Linux for Noobs: Choosing a Distro (10 distributions shown!)

In the latest episode of my "Linux for Noobs" series, I go show ten distributions that you may want to consider installing. For each of the ten, I go over a few higher-level details to get you started, and then you can choose which you like most from the list and give it a try!
Individual sections:
02:48 - Linux Mint Cinnamon
09:04 - Debian
20:30 - Fedora
24:04 - Ubuntu MATE
30:16 - Xubuntu
33:25 - Kubuntu
39:13 - Manjaro
43:51 - Ubuntu
47:53 - Pop!_OS
52:21 - Elementary OS
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[@Kizarat]

Timestamps for the distros: Linux Mint 2:50 Debian 9:02 Fedora 20:32 Ubuntu Mate 24:06 Xubuntu 30:23 Kubuntu 33:30 Manjaro 39:15 Ubuntu 44:00 Pop OS 48:00 Elementary OS 52:28

[@aynbangla3266]

Legends Never Die

[@ps5hasnogames55]

Timestamps for the distros: Good for noobs 2:50 Good for experienced users 9:02 Cringe 20:32 Cringe 24:06 Cringe 30:23 Cringe 33:30 Transgender distro 39:15 Cringe 44:00 Cringe 48:00 Cringe 52:28

[@Infusco]

@@ps5hasnogames55 >Transgender distro Explain.

[@spicles7417]

@@ps5hasnogames55 kek

[@rehman_786_0]

​@@ps5hasnogames55😂😂

[@byniasofficial2567]

Fun fact: the Dolphin file manager name comes from ancient Greece when dolphins were recognized as higly inteligent animals and were used as book keepers.

[@yurykup_5108]

Him: I don't know what a dolphin has to do with a file manager. Me: I don't know what mint has to do with an operating system

[@jamesmccarte1609]

I don't know what Microsoft has to do with quality lol

[@DTheVigne]

What's wrong with mint?

[@fongus6420]

@@DTheVigne i think he was just talking about how a mint has nothing to do with computers

[@brendanward2991]

Mint is a flavour, so it actually makes sense.

[@Mayank-mf7xr]

@@brendanward2991 Dolphins are extremely smart so that makes sense too! If not, at least a much better name than, say, cow or ant XD

[@mmo0J]

I tried many distros and I'm really impressed by the quality of Zorin 16. It's by far the smoothest linux OS i've used by far. It's fast, buttery smooth, easy to use, looks very good and it offers an overall great experience with well thought out details. Zorin is the number one OS i'd suggest to a newbie (suggestion from a newbie)

[@meherali4073]

I totally agree with you sir... I also use zorin os in my main machine.

[@GeneralChangFromDanang]

Zorin Lite is the second Linux version I've tried after Mint. Mint seemed laggy and kinda glitchy and Zorin has been pretty reliable so far.

[@drlukewhite]

I think that the thing missing here as a video on choosing a Linux distribution for a brand new user is the importance of forums, documentation, support, communities, etc. (For my money this makes Ubuntu the logical choice to start on, even if it's not the one that best suits your choice of desktop, tools, package manager, etc., just because there's so much out there to help you with pretty much any problem you might conceivably have...) But perhaps looking at this might be something to look at in the next video? I think that would be something very helpful to beginners...

[@nunagoras]

Yes! Ubuntu or any other of its derivatives and based distros should to be the first ones in row to really new users! Ubuntu has all the needed coverage online on that availability category... I personally use Linux Mint, but it is based on Ubuntu. If I have a problem that LM forums cannot solve (and they are very few to say the least) I know where to search from. Thanks for sharing!...

[@Brian-qv1ir]

While I love Debian and agree it's extremely important both historically and currently, I'm not sure I would ever recommend it to a first time user. The strict adherence to free and open software makes for a lot of extra steps when getting your system set up. It's worth it in the end, but for a person entering the world of Linux for the first time, I think they would be happier just having their distro detect and use the wifi during install.

[@eljuano28]

I will say, anyone who started in the Linux world on Raspberry Pi OS first, (my kids,) will feel perfectly comfortable in Debian. It is literally Debian, just lightened up a lot with an applications bias towards learner/maker use. In fact, it's ported to x86 now, so imho it might even be "the" recommendation for new Linux users these days.

[@ps5hasnogames55]

yeah because typing nano /etc/apt/sources.list and adding contrib non-free at the end of repo url line is so difficult

[@carrot708]

@@ps5hasnogames55 As a Windows user, can I get that in english, please?

[@ps5hasnogames55]

​@@carrot708 open terminal type sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list this opens the nano command-line text editor and opens the file "sources.list" which is inside the "apt" folder, which in turn is inside the "etc" folder you'll see the file it has some url's in it, those are the links to your repositories. you'll see on the end "bullseye main" at the end of those url lines add "contrib non-free" to all of them (without quotes) press ctrl-s (save) ctrl-x (exit) type sudo apt update

[@carrot708]

@@ps5hasnogames55 If knowing that much off by heart is "level 0 noob basics" I don't even want to think about where I rank lol.

[@maskraider6240]

I've been a Linux Mint Cinnamon fan for a few years now. I find it very stable and customizable. I like that having a little experience in HTML , it was easy figure out how to tweak the themes lol.

[@JedHurricane]

Such stable, very OS

[@3mKay]

after exploring around some distros for a week in my bid to explore linux. I found that I like Pop OS and Zorin OS immensely. Their installation and setup are simple, they have great UI, language input quick switching are effortless , and Gnome plays a part in my love for them. I think I would rank my love for the top 3 distros that I spent the most time with, as follows: 1. PopOS 2. Zorin OS 3. Mint Cinnamon

[@ostiedestrie2155]

Manjaro was the first distro I used when I was a complete Linux noob (that was the first stable release). I've since used Mint, Ubuntu, Debian, Pop! OS, openSUSE, Elementary OS and Fedora. Manjaro is still my favorite. I'm going to start using it again when my current computer dies. I love that OS so much, I sent a thank-you email to the main dev years ago, thanking him for making a user friendly Linux distro that I (as a non-techie) could use and understand.

[@NotMarkKnopfler]

Have been running Mint for about 3 years. You won't go far wrong with it. It's solid as a rock. Even finds my WiFi printer and 'just works'.

[@jimharris6213]

Great video. My favorite desktop environment is KDE/Plasma. My favorite distribution is Debian. It is so stable. My second choice is Kubuntu. I am also experimenting with FreeBSD with KDE. I distro hopped a little in the past but Debian based distros are my favorite. Although FreeBSD is not Linux, I find it more difficult but worthy of a look.

[@ps5hasnogames55]

freebsd is cringe

[@timothyodeyale6565]

@@ps5hasnogames55 Probably because you cant figure it out either.

[@linuxtweeker]

I also use Pop OS everyday and it never let me down for gaming and productivity: it's very stable. Very good that they include an AMD or NVIDIA ISO. What I look in a distro is if my games (Steam, Lutris) are compatible and POP OS works perfectly.

[@donpeer4477]

Last year I was able to afford a high-end laptop and I purchased the System76 Serval WS with a 16-core AMD Threadripper. This thing plays games better than my desktop!

[@itsagundamd4132]

I recently started using PopOS on a VM for a Kubernetes training that I'm taking and I'm having a pretty good experience so far. I like the setup and UI most of all.

[@scoop6489]

i made the grave mistake of STARTING with arch i regret it but i learned a ton from it

[@AnzanHoshinRoshi]

Thank you, Jay. This will be very useful for new users to have a good experience.

[@Drottninggatan2017]

The problem with people who talk about linux is that they fail in explain anything and only keep using strange words and expressions. It seems like the is a huge threshold to overcome to understand linux, and when they are over that threshold they don't seem to be able to go back to normal talk anymore.

[@AnzanHoshinRoshi]

@@Drottninggatan2017 Examples, please? And how would you express these terms instead?

[@Drottninggatan2017]

@@AnzanHoshinRoshi Well, it is the whole talk actually. The way it is presented. A "noob" is an inexperienced person. One who does not already know all these terms and why there are so many distributions and why this is based on that and why that matters, and so on. If we want to address the inexperienced persons we must be able to talk from the ground up, and not from the top down. In fact, this is a dark side of human nature. The mental block that prevents explanations under their perceived own level of knowledge.

[@brendanward2991]

My first Linux distro was Ubuntu because that was the one recommended by Sheldon Cooper. I am now using POP_OS on my new System 76 Serval laptop. Very happy with it so far.

[@lukerak2456]

I really love Your chanell. POP OS is my best and daily OS :)

[@MichaelMantion]

Im using pop right now. Its my old laptop.. That said Garuda Linux is hands down the best distro for a newb.

[@lukerak2456]

@@MichaelMantion believe me or not, but yesterday I have installed POP OS on old netbook made in 2014 y. (2 GB RAM, Celeron N2830) and it works preety well.

[@gregc8730]

Thanks Jay - once again an enjoyable, informative video in a relaxed, professional presentation. Looking forward to what's coming next.

[@derekr54]

Another excellent video Jay,I use Mint,Manjaro and Kubuntu regularly on my pc's and l;aptops.I like and have used the other distro's you mention and also MX Linux,Feren,Open Suse and Solus as well from time to time.Great channel and really enjoy the content.

[@foss_sound]

You channel is gold. Wish I had all these informations years ago, when strugeling with my first linux install (after hating a unix with many floppys) and just startet to use windows - until a friend installed ubuntu 12 (?) when it was new ... 2 years ago I took my whole hobby and working systems to linux. working for me. And now I stopped distro hopping - helps to focus on work. ;) Keep on making this great linux videos. Interesting for "noobs" and "pros" equally. :)

[@thepiratepenguin4465]

I used to be a Linux Mint fan, until I discovered Pop OS when version 20 was lunched last year. It had a lot of nice feathers like the disk encryption, window tiling & a superior app store to Mint.

[@noobishply]

I don't think you should recommend Manjaro for beginners, it's a semi-rolling release distro and tends to not be very good with certain hardware.

[@piyush7448]

I am in love with manjaro

[@imnguyen6658]

Was for me too, but have recently found another love q4os.

[@xheralt]

I despise Manjaro and distrust anything Arch-based because of them. Pacman is an abysmal package manager; in my experience, it infallibly ties itself up into knots (all updating locked up) within a month of so of install, requiring command-line fixes. If you don't update often enough, if you update too often, if you look at it sideways, effing pacman chokes on itself. I'd used apt/synaptic based distros for years, so not exactly a *nux n00b, and never had that kind of problem with Debian-, Mandrake-, or even Slack-based distros, back in my distro-hopping days. Manjaro failed me in three different releases, all deployed across several coffeshop internet terminals plus my home desktop. NEVER AGAIN.

[@xheralt]

It's a shame, I really liked Manjaro's aesthetic and default software install selections, but they just completely fell down on function for me.

[@imnguyen6658]

@@xheralt have not experienced this.

[@bertnijhof5413]

I always use the following gnome workspaces: - Firefox - Virtualbox Manager - Xubuntu 22.04 LTS; a VM for all communication apps, like email; whatsapp, kdeconnect etc. Each next VM gets another workspace.

[@jeremiahlighthouse]

Debian should have the option to down load the non-free iso next to their free iso to make the option easier on new users.

[@josephalan31]

I'd say parrot OS kept me entertained with the colors while I learnt 😂

[@cdanny304]

Fedora was the first Distro I used ,shortly after I also learned the existence of Ubuntu ,Debian ,and Linux Mint. As for now ,I am using Pop! OS.

[@ps5hasnogames55]

fedora sucks, red hat /ibm garbage all over it (systemd, wayland, pipewire, flatpak, gnome). we must boycott red hat/ibm

[@SergeantExtreme]

@@ps5hasnogames55 I don't understand. What's wrong with pipewire, flatpak, gnome, etc?

[@ps5hasnogames55]

@@SergeantExtreme red hat (ibm) vendor lock-in garbage that's gonna be replaced in 5 years anyway

[@ozrencupac]

The reason why you couldn't get wifi with debian is because you need to boot from the non free images They include iwlwifi whitch is reqired for wifi cards to work

[@edison3571]

Linux Mint So far has been my best experience with Linux. Since I have a spare laptop I am going to give Pop O.S. a try. Thank you for the videos I am learning a lot from them and I am so glad you explain things beforehand so I do not screw up my P.C.

[@volkiruski1221]

I have tried last week the top 10 of Distrowatch and I sticked with Zorin. But finally took, yesterday, Linux Mint Cinnamon!

[@utilizatori]

After using windows for 20 years I end up choosing Linux mint, I am pretty satisfied with it. Don't get it wrong, switching to Linux will be headache for any windows user but i think it is worth it, especially if you like to tweak things, one wouldn't find all the apps like on windows but you can find a lot of alternatives.

[@lepidoptera9337]

So you switched to Linux because you don't have any actual work to do on your computer and so you are just siting around all day long "tweaking things". Cool.

[@Michael_SOG]

I've been using Manjaro for around 2 years and I'm really happy with it, eventhough I have to switch from time to time to hasefroch. If I distrohope again, the next one on the list (for obvious reasons) would be Arch.

[@YourIdeologyIsDelusional]

Arch is just a worse Manjaro at this point, since Manjaro is just Arch with less hassle and more common sense. I don't understand the popularity of Arch. Its fame seems to entirely be a product of hipsters and linux elitism. I understand why people like its design philosophy, but its use case is completely ruined by the fact it's a bleeding edge rolling release distro. Too much effort to be a desktop, too unstable to be a server. So many distributions offer a minimal install now, too. The only use case I can see for Arch is on bleeding edge hardware, when you need a bleeding edge OS to take advantage of it.

[@vladlu6362]

@@YourIdeologyIsDelusional Uhh no. Manjaro is way more buggy than Arch and does nota use official repos. Garuda and Endeavour Os are the better options in that regard.

[@YourIdeologyIsDelusional]

@@vladlu6362 Uhh yes, the fact it doesn't use official repos is frankly an improvement.

[@dessnom4333]

@@YourIdeologyIsDelusional how is it an improvent for advanced linux users

[@dessnom4333]

the popularity of arch comes from the fact it takes up very little space and that it comes with little preinstalled apps making it very customisable, for an expierienced linux user its not too much effort, its not unstable but was not built to be a server os, and the rolling release doesnt ruin the philosiphy, maybe try using diffrent linux distros then try arch over a period of time before you declare a distro bad

[@aussierule]

Linux Mint and Manjaro just feel like home. When I did my first dual boot.

[@hermanschindler6477]

Thank you Jay, nice video! My first Linux distro as a newbie was Ubuntu. I'm very greatfull for that. In Ubuntu is very easy to install software and has great hardware compatibilties. Nowadays, I'm using a vanilla install of Arch or Debian Unstable and a customize Windows Manager Openbox based.

[@joaquimbarreto9595]

Great video, specially if one is starting out their linux journey. My first linux distro was Ubuntu on an old laptop but i have since bought a Dell laptop with Ubuntu pre-installed. My main desktop computer has Manjaro KDE after doing some hoping. I tried Fedora, Debian, Mint and OpenSUSE.

[@mysteriousjungalist]

What's your favorite?

[@joaquimbarreto9595]

@@mysteriousjungalist For a year now, I have been using Manjaro KDE in my software development work desktop computer and since I do not need to go to the office, my Dell Ubuntu laptop is really just gathering dust. Manjaro has been ok, great community forum and I really like the AUR which has just about all the software packages for linux. However, lately, I installed Pop_OS (Ubuntu/Debian based) from System 76 on my personal/HTPC desktop and I really like what they have done with the Gnome desktop, plus they have this Nvidia GPU drivers download option which is great. So, Pop_OS at the moment is my favourite for both work and personal computers. But this is what is great about linux, one can always try new distros.

[@steveu235]

I'm a new convert to Linux. Using Mint cinnamon, the more I use it the more I like it Wish I had ditched windows after Win7

[@jamesclawson9156]

One of the best explanations of distros for a newbe

[@viktorkowalski1498]

Mint by all means. Than Arco Linux - the easiest method to join to the "btw, I use Arch" band. ;)

[@TennesseeFrank]

For Debian I like to go with the Live Non-Free version so l get my codecs and drivers right out of the box. I also like KDE over Gnome because it's lighter and easier to customize.

[@florin604]

and better looking

[@ClifffSVK]

@@florin604 That's subjective but you're right :D

[@George-2115]

Surprised MX Linux is not on your list. I finally had a chance to switch my desktop to Linux (I've been using it on servers for years), so I checked out DistroWatch and MX seems to have been on the top of the list for a few years now. So that's what I tried, and I've been happy. Would have been curious on your take.

[@ObsidianMercian]

Great video, thanks Jay. My first Linux distribution was Raspbian/Raspberry Pi Os.

[@SpaceTimeBeing_]

There is only one distro that a beginner should look at and that's Pop OS. Nvidia drivers are a nightmare, it's a good thing pop OS comes with them properly set up.

[@SamirOumghar01]

What about Zorin, Manjaro? I think they support Nvidia drivers smouthly as well. I'm not sure concerning Mint.

[@gustavgurke9665]

Hey Jay, have you considered syncing your videos to LBRY / Odysee, like most other Linux KZbinrs have done?

[@tiitulitii]

What is that and why? I have no problems viewing these videos.

[@kentjensen4504]

@@tiitulitii Because you never know when a channel gets censored/cancelled. Jay belongs to the group that is always at risk (white men).

[@Blessed2bFresh]

@@kentjensen4504 I hope not because I've heard nothing that any snowflake can even pretend their feelings are hurt about

[@kermitdafrog8]

First distribution I ever used was Slackware. And the only one ever since.

[@kermitdafrog8]

And 15 is soon to be released

[@erikr573]

So far I’ve tried pop os, Debian, Ubuntu, Manjaro, Ubuntu Mate, and Fedora. Currently running Ubuntu because it’s popular so most developers make a Ubuntu version for their programs. And it just works.

[@PimentinhaPT]

You left the wardrobe door open, the wifi signal from Narnia is leaking out to this world! (Keep up the good content)

[@JacekKowalczyk]

There are also debian non free ISO files available for download, net installer and live media. If you have issues with some hardware , get nonfree edition and try if it is better.

[@remsbyte4509]

I'm in love with Garuda linux.

[@emjaycee]

I'm kind of surprised you didn't suggest MX, Solus and Zorin as they all make the non-free stuff simpler to get to than some distros, especially Debian and Fedora... and most people are going to need non-free stuff to make the experience more enjoyable, well, in my opinion anyway.

[@Lanzetsu]

Same, I am not that sure about Sorin (which is awesome anyway) but he missed things like MX, Zorin and Feren that are Ubuntu based but made for super friendly user experience and I always say go one of them or simply Mint

[@emjaycee]

@@Lanzetsu Agreed :) I still remember being a total newb and I remember the importance of stuff like easy install, easy codecs and extras, and an easy Wine install. A year in and you're ready to spread your wings a bit, but for a total newb you just need those things. I would always recommend Mint Cinnamon and Zorin Core to people crossing from Windows for a first time experience... but I know I started from a super low technical knowledge base and I really needed 'easy' lol.

[@nevoyu]

Zorin is quite literally Ubuntu with some tweaks to it. And MX is debian with some good gui tools. non OSS isn't that hard to get working on Fedora or Debian.

[@emjaycee]

@@nevoyu I actually really like Fedora. Go to RPM Fusion and do some copy/paste commands in terminal and Fedora seems to just work. Trying to find all the stuff you need on the Debian website is like trying to find a needle in a haystack :) Plus they tend to just do things a little bit differently (like use of sudo), or perhaps it's just the 'old' way :) I still get confused by Debian at times, and I would never ever in a million years recommend it to a newb lol. MX though, yep go for it :) I actually don't mind Ubuntu, although I do find myself questioning their direction at times :) Still, I'd 'always' use Mint, Zorin, POP, Elementary, KDE Neon over Ubuntu every time. Personally, I find some of the Ubuntu derivatives a bit easier and even a bit more stable. Why in heaven's name Ubuntu make you install libdvd-pkg just to get VLC working, or why they refuse to keep a decent ISO Burner in their repos forever amazes me. At least UM understand and give you Etcher :)

[@Chrisg457]

I finally settled on Linux Mint for stability. Used Arch or derivatives of Arch for years and finally seen the value in stable releases, so I made the switch to Mint. It does all I need.

[@BruceCarbonLakeriver]

My personal fav is KDE Plasma - I've got it completely sweetified on my Garuda Gamer dr460nized edition and I'll go even more crazy on my Gentoo side kick :P Nice video, considering this is from 2 years ago.

[@Commentation]

I have a few I would also recommend: Neptune was one of my firsts and it is VERY beginner friendly plus it has KDE so its gonna be similar to windows 10 users. Ubuntu Budgie was one I used for a while and although it has 2 separate settings areas (One for the panel and one for regular) it is very adaptable and you can have a windows 11 design, a Mac design like the default, or something else entirely. Zorin is also a great option that is rather beautiful

[@cyberp0et]

This is a great GNU/ Linux channel.

[@84Actionjack]

Using Linux Mint but am intrigued with Ubuntu Mate and Pop OS.

[@christopherhorton821]

The best two versions of linux for a beginner are Linux Mint and Zorin OS.

[@SamirOumghar01]

What about POP!_OS?

[@christopherhorton821]

@@SamirOumghar01 Some people like pop but mint and zorin are easier to use for a person just switching to linux. I myself have used pop a couple times it is harder to setup, and it runs less stable than mint or zorin. Mint and zorin no longer support 32 bit machines, and that could be a issue for some people. What linux distro a person tries is a personal choice. Some have more features out of the box, and are easier to install games and programs on. while others are way harder to install software and games on. pop falls somewhere in the middle. It's a decent OS, but my advice is do a lot of research before you install Any version of Linux.

[@SamirOumghar01]

@@christopherhorton821 Thanks for your replay, I installed today Linux Mint and it seems working smouthly with no software or hardware issues so far.... Concerning 32 Bit, maybe MX Linux is the solution and I think to give it a try... Garuda also is in my list.

[@christopherhorton821]

@@SamirOumghar01 Linux Mint LMDE 5 Elsie still has 32 bit support but it is based on debian if I remember right and not ubuntu, or you could download the older linux mint 19 if you needed a 32 bit version. I have tried several versions of Linux, and I have found that Mint is usually more stable, and much easier to use that other versions of Linux. I also kept windows by making my system a duel boot. As long as windows was installed first Linux can set itself up as a second OS on the same hard drive. I have a pretty old laptop a Dell E6500 with only 4 Gb of ram, and Mint works fine on my system without any issues.

[@SamirOumghar01]

@@christopherhorton821 I have a flash memory with Operating Systems ISO's created with a tool called Ventoy. The installation of POP!_OS and Zorin OS on my 2 laptops failed but the installation of Linux Mint was smouth. I don't know if this issue is related to Ventoy compatibility or it's an issue with my hardware (HP + Packard Bell)... I didn't plan to install Linux Mint but now I think it's the better choice!

[@terryforsythe8083]

Not just for noobs! I have tried many, many different distributions over the past few years. I settled on Mint Cinnamon as my daily driver. Manjaro is a good distributions for noobs to get started with a rolling release, but I have learned the hard way to stay away from rolling releases as my daily driver. I do keep a separate SSD to play around with Arch, upon which Manjaro is based, but I always find myself drawn back to Mint. Also, updates may break something in Arch from time to time - keeps my problem solving skills up. :)

[@nileshkumar4091]

Use Time machine and have backups, clone your OS if using in VMs Just as simple as that... Remove outdates softwares... Those of whom have been flaged by the repo.. Amd your arch won't break.

[@nileshkumar4091]

Plus you'll get support for latest hardware... If you have them i.e. .

[@nileshkumar4091]

And yah... I forgot to use BTRFS as your file system.

[@lorensims4846]

Window managers and desktop customization are the least important to me when selecting a Linux distribution. Just about all window managers with their associated customization options are installable on most Linux distributions. I'm running Slackware which comes with most of the more traditional window managers already installed. They don't include Gnome (they used to) because of the enormous and somewhat sketchy overhead required by PAM which is required for Gnome. KDE's Plasma desktop is their default desktop but I use xfce because that what I used on my old ASUS EeePC 2G Surf which couldn't run KDE. I appreciate that Slackware by default doesn't boot automatically into a GUI. Of course, you can change that setting. I can't imagine why you would remove the Terminal from a Linux machine.

[@busterj11776]

Excellent, great introduction to linux distros

[@jasperjones6857]

I have Linux Mint, Manjaro and Windows 10. My daily driver is LM. On thing I don't like is Linux Mint's version of grub doesn't play nice with Manjaro. I've just had to reinstall Manjaro's grub over the LM version again. Not fun. Somehow, Manjaro itself was damaged and I had a Manjaro grub menu without a Manjaro choice in it.

[@ClifffSVK]

"sudo update-grub" didn't solve the issue?

[@ethan3993]

I have tried a good amount of these. Currently my favorite is Fedora

[@DerrickBest]

I've experimented with all except Fedora. All I wanted to do was try what works for me. Now I've realized I like debian based distros with KDE desktop. Doesn't matter. Right now I'm using Mint LMDE. it's quite light and fast.

[@ilovesamosa]

Thanks for the vid. I have used all of these Linux distros and many others during my 24 years of computer life. I find Linux Mint and Pop! OS are the most user friendly operating systems and can easily be used by any user migrating from Windows or macOS. I started with Red Hat and landed at Pop! OS and Linux Mint (dual-boot). Unfortunately, I have to use Windows for office work but always Linux for personal computers.

[@JacobP81]

Kubuntu and Linux Mint Cinnamon are my favorites.

[@buridah328]

Mint All Day

[@smudgey5000]

I'd put noobs on any Ubuntu LTS because its the most popular and don't need to be upgraded for 5 years. Once they get a little more skilled I'd put them on Manjaro, Fedora or OpenSuse Tumbleweed.

[@MrRyuken555]

Arco Linux, great way to learn, everything works out of the box, based on Arch and as your progress you can even create your own spinoff distro!

[@e-man2081]

Very nice! This probably saved me hours of trial installations and tinkering. Thanks.

[@lumarlee6093]

Most may feel that the best distribution is the one that was learned first after trying many distros. I tried Ubuntu in 2011 as my first distro. I gave up. In 2015 I tried Mint and stayed with it until 2020. I switched to Zorin OS in 2020 and it works well for me. It works well on my Dell 5000 series, vintage 2019. Pop OS currently looks good from what I see. :

[@meneerjansen00]

Choose the one with the largest user base so you can ask questions in almost any forum at almost any Linux user.

[@davidhoughton2073]

I like Linux Mint for the desktop, and Pop OS for my laptop. I like them both because they are like Ubuntu (better compatibility and online help for installing more complex things), but with all of the Ubuntu bloatware crap stripped out, making for nice tidy operating systems. Both are customisable and nice in appearance but without being too fancy and over-the-top. Basically, "Ubuntu without the crap". For my PC, Linux Mint is more like Kubuntu or Windows in that the start menu and system functions are combined with apps in the system tray and apps have title bars instead of tiles, the system tray is also smaller so it maximises your available screen space. It's a tidy interface and was quite easy to install. Annoyingly, it does't come pre-built with keybindings to move windows between multiple monitors, so I had to install something to make that work. Software you install is grouped into several categories in the start menu, which some users may find useful, others may find annoying (but you have the search bar also). For my laptop, although Pop! does take up more screen space with the system tray and application dock (though you can auto hide the dock anyway), the tiling feature is a dream as it makes maximum use of the available space to display active windows and provides all the necessary key bindings to easily move windows around. It has a couple of other nice built in features such as a night mode for the screen, and the Pop shop combines the software centre and updates manager rather than keeping them separate (makes sense to me). All software you install appears in one big list (as on Ubuntu) in the applications menu so its easy to find apps (except for Libre Office and System utilities which have their own category).

[@CGA111]

If it wasn't for Manjaro I wouldn't have switched to Linux six months ago. Every other distro I tried had some deal breaker, most notably Debian which also for me refused to boot the live usb. With Linux Mint it was simply impossible getting my WiFi to work. Other distros had various problems with network speed and Bluetooth. I think it's largely dependant on your hardware. If you're lucky enough to be sitting on an e g Dell, Lenovo or System76 most distros work just fine but for me with my four year old Asus with an isoteric Realtech WiFi dongle it was not that easy.

[@cleavisnowell1240]

Zorin and Peppermint OS have always worked well for me.

[@colinreece3452]

I am a Windows user but I have tried a few Linux distros in the past but soon went back to what I know, reason being my age lol. Lately I have got in to updating older PC's and I toyed with the idea of having a Linux on one of them, so your video did help me a lot. You explained the different ones well, so as I said I grew up with Windows so I looked at some that had the Windows feel if you get my meaning. This made me think you could do a video if you haven't already aiming at Windows users, I liked the look of Lunux Mint, Ubuntu Mate and Pop! OS.

[@DaltonMyWorld]

Thanks for the info ( I Like Linux distribution that I don’t have to always be connected to the internet to use).

[@AssociateMinisterReserveDeacon]

A. Mr. Jay Do you think knowing the 8 major distribution families help you understand Linux and and help you provide technical support for Linux? B. The 8 Major Distribution Families Are. 1. Arch 2. Debian 3. Fedora 4. Gentoo 5. openSUSÉ 6. Slackware 7. Ubuntu 8. Independent Distributions (Distributions not based on the 7 other Distributions listed above.) C. Mr. Jay please continue to get on life's stage and let your Godly inner light shine. Please continue to climb life's ladder and let the world see The Great and Wonderful Gifts, Talents, and Treasures that are inside of you. D. Mr. Jay You're a Great Gentleman!!! E. Mr. Jay Please stay safe. F. Mr. Jay God Bless You!!!

[@harminparra7678]

Instead of Debian, why not including Zorin OS ? Instead of Xubuntu why not Ubuntu Budgie?

[@JavisoGaming]

Hey Jay. Great video as always! Thanks. I don't see a way to download Elementary OS without buying it. Is there another way to try it out without purchasing it?

[@AlexisDelatolas]

Just put $0 as an amount and then a download link appears ;)

[@estudiordl]

I trying manjaro for a few months and I'm liking it. A bit upset about huge updates, not a deal breaker on my main desktop on my home internet, but I think it would be an inconvenience on a laptop and mobile net tough. I'm very happy with MX Linux also, switch it from Mint on my laptop and office desktop.

[@phalaenopsis2414]

For about 1 year using Lubuntu with NsCDE Desktop, looks great, does everything I need 🖐

[@lepidoptera9337]

So you don't need a reliably working system. Got it.

[@phalaenopsis2414]

@@lepidoptera9337 Get vaccinated and you'll see the truth 🤠

[@lepidoptera9337]

@@phalaenopsis2414 Just had my third and Linux still sucks as bad as ever. :-)

[@SLIME-gx6fo]

I first used kali(1 week) , then parrot(12 days) then ubuntu(3 days) , then finally learning arch (3 days learning)

[@josephferren6372]

LMDE on the old and crusty laptop, Ubuntu on the fresh and modern desktop ;)

[@smallpeople172]

Which Linux distro is best for learning/coding FORTRAN?

[@punklejunk]

Awesome!

[@ebrahimmahomedy6034]

Tried most of these but settled for zorin pro which is rock solid and has all the apps I need

[@northwanderer800]

One good one for just works arch is Garuda dragonised for gaming and yeh pop os is awesome

[@sidlejinks1874]

Ubuntu or varieties is the best choice for those who have been using Windows from the very beginning of the human history

[@karnalunea1122]

Id say manjaro og anything kde. Feels very home for anyone coming from Windows. Ubuntu is gnome and reminds of a smartphone. I switched my gaming machine to Arch from Windows recently and have not had any problem some searching did not solve. Exept alsa being a bit unstable, but as long as i leave it alone it works.

[@vivianastridge2167]

An interesting video for sure for those familiar and proficient with computer language. I am not computer savvy to any extent though I have with the help of very informative books installed Windows 98 and totally unaided, Windows XP. I wish to install Linux Mint listed as the first dealt with in your video. I attempted to do so but could not proceed even with the installation as no actual instruction was offered as to just how to complete the verification process. I would appreciate your informing me as to the availability of some published material or videos offerings in total detail for the non technical user the installation and initial usage of Mint. Looking forward to any help you might be able to offer and thanking you.

[@MrLopez-kz8zl]

Thank you nice video very useful for new Linux users. I'm using Manjaro and Ubuntu.

[@DrazenMarjanovic]

Great and detailed explained. Great video for beginners and all other keep it up 😊.

[@samuelitooooo]

I'd exchange Debian for Zorin OS tbh (for new users, that is). Zorin OS is particularly focused on ex-Windows and ex-Mac users even more so than Ubuntu MATE in my opinion, going so far as to feature multiple desktop layout options out of the box and even Wine (a Windows compatibility layer, to put it in simple terms) in the newest Core version. The rest are solid picks though. Mint, although it doesn't have my favorite desktop environments, is my top recommendation to others not just for a user-friendly distro but one that is highly respected for its solidity and generally being something you install if you want something that just works.

[@samuelitooooo]

Thanks to whoever liked my comment today. Coincidentally, Zorin OS 16 Lite was released today XD

[@Diaryofaninja]

I use Arch btw

[@chexmixkitty]

Thanks for this Jay. I tried dual booting on my desktop (which was a disaster because of the strange 4k support). 4k60 runs great on my Windows install, but only runs at 30hz in Linux. I have a high-speed HDMI 2.1 cable so I know I have the bandwidth to do it. Tried the whole xrandr thing with no results. I think I'm just going to mess around with Pop!_OS on my old laptop to get more familiar with the OS.

[@seriouslypeople5860]

Been running this little experiment for a couple months now. I started out with fedora coming from MacOS. I have been semi-diligently working with the command line throughout this process. I'm only just now noticing a few things that would be so much easier in fedora than it is in MacOS; namely the process of backing up my iphone to a different directory than what is standard. I refuse to do it in fedora because the point of my jump is to cut ties with the tech giants, and I don't want any crossover by doing an iphone backup on my separate laptop running fedora. So far, so good. I think I'm sold on open source, and I think I understand now more than at the beginning the pros and cons of it. Actually, I think I know a lot more about the cons and as for the pros, I just think I can kind of see some potential, and I STILL feel like I'm sold on it.

[@SergeantExtreme]

I'm surprised you jumped to Fedora instead of Elementary OS. Most ex-MacOS users try Elementary first.

[@KenyonKarl]

I have used Kubunto for the past few years, currently 20.4 LTS as I wait for the easy upgrade TO 22.4 LTS. Nevertheless, it was wise to review my options before I DECIDE to make the upgrade. Note that I USUALLY install Linux in a dual-boot arrangement with the current version of Windows so as to also access the vast world of software that has no Linux equivalent. Conversely, if the computer I have doesn't gracefully and cheaply upgrade to windows, I will reinstall a version of Linux as its only operating system so that I can keep using the hardware! For the record, my first version of Linux was Lindows and that was installed as the only OS on my first laptop, while I continued to run Windows on an older desktop machine. The quasi-windows feature of Lindows was importanbt as I lived in a rural area with no linux support nearby!

[@PuggiTheGreat]

Gonna give POP a try.

[@pawel4099]

Almost an hour long video - nice 😋

[@tusharg2751]

What about performance and ram?

[@Huck9000]

Love your videos. You do a good job of being impartial. I've tried all of the main distros, and ended up on Mint. I really wanted Manjaro to work for me because it really looks good, but it degraded over time because of updates. It got to where it would only boot about half the time, then one day it just went straight to the bios. I don't like a distro that uses Gnome, because you have to almost download Gnome Tweaks to get it to look like I want. I've used Mint for months, and it was installed and running in less than 30 minutes. You just need to turn on the firewall if you prefer to use it. Also I love Timeshift.

[@plumaguerrera2130]

Pop OS is the best by far, if you work with audio, video and office applications.

[@nicolaliguori1]

Dear, Jay, thanks interesting videos as all of yours, seriously! I'm sad you forgot to mention pclinuxos, in some aspects it's even more friendly than ubuntu. Oh, really nice the new intro too :)