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.
Go buy like 5 USB sticks. You can turn 4 of them into distros that retain information. That is to say if you boot from that usb stick, and install a program that program would still be there if you reboot the PC. Normally it all reverts to default if you power down, but theres a way to make changes permanent. But you need 2 sticks. Which is why only 4 of your usb sticks will become distros, instead of all 5.
Now you can try out 4 different distros. I reccomend ZorinOS, but I can’t say anything bad about Mint.
Me personally, I hate Ubuntu. But thats the thing about Linux. My taste may not be your taste, and you can tell me to go fuck myself.
Zorin just seems like they at least TRY to make your life Terminal free. I recommend ArcMenu, and Dash to Panel.
I wish I could make a copy of all my tweaks, except as a “fresh install”, and give it to you. I have mine set up as basically “windows XP but modern”.
You can have multiple bootable images on a pendrive with Ventoy, and also store a few other files there (if there’s enough space)!
I’m a little lost on why I would need 5 usbs for 4 distros? Thanks for the tip about Zorin! I saw it on some of the beginner friendly lists, but it didn’t particularly stand out. I’ll go take another look at it though if it tries to make things terminal free!
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I’m so confused by this noncomment.
You commented, and deleted the comment within 13 minutes, and removed your own self-upvote.
What could you have POSSIBLY said that didn’t age well 13 minutes later to make you say “I don’t stand by that comment anymore…”
i misread your comment and decided to delete my response, nothing serious tbh