If you mean "dumb friendly" by "An exact Windows clone"... there are plenty of "Windowslike" Linux distros out there.
If you mean "user friendly" by "Easy to understand by any user"... then yes, (any) Linux distro is user friendly as is.
this post was submitted on 04 Sep 2024
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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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Most operating systems these days are just micro-kernels to run the actual operating system, your browser. Most users will be perfectly happy using whatever in most cases as long as you can get one of the major browsers on it.
If they have special requirements, then you need to figure them out first.
It depends! You'll get a lot of recommendations. And they're probably good recommendations. But there are most certainly Distros out there that are very simple. I would suggest you don't be afraid to Distro Hop until you find one that you really feel at home on.
If you're looking for something that's simple, out of the box, and out of your way, I'd avoid anything Arch based. Ubuntu or Debian based Distros will have the most documentation and therefore minimize the amount of time you spend looking for answers, however, Fedora based Distros, in my experience, are rock solid and sit comfortably between stable and the bleeding edge.
Yes, it's easy. BUT:
- buy Linux-compatible hardware. While you might technically be able to get something to run by fucking around, it's just better to bit Linux-compatible hardware. If something doesn't work, it doesn't work, put it on a shelf and try again in six months.
- If you're dual-booting windows, know that windows occasionally nukes the boot loader, so that only windows loads. This happens irregularly, like every 2-5 years. A Linux friend can help fix it, or you can follow instructions online (you need an empty thumb drive to do it).
Sometimes, when dual booting Windows and Linux, especially on the same drive, the Windows installation just breaks. Sends you to automatic repair only for it to not work.
I learned this the hard way.
You can absolutely get by by, and have a great experience with GNOME + the app store.
Its a reason its default on so many distros.
Simple Answer: No
The moment you need to think about what distribution you need to choose from is where it'll stop any (dumb)user. Most people want a simple process with very little thinking.
If you are interested in learning linux and willing to take the time to understand the entire process that comes with it then yes.
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If you pick a new user-friendly distro, nine times out of ten it'll run like a dream out of the box.
If you want to change something minor like a desktop background, you might need to search through menus for the settings or ask for advice.
If you want to install new hardware, like swapping in a new video card, you'll definitely need some assistance.