Re: First time Linux user – Best distro to start?

On 2026-03-16, Stefan Ram <[email protected]> wrote:
> Oguz Kaan Ocal <[email protected]> wrote or quoted:
>>I haven’t used Linux since I got a computer. I’m thinking of switching 
>>to Linux. Which distro should I use?
>
>   Want that Windows vibe? Go with Linux Mint or Zorin OS. Need the most
>   community support? Ubuntu is where you want to be. Looking to lock in
>   stability and wrap your head around Linux fundamentals? Debian is the
>   call. Into gaming or dealing with NVIDIA cards? Pop!_OS is the way to
>   go.
>
>

I helped someone install Linux on their desktop and laptop, because they
wanted to move away from Windows and Microsoft because they didn't trust
Microsoft.  They wanted to not have spyware, tracking, AI, etc.  This
person has no special knowledge or interest in computers.

I installed Linux Mint.  He's feedback, months later is its great, he's
glad he's made the switch and it works fine.  Just for browsing, Office
software, mail, etc.

I chose Linux Mint for him because the distro itself doesn't seem overly
political, because its easy to use, because it has a wide range of
software for it (being Debian based), and because, if he ever wanted to
use a differnt desktop, it can be installed.  Most important thing, was
that he could just install it, that he'd be able to use the software he
might need to isntall and use (Spotify, Zoom, etc), and it will be
supported and around for quite some time.