Hello! I’m getting a new (windows) laptop that I’ll mainly be using for writing text documents, surfing the web, and basically doing studenty things. I thought I’d use the chance to give linux a try since I’m too scared to jump in head first and trying to move everything over on my main computer. I’m not tech savvy at all but after watching a lot of videos explaining the basics and reading the guides here to help beginners pick a distribution, I think I’ve narrowed it down to either Linux Mint Cinnamon or Ubuntu (leaning towards Kubuntu because it looks a lot like Windows).
The two big things for me are 1. I don’t want to use the command window for everything, or really much of anything, at least at the start. and 2. I currently use Proton VPN and I’d like to use it on this new laptop too. Unfortunately, based on what I saw on the Proton website, if I want to use it on linux it looks like the only way is to get it on Ubuntu, Debian, or Fedora using the console. I don’t really want to switch away from Proton VPN right now, so while I’m sure there are other vpns that are more linux-friendly, that will have to be something I consider in the future. So, does this mean I should use Ubuntu? And will Kubuntu work or would I have to use a different version of Ubuntu? And is there no way to get Proton without using the console?
A few less important considerations for me are if I’m able to change to a custom mouse pointer (I currently use a cute one that I’d like to also use on the new laptop) and if keyboard shortcuts like alt-tabbing work or are easily configurable. If none of the beginner friendly distros support those then it’s fine, but they would be nice.
Also, I’m kind of confused about how updating things works on linux. Will I be able to easily update to a new version of whatever distro I’m using? Do I even want to update to the newest version? And is there a way to be notified and set auto-updates for some applications? I’ve seen quite a few threads and questions about having to manually update things, but if I get an application from the software manager then will it be as easy as a clicking a button?
I know I’ll have to adjust and just learn-by-doing some things no matter which distro I pick, and I’m willing to try out some other distros in the future. I just want to ease my way into things. So based on all that, should I just go for Linux Mint like most new users? Or would you recommend a completely different distro?
Just for reference, uhhh how easy is it to fuck up the process of trying and then installing a linux distro? Like completely-make-the-computer-unusable fuck up? Because that’s my biggest fear
P.s. I’m sorry to make another “what distro do I use” thread, but I had some questions that I didn’t see answers for in the other threads. And honestly, I’ll feel a lot more comfortable with switching if I feel like I’ve actually talked it out with people who know what they’re doing.
I use ProtonVPN on Mint, and I did have to type a command into the console to install it the first time, but I just click on the Icon in the start menu to launch it now. All the Major distros have an update feature that can be run from the desktop. My version of Mint (Cinnamon) has a little update notification icon on the bottom right just like Windows does. It’s pretty easy. I like Mint, but I have distro hopped for years, and I am mostly settled on Fedora, but I still have a Mint installer on a USB for rescue missions. Its Live Linux is great. Making the computer totally dead would require a lot of effort, since you can always boot into a live Linux USB and have a usable system. Heck, I have booted my Mind stick on a system with no Hard Drive and used the machine anyway. Linux is actually easier in that respect than Windows, since you never have to Putz around with licenses. My only caution would be to make sure you have access to another computer somewhere, in case you need to write a new USB installer. That’s about all for caution.
You can make the system stop booting for a bit if you screw up the install, but if you keep a Windows installer USb and whatever Linux USB installer handy, you can always get the system booting again. If you know someone who has done it before, dual-booting is a good way to dip your toe in. I keep a small windows install on most of my systems, just in case I have that one app or whatever I need to run, but I almost never boot into Windows anymore.
Thanks this helps a lot! Especially about it being pretty tough to totally wreck the computer. I just keep worrying that I’ll click the wrong button and it’ll be unusable. The fact that I can just boot from a usb is comforting. And yeah, I have my main computer that I’d be able to use if needed. Did you use the instructions for ubuntu from the proton website to get proton vpn on mint?
Yup! Mint is, like, 90% Ubuntu, so almost every instruction that works on Ubuntu works on Mint. The only thing that’s different is that Mint “likes” flatpaks over snaps. These are two different ways to install apps, but honestly, you may never need to use either, and you can use either, both, or neither and not worry about it. Linux has a lot of “I like A over B for X reason.”, cue whining and moaning. You can mostly ignore it, or you can troll us Linux types over their particular A by saying “But I heard B was better…” None of it really matters. Gnome/KDE, apt/dnf, flatpaks/snaps, it’s all just a couple different ways of accomplishing the same thing, which is getting it done without paying some megacorp way too much money and giving up your data.
You don’t need to click to start if you go to settings > start up apps > click the add button and type proton-vpn as the command and name and click OK. Proton will be added to your autostart folder and you can toggle on/off if you don’t want it to run on boot.
Some of the window group applets (where your open apps show up on your panel) also allow you to add an app via the right click menu by selecting ‘add to autostart’
You can also add to autostart by right clicking on the app in the mint application (start)menu.
Using the proton instructions to add the network manager Wireguard integration script will even allow you to use the option to autoconnect to VPN in the network setting.