Your recommendation on a Linux OS for a beginner

Ahmet Kus

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Hello All,
I am new in the Linux world and trying to learn the basics with your help. I am planning to install a Linux OS to one of my old laptops, so I can experience and make practice with Linux commands. What Linux made would you guys recommend?
I see that there are a lot of different Linux types out there and I am just a beginner with no former Linux experience so I need some recommendations...
I would appreciate your help...
 


That would depend on what you are looking for. A few recommendations are Linux Mint, Ubuntu, Fedora Workstation.

Linux Mint / Ubuntu arguably have the most support and activity for new users. I believe Mint sets up the hardware a little better than Ubuntu.

Then of course there are different flavors of Mint, Ubuntu and Fedora. The defaults, however, are good choices.

https://www.linux.org/pages/download/
 
Hi Ahmet, and welcome! Using a VM is a great way to try out some distros. But remember that your "old laptop" may not have as much horsepower (especially RAM) as your Windows machine. You'll probably be fine if you have about 2GB or more of RAM in the laptops, but if less than that there are still some distros that we can recommend. If the laptops are really old, you may need to determine if they have a 32-bit CPU inside. Many Linux distros are now stopping 32-bit development. You should still be able to find some options that will make the laptops work though... and probably work much better than they did with Windows. :D

Cheers
 
Hi Ahmet, and welcome! Using a VM is a great way to try out some distros. But remember that your "old laptop" may not have as much horsepower (especially RAM) as your Windows machine. You'll probably be fine if you have about 2GB or more of RAM in the laptops, but if less than that there are still some distros that we can recommend. If the laptops are really old, you may need to determine if they have a 32-bit CPU inside. Many Linux distros are now stopping 32-bit development. You should still be able to find some options that will make the laptops work though... and probably work much better than they did with Windows. :D

Cheers
Thanks for the reply. My old laptop is not that old, I am just not using it anymore but it is fairly powerful with 4 GB RAM and built on 64-bit CPU so I think it will be good enough for a starter VM.

Regards,
 
Thanks for the reply. My old laptop is not that old, I am just not using it anymore but it is fairly powerful with 4 GB RAM and built on 64-bit CPU so I think it will be good enough for a starter VM.

Regards,
Yes, you should be able to run just about any Linux you want on that. If it came with Windows 8 originally, then you will have the newer UEFI firmware on the motherboard (like older BIOS). Some Linux distros will require you to make some changes in the UEFI settings, but some distros will work even with everything left configured for Windows. We can let you know more when you pick which one to install on the laptop.

Cheers
 
Yes, you should be able to run just about any Linux you want on that. If it came with Windows 8 originally, then you will have the newer UEFI firmware on the motherboard (like older BIOS). Some Linux distros will require you to make some changes in the UEFI settings, but some distros will work even with everything left configured for Windows. We can let you know more when you pick which one to install on the laptop.

Cheers
Thank you!
 
Hello All,
I am new in the Linux world and trying to learn the basics with your help. I am planning to install a Linux OS to one of my old laptops, so I can experience and make practice with Linux commands. What Linux made would you guys recommend?
I see that there are a lot of different Linux types out there and I am just a beginner with no former Linux experience so I need some recommendations...
I would appreciate your help...
Welcome, good sir!..... :3 Well, I personally would recommend you try..... Lubuntu, Debian, Parrot Security (based on Debian), Elementary OS, Fedora, or Linux Lite or Linux Mint..... :) Coming from Windows, I found Ubuntu and it's derivatives easy to get to know..... :) As ever, there is literally ANY Distro for ANY given user, and if there ISN'T, someone somewhere will make one for a particular need or want..... :D
 
Just a heads up on the Post above by @blackneos940 : (& Welcome @Ahmet Kus :))

(Wizard appears in a puff of smoke, someone mentioned VMs)

Linux Lite has to be installed, if installed on an HDD, under "Legacy Mode" (CSM - Compatibility Support Module), it does not come with support for UEFI, albeit once installed, it will run under UEFI.

I have only just begun dabbling in VMs, so Stan (@atanere ) or @ryanvade might be able to say whether the restriction applies there.

@Ahmet Kus - if you are not sure whether your Windows is on BIOS or UEFI, you can check using msinfo32.exe from your Run... facility.

If you need help, let us know

Cheers

Chris Turner
wizardfromoz
BTW @ryanvade - I like the avatar, does your pet have a name? :p
 
Just a heads up on the Post above by @blackneos940 : (& Welcome @Ahmet Kus :))

(Wizard appears in a puff of smoke, someone mentioned VMs)

Linux Lite has to be installed, if installed on an HDD, under "Legacy Mode" (CSM - Compatibility Support Module), it does not come with support for UEFI, albeit once installed, it will run under UEFI.

I have only just begun dabbling in VMs, so Stan (@atanere ) or @ryanvade might be able to say whether the restriction applies there.

@Ahmet Kus - if you are not sure whether your Windows is on BIOS or UEFI, you can check using msinfo32.exe from your Run... facility.

If you need help, let us know

Cheers

Chris Turner
wizardfromoz
BTW @ryanvade - I like the avatar, does your pet have a name? :p
https://botballstore.org/product/plush-botguy-toy
 
Hi.
When you said "old laptop" you're talking about how many years that machine have? 5? 10? 15? I suggest you try Debian on that machine, or, if you like challenges, why not trying raspberry pi and linux?
 
Hi.
When you said "old laptop" you're talking about how many years that machine have? 5? 10? 15? I suggest you try Debian on that machine, or, if you like challenges, why not trying raspberry pi and linux?
Ah yes, Raspberry Pi..... :) I've been wanting to check it out, and get to work with Programming on the ARM Architecture..... :)
 

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