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Flow chart for choosing a Linux distro because I disagreed with the first one (piefed.cdn.blahaj.zone)

submitted 2 days ago by Shadow_Glider@piefed.blahaj.zone to c/linux@programming.dev

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[–] massive_bereavement@fedia.io -3 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Welcome to Linux! I might say that the package system doesn't matter too much, both are popular and more often than not large distributions have (almost) the same packages.

The things that you should worry about are:

How stable are the releases? (How many times I'll have to fix problems that I don't want to investigate) There are Linux distros that are on the "bleeding edge", meaning they get releases very often but sometimes things break and you will have to fix them either by using a backup or troubleshooting. (This doesn't happen often though IME) But more stable distros tend to receive new updates later than everyone else.
How adapted is the distro to what I want to do? If you want to use it as a desktop for graphic tools like office work, graphic design or gaming, it will direct you towards a group of distributions, rather than the other. It is also important to consider if a specific application that you want to use is available or not. (In many cases it should be, but if you don't want to tinker, having your system working out of the box should be a priority)
How compatible is it with my hardware? If this is a laptop, I'll suggest searching with the laptop model and the linux distro terms, seeing if there is a wiki page for your specific computer; documentation in the linux world is essential. Otherwise, there's a thing called usb live linux that can turn most usb pen drives in a live running OS, allowing you to test and trial how compatible the distribution is.

Finally, some advice:

Figure out your backup method soon and test it. Backup before trying something new. (Top priority)
Use flatpak, appimage or snap to install applications. I ordered by my personal preference, but sometimes applications are not available in all formats. Few applications like Gnome Software or KDE discover will simplify your life managing apps as if you were using a phone.
Be easy on yourself and have fun. Sometimes this world can be frustrating, but I'm sure the answer is right around the corner, you just need time ;)

[–] littleomid@feddit.org 15 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Thank you for the detailed response, but I was merely criticizing the flowchart. I am a Linux poweruser/sysadmin, and roll with arch at home, asahi fedora on my MacBook, and I manage mint/debian at work.

My flowchart would have two branches. You either are new and I recommend mint for work, popOS/maybe Nobara for gaming, or you’re not new and should go and do your own research as to which distro is good for you.

[–] massive_bereavement@fedia.io 3 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Ah ok, I misread your comment. Indeed having to worry about things like rpm or deb is totally a downer for someone just looking for a windows alternative.

Mint is also what I tend to recommend. Though Gaming users that are looking for a plug and play experience, I'm unsure if it would be better recommending something arch-based or an atomic image based distro like bazzite.

[–] Neondragon25@piefed.social 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Hi, random new Linux user, as someone who games, and does Inkscape / Davinci stuff. Bazzite is awesome, mostly just works. Wife uses it too now and it's pretty great. Only one issue I have is in relation to Bluetooth acting up on my system. Occasionally.

[–] massive_bereavement@fedia.io 3 points 2 days ago

Great to know. I also love Inkscape despite a couple of nasty crashes due to abusing paths, I can't believe it's free software.

Bluetooth also acts on mine and it's not Bazzite, it's just that bluetooth is mischievous.