ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Linux presents extra safety, privateness, and freedom from distributors.
- Fashionable Linux distros are user-friendly — even for non-techies.
- Linux Mint, Zorin OS, MX Linux prime newbie distro checklist.
Why would you need to change to the Linux desktop? There are a lot of causes, however the quick model is that the working system is safer, supplies way more privateness, and frees you from vendor lock-in. For present Home windows customers, it additionally supplies a technique to proceed utilizing your Home windows 10 PC even when your machine cannot be upgraded to Windows 11.
Moreover, opposite to fashionable opinion, anybody can use and luxuriate in Linux as a desktop working system. I taught my then-mother-in-law, who was 79 years old, how to use Ubuntu Linux, and we did not even communicate the identical language! If she may do it, you are able to do it.
Additionally: 8 ways I quickly leveled up my Linux skills – and you can too
Sure, Linux was as soon as troublesome to study, but those days are long gone. Do not consider me? Ever use an Android phone? A Chromebook? Congratulations, you are already a Linux person, however possibly you did not realize it.
If you wish to, you’ll be able to dive deep into Linux shell scripts and do all of your work from the Bash shell, however no one should do this anymore. There are old-school desktop distributions, corresponding to Gentoo and Linux From Scratch, the place it’s essential to be a Linux maven to benefit from them. However these distros aren’t for you.
Additionally: The best Linux laptops you can buy: Expert tested for students, hobbyists, and pros
You want a Linux distribution that appears like Home windows with a delicate studying curve. I get that. Whereas I’ve used Linux for over three many years and Unix desktops earlier than that, I do know what it is prefer to be a brand new person. It additionally would not assist your state of affairs that there are lots of of desktop Linux distributions to select from. Some are exhausting, however most are easy.
I am right here that will help you choose the model of Linux that may get you began on the correct foot. I’ve examined all these myself.
1. Linux Mint
Greatest Linux distribution for learners total
Value: Free | Core code: Ubuntu 24.04 | Open supply: Sure
Sick and bored with Home windows? Hate the thought of shifting to Home windows 11? Then take into account turning to Linux Mint, particularly the model utilizing the Cinnamon interface. I am a Linux energy person, and my present favourite desktop working system is Linux Mint 22.1, and I extremely suggest it to learners.
Mint, with a number of desktop environments corresponding to Cinnamon 6.4, seems rather a lot like XP or Home windows 7. It makes use of a Home windows icon, menu, and pointer (WIMP) interface, very similar to the one you in all probability already know and love. It is not a one-to-one match with XP or Home windows 7, however most Home windows customers will discover Cinnamon a snug match. Linux customers who grew up with the GNOME 2.x model interface will even love Cinnamon because it’s based mostly on that basic Linux desktop interface.
Additionally: The 6 best Linux distros for students – from elementary to college
Like all Linux desktop distros, Mint is extra than simply an working system — it additionally comes with all of the software program you want. LibreOffice 24.2.7 for workplace work and homework, Firefox 141 for internet shopping, Thunderbird 128.5.2 for e mail and calendaring, and GIMP 2.10.36 for graphics enhancing. In the event you’re a gamer, Linux Mint helps Steam, which works the identical method it does on Windows.
All of that is free.
Professionals:
- Linux Mint is totally free to obtain and use.
- Its Cinnamon interface intently resembles Home windows, making it acquainted for brand spanking new customers.
- The built-in software program installer program is simple to navigate and set up purposes.
Cons:
- Proprietary graphics drivers (eg Nvidia or AMD/ATI) will not be included out of the field, although you’ll be able to add them.
- Snap bundle help is not enabled by default, however you’ll be able to set up and allow it in the event you want it.
2. Zorin OS
Greatest Linux distribution for individuals who like Home windows
Value: Free for fundamental and training; $47.99 Professional model | Core code: Ubuntu Linux 22.04 | Open supply: Sure
My ZDNET Linux brother, Jack Wallen, thinks Zorin 17.3 is the best Linux distro for Windows users as a result of its look, really feel, and software program help make it straightforward for them to regulate. I can not argue — he is proper.
You may simply regulate Zorin to work and appear like Home windows 7 or Home windows 11. Or, for that matter, with the Pro version ($47.99), you get six further layouts, considered one of which supplies a MacOS feel and look in the event you want. It is as much as you.
The Professional version additionally comes with media software program, together with Kdenlive, a feature-rich, non-linear video editor; Inkscape for Adobe Illustrator — like graphics enhancing; Blender for animation and 3D creation; and Ardour for digital audio work.
Additionally: 6 most Windows-like Linux distros because old habits die hard
Zorin 17.3 additionally makes it straightforward to put in some Home windows packages. It comes prepared to put in 150 Home windows apps or to counsel options. Beneath the hood, there are lots of shifting components, corresponding to Wine and PlayOnLinux, however as a brand new Linux person, you need not fear about these. All you have to do is decide, set up, and get again to work or play.
In the case of software program, apart from the same old pack of fashionable Linux packages, Zorin comes with the Brave web browser quite than Firefox, which is the default browser in nearly all Linux distributions. That is as a result of the distro’s builders consider Courageous is the most effective browser right now for privateness.
So, in the event you’ve determined to take your first steps into Linux from Home windows, you may be hard-pressed to search out a more sensible choice than Zorin OS.
Professionals:
- Zorin 17.3 is totally free to obtain and use.
- It’s straightforward to make use of, making it excellent for learners transitioning from Home windows.
- It contains built-in help for a lot of Home windows packages, simplifying the set up course of.
Cons:
- The MacOS-style interface is barely accessible within the paid Professional model.
3. Ubuntu
Nice, easy-to-use Linux distribution for learners
Value: Free for people/Variable industrial pricing | Core code: Debian | Open supply: Sure
Ubuntu was typically thought-about the most effective Linux distribution for brand spanking new customers, and whereas others might maintain that title lately, it is an excellent distro for newbies. Certainly, in the event you’ve been trying intently on the notes, you may see that each Mint and Zorin OS are constructed on Ubuntu’s sturdy foundations. That is as a result of Ubuntu is straightforward, beginner-friendly, and has a number of community support. You probably have a query, somebody on the market has nearly definitely had the identical downside and located a solution to it.
By default, Ubuntu makes use of the GNOME 3.x interface. It takes some studying if all you have identified earlier than is Home windows, nevertheless it’s not that arduous. When you get accustomed to the interface, you may see that it makes good sense (and also you may even surprise why different desktop working techniques do not observe swimsuit).
Additionally: The easiest way to try out Ubuntu Linux
Whereas the latest model of this Linux is Ubuntu 25.04, I like to recommend you employ the present long-term help (LTS) model, Ubuntu 24.04. That version has help for a dozen (sure, 12) years.
Professionals:
- Ubuntu is nicely fitted to each private computer systems and company environments.
- Ubuntu presents a few of the finest {hardware} recognition accessible, making certain most gadgets work out of the field.
- It contains built-in Snap help, supplying you with entry to hundreds of purposes.
- The Ubuntu 24.04 LTS version supplies twelve years of official help.
Cons:
- The GNOME 3.x interface might take new customers a while to study and get comfy with.
4. Pop!_OS
Odd title, nevertheless it’s an excellent desktop
Value: Free | Core code: Ubuntu | Open supply: Sure
You say you do not need something to do with putting in Linux on a desktop, and I can not persuade you that installing Linux on a PC isn’t hard. In that case, you possibly can purchase a machine that already has Linux on it. If that strategy works for you, considered one of your finest decisions is System76‘s high-end line of desktops and laptops. These all include Pop!_OS as their default Linux distro. Pop!_OS matches this {hardware} like a glove.
Like many different beginner-friendly Linuxes, Pop!_OS is predicated on Ubuntu. The place it adjustments course is that its new, nonetheless wet-behind-the-ears, desktop interface is COSMIC. This interface might appear like GNOME, probably the most fashionable Linux desktops, nevertheless it’s written in Rust. As a brand new person, you in all probability could not care much less about that reality. What’s vital to you is that it is quick and clean. You need to keep away from utilizing this distro on a low-powered system. For these, you may need MX Linux. Pop!_OS, nonetheless, will present probably the most advantages from newer {hardware}.
Additionally: Installing apps on Linux? 4 ways it’s different than any other OS – and mistakes to avoid
One other benefit for brand spanking new Linux customers is that the majority its purposes could be put in with a single click on with no fuss or muss. That is as a result of Pop!_OS makes use of APT and Flatpak bundle administration. This makes it as easy to put in, take away, and replace packages as it’s on a smartphone.
Final, however not least, Pop!_OS is nice for PC gaming. The distro helps Steam, Lutris, and GameHub for the very best, ready-to-run laptop video games.
Professionals:
- Pop!_OS delivers quick efficiency, making on a regular basis duties really feel fast and responsive.
- Its new COSMIC desktop interface is clean and speedy whereas nonetheless providing a well-known look.
Cons:
- Pop!_OS shines most when paired with System76 {hardware}.
5. MX Linux
Greatest light-weight Linux distribution for learners
Value: Free | Core code: Debian | Open supply: Sure
Years in the past, considered one of my favourite Linux desktops was MEPIS Linux. This Debian Linux–based mostly distribution labored nicely. Finally, although, its founder and maintainer, Warren Woodford, needed to flip his consideration to different enterprise. MEPIS’s followers joined forces with the associated antiX Linux neighborhood and revived the challenge as MX Linux.
At the moment, it is a good, stable, light-weight desktop that makes use of Xfce as its interface. MX Linux works nicely, and it is very talked-about. What I like most about this distro is that it is beginner-friendly, straightforward to select up, and you’ll run it on even historical Pentium II gear. Briefly, it is excellent if you wish to get your ft moist with Linux on a PC that might in any other case be gathering mud in your closet.
Additionally: Ready to ditch Windows? ‘End of 10’ makes converting your PC to Linux easier than ever
However you do not have to take my phrase for it. On Distrowatch, the location that tracks all Linux desktops, MX Linux has nearly at all times been on the prime of the checklist not too long ago. They have to be doing one thing proper.
The latest version accessible right now is MX-Linux 23.5.
Professionals:
- MX Linux runs easily on a lot older computer systems.
- MX Linux presents a light-weight Xfce desktop that is straightforward to study and decide up.
Cons:
- Upgrading from one main launch to a different requires you to do a contemporary set up.
What’s the finest Linux distro for learners?
My decide for the most effective Linux distribution for learners is Linux Mint. Its person interface seems and feels very very similar to Home windows for simpler transitioning, in addition to a free and open-source code for making tweaks. The most effective half is that Linux Mint would not acquire your knowledge in any respect, so you should use it with confidence that your info will not find yourself on a server someplace to be bought to advertisers.
So, prepared to provide Linux a attempt?
Additionally: My 10 favorite Linux distributions of all time, ranked
It is labored nicely for me for over 30 years, and it might work nicely for you for the subsequent 30. Whereas most desktops seem to be heading to a DaaS model, including Windows, I can assure you Linux will nonetheless be accessible on your PC many years from now.
Is it exhausting to put in purposes on Linux?
No, it is not. It was exhausting to put in packages on Linux, however that is not the case. Below the hood, issues can nonetheless be advanced, however now nearly all distros have software shops. These make putting in new packages so simple as a decide and a click on.
Are you able to run Home windows packages on Linux?
In the event you nonetheless want some Home windows packages, you’ll be able to at all times attempt Crossover Linux to run them on Linux. It will not run all Home windows apps by any means, nevertheless it runs a lot of them surprisingly nicely. Some Microsoft packages are actually accessible natively on Linux. This contains Edge browser and Teams.
Additionally: 8 ways every Linux distro could make things a lot easier for newbies
You can even run Windows 365 Cloud PC, a full Home windows 10 or 11 cloud-based desktop, from Linux. This subscription service prices a fairly penny. Or, without spending a dime, you’ll be able to run Microsoft 365 for the web (previously Workplace 365), which provides you entry to a subset of Phrase, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote’s performance.
Do you want safety software program on desktop Linux?
No, probably not. True, whereas Linux is way safer than Home windows, it is not resistant to assaults. However these assaults are usually a lot rarer than those who plague Home windows or MacOS.
Additionally: 5 Linux distros I recommend to help businesses cut costs and boost security
That stated, you need to nonetheless run a firewall, which Linux has built in. For stopping malware in its tracks, you may take into account putting in ESET Endpoint AntiVirus for Linux or ClamAV. I’ll add, nonetheless, that I’ve by no means, ever encountered any Linux malware. That stated, it might’t damage to put in ClamAV. In any case, it is free.
Are there different Linux distributions price contemplating?
For a few years, my Linux colleague Jack Wallen liked elementary OS due to its elegant Pantheon desktop. He is stated, “It was rock stable, straightforward to make use of, and carried out like a champ.” Positive, some folks have referred to as it uninteresting, however, actually, is not uninteresting an excellent factor in an working system? It is there once you want it, and it would not get in the way in which. That feels like a winner to me. The distro seems like MacOS, and I do know that is an excellent factor for a few of you.
Additionally: My 5 favorite Linux distros for home office desktops – and I’ve tried them all
My final different decide is one other Ubuntu-based Linux distribution. Regardless of the title, it has nothing to do with Mint Linux. As an alternative, this distro’s calling card is that, with its Website Particular Browser, Peppermint integrates simply and seamlessly with cloud and web-based purposes.
Get the morning’s prime tales in your inbox every day with our Tech Today newsletter.
