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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Blogpost: Actually Good Distro Recomendations for Beginners (reggie.re)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I grew tired of shitty "Top 10 Linux distros in ${CURRENT_YEAR}" articles so I wrote a blogpost, that I would personally consider helpful when I was starting out, so I can simply link it to people when they ask my opinion on a beginner distro.

Objective criticism is welcome and encouraged.

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

As a person who has come and gone as a casual linux user a few times i have had multiple chances to experience being a new user. I have used mainsream distros and niche distros.

Agree popularity is the #1 factor to consider. You need help to get you over the first humps and having a huge existing archive of other people working through issues on forums, tutorials, etc is gold. And innumerable channels to pose questions if you need personal help.

Your first linux install is like your first date. You will probably not marry and spend the rest of your life together. No need to agonize over it passing notes and getting your fortune told. Just go for it and move on.

I think you should add that the arch docs excellent regardless of what distro you use and are beginer friendly because i actually avoided them for a while assuming theyd be written in 1337 speak and only complicated arch stuff.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Noted, will mention that arch docs are great regardless of distro once I have the time.

As far as beginner friendly goes I think so too, but I have seen people complain that they are too complex because of the way they are structured. E.g. the install guide will not directly tell you how to install a bootloader, but will tell you to install one and then link an article about bootloaders. I'll still edit the part about it and recommend it, people can decide themselves if they wanna use it or not.