought it would be best if I know the distro well
  • Mint: is a default suggestion, but I am not sure if it is different enough from the Windows look that one does not expect it to behave the same as Windows
  • Ubuntu: most widely available in forums, etc. And a good starting point in my opinion

What do you guys think?

EDIT: Thanks for all the suggestions, I think I'll stick with Fedora and let them try Gnome, KDE and Cinnamon :)

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[-] MagicShel@lemmy.zip 6 points 3 months ago

I use Mint. I got used to it very quickly. I have a harder time going back and forth between that and my MacBook. I've used Ubuntu. It's fine also.

It's been so long since I've used Fedora that my opinion would be outdated, but I observe it has many adherents, which it wouldn't if it was terrible.

I really like Mint, but if you're looking for something that screams "not windows" I guess you could look elsewhere. I'm not a big fan of "how the fuck do I..." and for the most part Mint has worked as I'd expect.

[-] Diplomjodler3@lemmy.world 3 points 3 months ago

I'm also a happy Mint user. If you look for something that just works and causes minimal hassle, it's an excellent choice.

this post was submitted on 20 Oct 2025
47 points (98.0% liked)

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