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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Distro recommendations and the right questions to ask (lemmy.ml)

submitted 4 days ago by GaumBeist@lemmy.ml to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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A lot of distro recommendation threads focus on the questions that novices think are important, but leave out the questions people would have after experiencing the differences (things that distro-hoppers might ask). As such, answers vary between "use _____, I found it very user friendly" and "use whatever, you can turn any distro into any other, and tweak it to your needs."

What are some questions that newbies should ask when deciding on which distro to use as the basis for their system. Things like "what package manager suits my needs and how do I try out different ones without changing distros?" Or "what is a desktop environment/window manager, and how do I figure out which suits me?" Or "how does an init system affect my user experience as a newbie?" Or "how what are the choices made by such-and-such distro during install?"

Bonus points for also answering the questions you propose (I don't have answers, picked a distro and stuck with it)

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[–] folaht@lemmy.ml 6 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (2 children)

What are some questions that newbies should ask when deciding on which distro to use as the basis for their system?

Do I want to get rid of windows without too much hassle?

Yes? → Linux Mint
No? → Linux Mint

Once you're used to Linux Mint cinnamon, you can start hopping to other DEs like KDE, Gnome 3, Cosmic or XFCE.
And then once you're used to that, you can hop to other distros.

[–] Allero@lemmy.today 4 points 3 days ago (1 children)

I absolutely hate that Linux Mint doesn't come with KDE anymore.

It's an otherwise brilliant newbie distro, but I feel it would feel limiting and outdated to many, featuring Cinnamon or XFCE.

[–] madthumbs@lemmy.world 0 points 3 days ago

Typically, this kind of anecdotal n00by nonsense accompanies newer, less heard of distros. There's plenty of bitching and legit gripes about Mint filling forums nowadays.

[–] banause@feddit.org 1 points 3 days ago

At first I wanted to disagree. But honestly, the more I think about it, you are right.