Choosing Linux Distros

ayad on 24/10/2018 - 23:41

Hi,

I've just got a Thinkpad E480 and wondering what the optimal distro of linux would be. I've had limited experience with linux in the past via dual boot on my desktop but it was a bit of a rough transition. I have more time now and also interested in learning to code/program while doing very light gaming, media and work. What linux distro would be ideal for my aforementioned needs and for a laptop in general. I've done some reserach and seen that Linux Ubuntu Mate may be the best choice? Any suggestions are appreciated, thanks!

Poll Options

  • 8
    Linux Mint
  • 2
    Linux Ubuntu Mate
  • 2
    Linux Fedora
  • 1
    Linux Debian
  • 1
    Other
Computing Computer Laptop Lenovo Linux Operating System

Comments

  • pegaxs on 25/10/2018 - 00:20
    +1

    I use Mint. Was a huge Ubuntu fan up until they went off the reservation a few years ago with their desktop environment.

    Been using Mint now for about 5 years or so as my daily driver. Don’t use MS Winblows at all unless it’s for a piece of proprietary software that only runs in win.

    • ayad on 25/10/2018 - 00:24

      is there a difference in how it would run in a desktop vs laptop? Also Mint seems great however, probably dumb question but can i change the theme colour? definitely not a fan of the mint green lol

      • pegaxs on 25/10/2018 - 09:35

        I run it on both. I have a laptop with Mint only and my PC is Mint main with windows stuffed down and as far away as possible. I don’t think it really matters and a laptop is a PC as far as the OS is concerned, but just squashed into a smaller box.

        As for the colour scheme, sure, I would say that would be do-able. Mine is a nice light grey colour scheme. Much nicer than Ubuntu’s brown.

        You can always burn it to a USB stick, boot it up in your computer from said USB stick and have a play with each before you install it permanently to the hard drive,,,

  • trustnoone on 25/10/2018 - 00:39
    +1

    Personally if you use Windows a lot and are moving onto Linux then I'd probably say Mint. If you're looking for cool colours and features though I'd actually go Ubuntu budgie which is probably my favourite and what I go to.

    If you like being more cutting edge I think Fedora is pretty good, I used to really enjoy it back in the day.

    You might also want to check out elementaryOS https://elementary.io/ I think they had a release recently? And I think is better on privacy? Though I've never used it.

    • ayad on 25/10/2018 - 00:45

      I'm looking for an issue free and constantly updated distro that will fulfill my needs mentioned. In terms of looks i like the minimalist but with win icon colours.
      I'll definitely look into Fedora and ElementaryOS - Heard of them before. Are they well supported?

      • trustnoone on 25/10/2018 - 01:08
        +2

        I think they're all well supported, Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Linux Mint and ElementaryOS are probably some of the most supported linux out there.

        In saying that though I'd go out on a limb and arguably say anything Ubuntu based would get the most support, I feel they have the biggest community and wider reach in hardware. If I'm looking for issue free then thats where I'd go, Ubuntu mate, Ubuntu Budgie, Ubuntu(the normal unity one), Linux Mint, they're mostly all based on Ubuntu with different desktop environments (unsure about mint) as far as I understand.

        It sounds like you were liking Ubuntu Mate in your post, I'd go for it. I don't think you can get any better in terms of support then that.

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