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Which distro for a non-technical windows user? (gehirneimer.de)
submitted 4 days 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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[-] BentiGorlich@gehirneimer.de 3 points 4 days ago

I don't have any experience with atmoic distros, so I think it is too much of a risk for me ๐Ÿ˜…

[-] Kirk@startrek.website 3 points 4 days ago

It's actually slightly less risk especially for someone's PC you won't be around 100% of the time to help fix. Immutable just means the system files can't be edited.

The "atomic" part means it gets frequent (daily, if desired) updates but you can change in the settings to only check monthly so it doesn't feel crazy.

[-] ElectricWaterfall@lemmy.zip 1 points 4 days ago

I think the atomic part actually means the updates are not applied until restarting the system.

[-] Kirk@startrek.website 1 points 3 days ago

Oh interesting I read "atomic" and assumed it meant small. As in small updates to an immutable system.

[-] ElectricWaterfall@lemmy.zip 1 points 3 days ago

Makes sense, this article has a section that does a good job explaining it: https://www.linuxnest.com/what-is-an-immutable-distro/

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

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