128
New to Linux which OS to use? (lemdro.id)
submitted 1 day ago by TheMilk@lemdro.id to c/linux@programming.dev
139 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Finally making the transition from Windows to a Linux. I'm pretty sure it's been asked several times but which Linux OS would you recommend a beginner to use? I've seen Ubuntu and Mint as a good start. Not looking to do much. Game here and there (not too worried about Linux compatibility), streaming, editing videos. If I break any rules. I'm sorry.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] ArcaneSlime@lemmy.dbzer0.com 8 points 11 hours ago

It's been asked a million times, and it'll be answered every time, and the answers will mostly be "Mint, Fedora, FedoraKDE, and if you wanna game Bazzite."

The real advice that gets posted less, regardless of distro:

  • Back up your important files to an external drive, often. It's entirely possible you'll fuck up an install beyond repair (or beyond what you know how to do at the time) and you end up reinstalling. If you can just put your important files back and be up and running, nothing of value is lost.

  • Don't be scared of the terminal, it's incredibly useful. Look up a few YT vids like "bash basics" or "linux terminal for beginners" or something and follow along like it's a class, you'll soon be comfortable enough to use it when you need it, and you will, and you may come to love it. It's not as bad as windows cmd! Be careful when using sudo or su, that's when you could really screw up the system (but mostly it'll be fine just be careful.

And most importantly, have fun!

[-] Barbarian@sh.itjust.works 1 points 4 minutes ago* (last edited 4 minutes ago)

Here's an absolute classic unix koan about the terminal:

One evening, Master Foo and Nubi attended a gathering of programmers who had met to learn from each other. One of the programmers asked Nubi to what school he and his master belonged. Upon being told they were followers of the Great Way of Unix, the programmer grew scornful.

“The command-line tools of Unix are crude and backward,” he scoffed. “Modern, properly designed operating systems do everything through a graphical user interface.”

Master Foo said nothing, but pointed at the moon. A nearby dog began to bark at the master's hand.

“I don't understand you!” said the programmer.

Master Foo remained silent, and pointed at an image of the Buddha. Then he pointed at a window.

“What are you trying to tell me?” asked the programmer.

Master Foo pointed at the programmer's head. Then he pointed at a rock.

“Why can't you make yourself clear?” demanded the programmer.

Master Foo frowned thoughtfully, tapped the programmer twice on the nose, and dropped him in a nearby trashcan.

As the programmer was attempting to extricate himself from the garbage, the dog wandered over and piddled on him.

At that moment, the programmer achieved enlightenment

Source: https://catb.org/~esr/writings/unix-koans/gui-programmer.html

this post was submitted on 29 Nov 2025
128 points (96.4% liked)

Linux

10301 readers
689 users here now

A community for everything relating to the GNU/Linux operating system (except the memes!)

Also, check out:

Original icon base courtesy of lewing@isc.tamu.edu and The GIMP

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
Ategon@programming.dev
anzo@programming.dev
dwraf_of_ignorance@programming.dev