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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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Obligatory Distro Choice Question (lemmy.zip)

submitted 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) by NorthWestWind@lemmy.zip to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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EDIT: Ended up going for Kubuntu anyway. Installed it with separate / and /home so in case they want to explore more there's the option.

I daily drove Linux for about 6 years and finally managed to convince some of my family members to try it!

However, I realized I don't have a lot of ideas about beginner distros. I have some requirements that led me to some decisions, but there doesn't seem to be a fit-all option:

Minimal maintenance -> Debian-based (stable release)
High compatibility -> Debian-based (.deb seems more convenient than say, AUR)
Familiarity -> KDE Plasma (looks like Windows, very customizable)

It's for a Thinkpad X1. The main purpose is going to be academics.

All of that points to Kubuntu, but I worry about the Canonical Snap store stuff.

Everyone recommends Linux Mint for starters, but it doesn't come with a KDE Plasma flavour. I know I can install it myself, but the integration is gonna be bad and they're gonna bug me a lot.

I use Endeavour OS personally, so I'm somewhat familiar with Arch-based system. I guess .debs can be installed with debtap, but that feels like a whole another hacky solution. I have done university courses with my Endeavour OS laptop and I know quite a bit of software comes in .deb but not AUR.

What should I pick for them? And should I get more input from them? If so, what should I ask about?

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[–] CameronDev@programming.dev 1 points 4 days ago (1 children)

At the cost of a little disk space, you can install KDE,gnome,i3,etc, and they can try each.

Is this user far away, and will they need support?

[–] NorthWestWind@lemmy.zip 2 points 4 days ago

I live with them, so I can always provide tech support, though I believe they possess the ability to problem-solve themselves too (if they try). I can try to get multiple DEs on it, but from my experience multiple DEs often pull in their own software and the application launcher starts to get overwhelming.