Linux experts and users, input requested

[Torvy]

Our old desktop has a terminal mb issue so I'm looking to replace it on a budget.

It will mostly be used for web surfing, email and office-like duties. I use my laptop for games, but I may try some on this.

I've had a short training on Unix, but haven't jumped to Linux. I'm seriously considering it. Not looking to build OS from scratch. Looking for input on beginner friendly distros.

Haven't 100% decided on new MB. May just buy parts, may buy a new box. Old one is an Asus w/AMD (10+ years old).

I also need to try to recover some files off the old HDD. Don't think it has a problem. Root issue is power supply/connection related.

 

[CalG]

I have been fine with Ubuntu LTS packages/

 

[weehu72]

I use some form of Linux on all my home machines; Ubuntu would be a great choice for something beginner-friendly and that generally Just Works. Since it's based on Debian, even proprietary printer/scanner drivers tend to be available for it (*.deb packages).

 

[Locoweed]

Linux mint cinnamon has been my daily driver for a long time. Pretty easy transition from windows.

Home - Linux Mint

Linux Mint is an elegant, easy to use, up to date and comfortable desktop operating system.

www.linuxmint.com

 

[John0829]

I have been on Ubuntu, Mandrake, Mint and a few other specialty versions but finally settled on Debian which is what many are based on. Mint is probably the most user friendly (beginner) IMHO but I think Ubuntu is good for those that don't mind working with it a little to get it to function as you want. Finally Debian for the long haul durability and support.

I have not tried or experienced the Red Hat/Fedora/RPM based versions.

 

[Torvy]

I forgot, it does need to be something Mrs. T can use with little instruction.

Anyone use office alternatives.

 

[John0829]

LibreOffice, comes free with all Linux distros as AFAIK. Will open and work with all Office files.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

for what you want, linux would be great.

 

[Oaktree]

Linux mint cinnamon has been my daily driver for a long time. Pretty easy transition from windows.

Even though I don't especially like any flavor of linux, that one would probably be my choice if I needed to run it.

 

[riptides]

I use mint off usb sticks. Work related and personal. Disposable.

 

[JasperFrank]

Look at Zorin or Mint. I like these because they allow prop codes. So you can get a driver, even if its against FOSS rules. There are two schools here, one wants to be pure open code. The others don't care. I think to make it work, you can't be so pure and clean about it. Technically, it is still illegal to use VLC in the USA due to Soft Patent laws. Not that anyone cares, cause they don't.

 

[LittleBill21]

not sure anyone else caught your gaming comment, but Linux support for games is dismal.

 

[Torvy]

not sure anyone else caught your gaming comment, but Linux support for games is dismal.

Thanks. Fortunately, that would just be a maybe, and I use Steam a lot now. My understanding is that Steam OS is a Linux based, so some may work. My laptop is my primary game device.

I still have a lot of friends in the game design world, so I can check with them for ideas. Not sure if different distros would cause compatibility issues. I would think yes, especially when dealing with drivers.

 

[LittleBill21]

I strongly suggest you ask them. not only are video drivers limited, most games are unsupported. steam decks run custom drivers. This comment was said to me a while back, I haven't gamed in years, but most gamers are solely on windows due to this issue.

 

[Torvy]

I strongly suggest you ask them. not only are video drivers limited, most games are unsupported. steam decks run custom drivers. This comment was said to me a while back, I haven't gamed in years, but most gamers are solely on windows due to this issue.

It used to be better before big companies started swallowing up good developers. Corporations expect bigger margins and are less into niche work.
Back when I did that work (early 90s) a company could make a build for smaller platforms almost as a labor of love. They could sell enough units on PC and break even or lose a little on Amiga (for example).

I could completely see one or more of them making a port for Linux on the side (personal use).

 

[weehu72]

not sure anyone else caught your gaming comment, but Linux support for games is dismal.

I don't game a lot, but I have used Steam on Linux for years. Some games support Linux directly, while others that technically only work on Windows will often still work via Steam's Proton (compatibility layer). For example, my sister got me to try Baldur's Gate 3, and even though it is only supported for Windows, it ran beautifully on my Manjaro Linux machine. I was pleasantly surprised, that's for sure.

 

[LittleBill21]

I don't game a lot, but I have used Steam on Linux for years. Some games support Linux directly, while others that technically only work on Windows will often still work via Steam's Proton (compatibility layer). For example, my sister got me to try Baldur's Gate 3, and even though it is only supported for Windows, it ran beautifully on my Manjaro Linux machine. I was pleasantly surprised, that's for sure.

glad it got better. I use linux headless for my servers, but I have never found it better than windows for daily use, and some of the software I use doesn't work in linux either.