linux4noobs

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linux4noobs

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Whether you're a seasoned pro or the noobiest of noobs, you've found the right place for Linux support and information. With a dedication to supporting free and open source software, this community aims to ensure Linux fits your needs and works for you. From troubleshooting to tutorials, practical tips, news and more, all aspects of Linux are warmly welcomed. Join a community of like-minded enthusiasts and professionals driving Linux's ongoing evolution.

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PlutoParty@programming.dev

What would you say is the most reliable, "it just works" distro? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) by PlzGivHugs@sh.itjust.works to c/linux4noobs@programming.dev

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Obviously this is somewhat subjective, but I've had a lot of problems in my previous attempts to switch to Linux, so I'd like to create a list of distros to try out, and see what works for me. I'm mostly expecting to be doing basic office work and light gaming via Steam.

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[–] glimse@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago

Fedora worked for me out of the box. The only software I had to install npmfusion (Nvidia driver) for a higher refresh rate and that was easy. But even without that, I had full resolution

[–] moxymarauder@thelemmy.club 1 points 1 month ago

For gaming, Bazzite. It has been enough of an improvement that it has changed my opinion on immutable OS'. In my office, I use Ubuntu on Desktop/ Debian on server. But, I'm not sure those are the right answers in 2026. Ubuntu hasn't exactly made the best decisions over the last 10 years or so, I keep using them mostly out of momentum.

[–] twinnie@feddit.uk 1 points 1 month ago

I don’t use them myself but Debian or Ubuntu are probably what you’re looking for.

[–] Widdershins@lemmy.world 0 points 1 month ago

TempleOS

[–] entwine@programming.dev 0 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

Anything "immutable"

ublue family: Bazzite, Aurora, Bluefin
Fedora Atomic family: Silverblue, Kinoite, ...
KDE Linux (experimental)
OpenSuse MicroOS (for servers, but possible to add a desktop)
SteamOS (limited hardware compat)

Any other answer is outdated and wrong.

Edit: holy shit the amount of mint recommendations is crazy. Stay away from mint, it sucks. It's just a less reliable version of Ubuntu. If all you like its desktop environment, that's called "Cinnamon", and it can be installed in other distros.

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[–] petrescatraian@libranet.de 0 points 1 month ago (3 children)

@PlzGivHugs not quite "just works" entirely, but I've grown more accustomed with MX Linux. Everything is pretty much just one click away tucked into the MX Tools app and you don't need lots of skills to use it. Some of the said apps might open inside a terminal, but their options are pretty well explained.

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[–] AlexSage@piefed.social 0 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I've been very happy with CachyOS but would probably recommend Fedora.

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