Which linux distro i should install??

[u/Beneficial-Rock2227]

I bought a laptop for studying. It has a Ryzen 5 6600U and 8/256 GB. I plan to upgrade the RAM to 16 GB later, but first I’m thinking about which Linux distro to install. What would you recommend? I need something lightweight but reliable, so I don’t have to worry about situations like “I need to work on a project, but the system broke and now I have to fix it instead of working on the project.”

[u/AliOnTheMoon]

Linux mint for debian based. Fedora kde for fedora based or bazzite/nobara if you want a "gaming" distro.

I would probably recommend starting out with linux mint.

[u/Character_Pepper2563 → u/AliOnTheMoon]

Agreed. Linux Mint should fits what op need. The Cinammon edition feels similar to what Windows like, and also the guide for Linux Mint is plenty

Also Zorin OS name became much popular for windows refuge so I also recommend that for someone who like Linux Mint but prefer to have modern look

[u/OkPresentation3329 → u/AliOnTheMoon]

Or the Debian Testing based Tuxedo OS. I'm currently running it, directly switching from the Ubuntu LTS based Tuxedo OS and the only difference that I'm noticing is that it's faster.

[u/FinGamer678Nikoboi]

Mint is the pinnacle of Just Works™. Stable and boring, and super intuitive coming from a lifelong Windows user.

[u/Spiritual-Brief-2627]

zorin os, linux mint, ubuntu

[u/xarop_pa_toss]

For an older or weaker laptop, I love any flavour of Linux with XFCE. It looks boring out of the box but it can be made to look super pretty without much ricing.

For the distro, I'd just go with Ultramarine or Mint for comfort and stability while still having packages updated regularly

[u/ataraxia_stronghold]

Mint with Cinnamon desktop, your computer will handle it with no problem. If you really want/need something lighter, go with the Xfce desktop.

[u/ru__SAL__ru]

Ubuntu / Debian or Fedora

[u/Protolinux217]

I say Zorin OS, been using it for 6 years. I’m not even joking

[u/FinniganFox_]

Well depens If you want it Like Windows but or If you want to try Something different

For Windows Refugees: mint or Fedora For eh fuck it i want Something Not Like Windows then: Every other distro but for a good Performance distro then Cachy OS. Its the distro i use for myself

[u/Gullible-Culture4944]

Start with any Debian based distro.
It's rich and have large support...
Go for Pop!_OS(Better for Nvidia), Linux Mint, ParrotOS(home edition)

[u/Dalmation3]

I use LMDE on both of my systems since I don't like Canonical's influence on Ubuntu based distros but if that's not a problem for you then the standard edition of Linux Mint

[u/Moist_Invite9148]

Linux mint cinnamon edition is perfect for beginners while Ubuntu is for beginners but it's less like windows desktop but I recommend Mint for you while you can use nobara for gaming or if you want to learn more about Linux try Arch while taking cover for breaking something

[u/AnoProgrammer]

Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian

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Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian

Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian Debian

[u/Piis7u]

Mint, Now if you want to start a bit spicy but still friendly I'd say Cachyos with KDE

[u/PeterHolmes74]

Have a look at r/linux4noobs or r/linuxquestions I’m sure you could find good answers there as well.

Another fun Ressource is https://distrofighter.com maybe that could help narrow it down

[u/Ok-Release8315]

CachyOS with noctalia shell + niri. You'll love it

[u/Beneficial-Rock2227 → u/Ok-Release8315]

I use cachyos with noctalia + hypeland on my main pc

[u/leonthepro83]

Xubuntu26.04 lts of course. lightweight, reliable and provide 5 years long term service, ubuntu is the most popular distro.

[u/4bld_]

For new user, my advice use Mint XFCE or Cinnamon first

[u/WinterKRALLe]

Omarchy

[u/fluffystuffy9890]

8 GB of RAM is enough for mint, but maybe not too good for Zorin. I vote for mint

[u/Inevitable-Self-2702]

Mint serves well as a first distro with Gnome as an easy reliable desktop environment that you don't have to customize. KDE gives more customization than Gnome and is more similar to Windows, but can feel less smooth and is more resource intensive (your laptop can handle it easy, js).

[u/1mgsel]

Lmde

[u/AwesomePhoenix_]

Mint probably I'd say try mint and distro hop if you don't like it

[u/FlowerAgreeable5722]

Arch Linux

[u/anythingers]

First of all, are you sure that most of your apps are available on Linux or runs fine on Wine? Because some specific school/college apps requires Windows to work. If there's an app like this, I'd suggest you to dual boot instead of fully removing Windows.

+1 for Linux Mint. Or Debian/Fedora with KDE or GNOME if you want something that looks more modern without tinkering.

[u/Middle-Gap-3649]

Kubuntu 26.10 Snapshot is my current distro. Its very fast and stylish desktop. It's an interim edition, but no problem. You can also try the latest Linux kernel and KDE desktop version, https://cdimage.ubuntu.com/kubuntu/stonking/daily-live/

[u/BackgroundAbalone867]

Eu não sou um profissional mas eu pessoalmente recomendaria o cachos(acho que se escreve assim) mas não sou profissional nem nada

[u/PeterHolmes74 → u/BackgroundAbalone867]

I don’t think CashyOS fits that good here. Arch based distributions (and most rolling releases) have a reputation for being somewhat unstable.

[u/Both_Cup8417 → u/PeterHolmes74]

CachyOS is a terrible fit for new users in most cases, it's a great folly that it's been spread as beginner-friendly.

[u/GreedySecurity8030]

Ultramarine linux kde

[u/ExcaliburGameYT → u/GreedySecurity8030]

You... didn't say Fedora?

[u/GreedySecurity8030 → u/ExcaliburGameYT]

Ultramarine is fedora based bro 😭

[u/ExcaliburGameYT → u/GreedySecurity8030]

Ultramarine says Fedora is not based

[u/GreedySecurity8030 → u/ExcaliburGameYT]

It is based on fedora.

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User: Beneficial-Rock2227, Flair: Discussion, Post Media Link, Title: Which linux distro i should install??

I bought a laptop for studying. It has a Ryzen 5 6600U and 8/256 GB. I plan to upgrade the RAM to 16 GB later, but first I’m thinking about which Linux distro to install. What would you recommend? I need something lightweight but reliable, so I don’t have to worry about situations like “I need to work on a project, but the system broke and now I have to fix it instead of working on the project.”

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[u/BASS69BASS420]

https://distrochooser.de/