cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/37358118
this post was submitted on 14 Oct 2025
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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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Aside from all controversy around snaps and stuff, which newbies don't have to get into, there's GNOME coming as default.
Desktop environments essentially define how the new user treats the system and Linux as a whole. And I believe GNOME is a terrible starting point, at least for those coming from Windows.
It follows entirely different logic, is very different visually, and overall, adds a lot of extra confusion.
IMO, for a smooth transition, you'd rather offer something based on KDE or at least Cinnamon. Kubuntu will do fine, but it has to be mentioned specifically. Mint will be nice. And then as they explore, they'll find what fits them best.
I direct Mac users to Ubuntu/GNOME and Windows users to KDE or Mint/Cinnamon.
That said I absolutely hate how stock GNOME doesn't have an app drawer. People defend it, but I can't get over not knowing what apps are open and the extra clicks it takes if you're mouse navigating, as well as all the extra animations if you do go that route. And this is from someone that attempts to touch the mouse as little as possible. Not a fan of having to add a 3rd party extension for this. Reason I'm on KDE full-time now.