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.
Don’t be afraid of using the commandline!
It might look like you are citing magical words to your computer at first. But, since Linux is extremely modular and has endless flavors, that’s one thing tutorial makers can expect everyone to have in common.
Ubuntu (and Kubuntu, which is just Ubuntu with KDE Plasma desktop environment instead of Gnome) and Linux Mint (based on Ubuntu, but with a different desktop environment) are all derivatives of Debian. Almost anything intended for Debian will work on both.
You can install Proton VPN just be copying and pasting the commands in their official tutorial.
Updates are handled similar to Windows, while not being intrusive. You will be safe updating only when the OS notifies you about it.
Side note: since you’ll be using a laptop, you’ll most likely use display scaling. Unless it has a very high resolution display where using 2x scaling is okay, you will want to use a fractional scaling factor. Linux Mint uses an older display technology (for stability purposes) that does not do that very well. So, I recommend going forward with a distribution with KDE Plasma desktop. That one has the best fractional scaling experience so far and Kubuntu has it.