What would be a good Linux Distribution for me?

Question

So I'm a gamer, techy nerd, I like customizing, programming, music and watching videos.
I currently use Windows 7 64-bit but I've wanted to dive into Linux. I know Linux has 100 and 1 different versions out there, so I'm wondering based on what I've said and that I'm a beginner with Linux, what do you recommend as a good distro for me?

Thanks In Advance!!
Naomi

Answer 1

I used Ubuntu for a while, but it caused too many problems, and I eventually left it in disgust. It's good for the beginner who needs some hand holding to get them going, but if you are smart and want to learn Linux, you quickly outgrow Ubuntu. And Unity is an abomination, idk wtf they were thinking.



I use Slackware. It makes an excellent gaming machine. Netflix works in Chrome, and videos work fine. I also use it for development workstations and servers.



If you want to just use Linux without learning anything, stick to Ubuntu. It's not that great, but it will hold you hand for you. If you actually want to learn Linux and dive into the behind the scenes guts and glory of it, avoid Ubuntu. Go with an older more pure distro like Slackware. I've used it for ten years, and there is nothing I need to do that it won't do, and do much better than Windows ever did.

Answer 2

You will be able to get Ubuntu working with little effort, and it supports Steam games (@Fred, you are out of date. Steam Store has over 700 games for Linux.).

But Ubuntu does so much for you that you won't learn a lot about Linux. After a while, you should move on to foorce yourself to learn how other distros do things. Here is a Top Ten review which will help you choose http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/best-linux-distro-five-we-recommend-1090058#null



Finally, I would say,you must make yourself a Live CD of Knoppix, because it is the Swiss Army Knife of Linux distros http://www.knoppix.org/ (click top right of website to switch to English). No matter what goes wrong in any of your machines, Knoppix will help.

Answer 3

I tried Ubuntu back in 08.....it was so much easier than Windows- that I never looked back. I never had an issue at all. When they started with unity- I lost interest.....I now use Linux Mint 17 Cinnamon- and no issues yet. Its just too easy.

BUT- I don't want to learn- I just want to click the button and be done. For that reason I recommend Linux Mint.



Now if you want to do more than point and click- take Greywolf's advice.

Answer 4

As a beginner I would suggest that you start with a distro like ubuntu or mint. They are desgined for new users and usually can be installed and run with little linux knowledge. If you want to play games on linux be sure to go with a distro that supports steam. Ubuntu and its derivatives (kubunut, lubuntu, mint, etc) currently have the best steam support.

If you want to have more control over your system and want to get deeper into linux I would suggest that you use the terminal and learn some commands.

http://linuxcommand.org/

And learn how to administer linux system:

http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/linux/tutorials/l-basics/

https://www.linode.com/docs/tools-reference/linux-system-administration-basics

When you feel comfortable with linux you should try other distros that require more li8nux knowledge and give more control and access, lke gentoo, debian, slackware,,etc.

Check distrowatch.com for a short description of the linux distro.

Have fun

Answer 5

I would say, either Fedora (or even Korora Linux), or ArchLinux (you could also go with Manjaro, or Antergos).



Fedora is cutting edge and a good distro for your more tecky / developer crowd. Arch Linux (along with Gentoo) is as good as Fedora but is also all about customization.



Fedora is a Point Release (around every 6 months) while Arch is Rolling Release (install once and merely roll over to the next release via the net).

Answer 6

Try Ubuntu Studio. It's a build of Ubuntu with music composition software (also some other things you mentioned in your question) Also install PlayOnLinux so you can install Windows programs without the fuss.

Answer 7

What do you want from Linux? If you are a hobbiest, and never plan to get a job then use Ubuntu.



If you are planning to be a professional, then you want to use Centos.

Answer 8

You can not play most Windows games on Linux.

Answer 9

I like Mint myself, but you could always start downloading live DVD ISOs of various distros and either burn some discs or install something like VirtualBox and install them in virtualization.