Linux

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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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New to Linux? Ubuntu Isn’t Your Only Option (www.howtogeek.com)

submitted 9 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

218 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Ubuntu's popularity often makes it the default choice for new Linux users. But there are tons of other Linux operating systems that deserve your attention. As such, I've highlighted some Ubuntu alternatives so you can choose based on your needs and requirements—because conformity is boring.

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[–] [email protected] 15 points 9 months ago (2 children)

My personal recommendations for beginner distros:

-OpenSUSE

-Fedora

-EndeavourOS

-KDE Neon

-ElementaryOS

-Zorin OS

-Linux Mint

Or you could just install ordinary Debian, since it's stable and well-supported. Kind of a GOAT among distros, alongside Slackware.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 9 months ago (1 children)

imho Debian is far from beginner friendly. They will end up with a laptop without WiFi.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (1 children)

I don't think this is still true, Debian 12 will install non free drivers ~~if you choose~~ by default. I had that issue on 11 though. I'm not sure how a graphical install works as of late but configuring sudo on a headless box is always tedious and would not be easy for a beginner to figure out.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 9 months ago (1 children)

If you choose

That's the key. A beginner will know very few things about that and giving him options will confuse them

[–] [email protected] 3 points 9 months ago

Nonfree firmware is default in the Debian 12 installer.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 9 months ago

I don't use it personally, but I think there's a good case for Linux Mint (Debian Edition)