idk if this is going to help or not, but I’ve had Mint on every machine since 2010. If this laptop I’m using were a car, I’d say I’ve learned to change a tire and I’ve learned where to go for answers to problems as they come up, but that’s it. I remember being worried I’d bork everything the first install, but instructions are absolutely For Dummies (thank fuck). Easier than putting an Ikea desk together imo.
Tried changing distros a few times to see what the fuss was, but I actually just don’t care, and that’s ok. You don’t have to care about everything. I also buy the same jeans all the time and no one gaf about that.
Though if you DO enjoy shopping around (or find you’re intrigued by the possibilities and want to play) here’s one place to get a lay of the land that’s been a cool, helpful hub over the years that even I find accessible, and that’s saying something.
Anecdotal: I’ve never been locked out of anything to do with work that I couldn’t find an easy work-around for (the MS threat). It’s nbd.
@maniclucky@nevermind
Linux Mint is indeed the friendliest of the Linux distros but one still needs at least a bit of experience with installing OS. The fundamental problem with Windows is that it comes pre installed on everything and most people had never needed to install an OS.
@nevermind, you need to find a friend who’s done it or someone online willing to walk you though it. It’s not very difficult but if you’ve never done it it could be a bit weird.
Plug and play essentially means “it just works”. Like as simple as plugging in a USB mouse and using it. When something isn’t plug and play, it means it takes a bit of fiddling with.
I’d mean people who don’t know linux in particular but are marginally tech-savy.
Mint has been described as “the distro your granny can use” (and some do), but it does require some knowledge to at least install it — but it’s nothing a tutorial somewhere won’t help with, it’s a low bar.
Linux Mint is one of the most recommended for newbies.
You can use a live CD/USB to try it out without installing.
Ah, interesting - that could definitely be an option, thanks 👍
What’s a CD?
It’s like a vinyl record, but fancier.
Waaaaay less fancy
By newbie do you mean people who don’t know anything about computers ie me?
idk if this is going to help or not, but I’ve had Mint on every machine since 2010. If this laptop I’m using were a car, I’d say I’ve learned to change a tire and I’ve learned where to go for answers to problems as they come up, but that’s it. I remember being worried I’d bork everything the first install, but instructions are absolutely For Dummies (thank fuck). Easier than putting an Ikea desk together imo.
Tried changing distros a few times to see what the fuss was, but I actually just don’t care, and that’s ok. You don’t have to care about everything. I also buy the same jeans all the time and no one gaf about that.
Though if you DO enjoy shopping around (or find you’re intrigued by the possibilities and want to play) here’s one place to get a lay of the land that’s been a cool, helpful hub over the years that even I find accessible, and that’s saying something.
Anecdotal: I’ve never been locked out of anything to do with work that I couldn’t find an easy work-around for (the MS threat). It’s nbd.
Yes. It’s probably the friendliest Linux distro. But there’s still a learning curve so don’t go in thinking it’s as plug and play as Windows.
Source: Tech savvy guy that changed over recently
@maniclucky @nevermind
Linux Mint is indeed the friendliest of the Linux distros but one still needs at least a bit of experience with installing OS. The fundamental problem with Windows is that it comes pre installed on everything and most people had never needed to install an OS.
@nevermind, you need to find a friend who’s done it or someone online willing to walk you though it. It’s not very difficult but if you’ve never done it it could be a bit weird.
Thanks!
I won’t even ask what plug and play means…
Plug and play essentially means “it just works”. Like as simple as plugging in a USB mouse and using it. When something isn’t plug and play, it means it takes a bit of fiddling with.
Ah yes, thank you. A tiny part of my brain wondered if that was the meaning but it’s never safe to assume something when I’m as clueless as I am.
Actually I think that term was coined by Windows 98 for hardware you could connect and it would Just work™ (I.e. without the need to install drivers).
I’d mean people who don’t know linux in particular but are marginally tech-savy.
Mint has been described as “the distro your granny can use” (and some do), but it does require some knowledge to at least install it — but it’s nothing a tutorial somewhere won’t help with, it’s a low bar.
Mint, Zorin, and Ubuntu are the ones I always hear.