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.
So im going to but in. Im not sure on your particular use cases like proton vpn but I can say a few things. Not using your main system is fine. One big thing about linux is people who have not used it will be amazed at how fast old hardware can seem with it when they are used to windows bloat. Next I personally use zorin os which is an ubuntu spin although im slowly thinking about and messing with other things. Zorin’s schtick is an ability to change the gui automatically to be similar to several other things (various versions of windows and osx) but its free version immitates some version of windows. It further looks to be very stable os it uses stable branches (read older, not bleeding edge). I tend to not need bleeding edge so that is fine with me. Its an out of box distro so has libre office, iron (free software chrome spin), disk burning software, rdp client software, and just a whole bunch of most of what someone would use day to day all as part of the install. As part of that out of the box it has wine along with play on linux installed which makes running windows programs about as easy as its going to be out of the box but its not gaming focused like proton (talking the steam software not the vpn here). So I use it because I don’t do a whole lot at the operating system level anymore and just want a system I can get going and run with within the hour. Can definitely change the mouse pointer like make it bigger and stuff. Honestly custom mouse pointer stuff has been around so long I doubt it would be that big a deal on most system. Its ubuntu spin so the proton vpn should be doable. Im going to try and upload a screenshot of the gui software install which is just what you get with ubuntu I believe and I see proton vpn. Yeah I can’t figure out how to put a screenshot in a comment. Sorry but I assure you it has something showing up without dropping to the command line.