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.

  • JTskulk@lemmy.worldEnglish
    2·
    14 hours ago

    Kubuntu is a good choice for a first timer, I ran it for years. KDE is easy to use and beautiful, and it’s easily themeable including the mouse cursor. You don’t really need to use the terminal if you don’t want to, but sometimes it’s the easiest way to do something when you just need to copy and paste a command from a website. It’s nothing to be afraid of or hate. It looks like Proton VPN does have Linux packages, although they’re all for the Gnome desktop. You can still install and use it KDE, the only issue is it might look a little different from your other KDE apps. Installing Linux is easier than installing Windows these days, you won’t fuck it up :) The way software updates work is better than on Windows; it works a bit more like the app store on your phone: You install all your software from the repositories (the software store) and then you get updates to all of them and the whole system at the same time. You can always decide whether to update or not, but there’s really no reason not to. Free software and Linux software are generally designed for users rather than to make companies money, so new versions typically bring security fixes, new features, and improved performance instead of “features” nobody asked for. As a plus, you can always go read a real changelog to find out what’s new rather than the lame “minor improvements” cop out we see elsewhere.

    My advice to everyone curious like you is to not worry so much and just dive in! Lots of things could go wrong, but lots of things could also go right!