The biggest change from the Windows world will be the different interfaces to choose from. While they’re one of the best features of Linux, the number of choices and strong opinions on the matter can be overwhelming to new users. And everyone in the community is certain that theirs is the best. Don’t stress out about picking the “right” one. You can always change it later (especially if you choose something Ubuntu based). Pick one that has a large user base, good community, and excellent documentation. My recommendation would be Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
Linux comes in many different flavors, or “Distributions”. Often shortened to “Distros”. The most obvious difference between Distros is the interface (or “Desktop Environment” or “DE”). It’s not the only thing that sets them apart, but it’s the most noticeable.
I would recommend Ubuntu or any one of it’s variants. The best variants (in my opinion) are Linux mint and Linux Lite. Linux Lite having the most “Windows like” interface. Linux Lite also has additional tools to install common programs that Windows users are accustomed to. Ones that don’t come with other Distros by default.
Until recently Ubuntu used an interface called “Unity”. As of the last couple of releases, they have switched to Gnome. However, they’ve made gnome look a lot like Unity, so you should be able to follow instructions you find on the internet without too much trouble.
Gnome has a ton of customizations available via the “Gnome extensions” website. If you’re willing to relearn how to interact with your computer’s interface, it’s a good fit for someone who wants customization.
Here’s a good article with the basics of getting up and running with Ubuntu.
The biggest change from the Windows world will be the different interfaces to choose from. While they’re one of the best features of Linux, the number of choices and strong opinions on the matter can be overwhelming to new users. And everyone in the community is certain that theirs is the best. Don’t stress out about picking the “right” one. You can always change it later (especially if you choose something Ubuntu based). Pick one that has a large user base, good community, and excellent documentation. My recommendation would be Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
Linux comes in many different flavors, or “Distributions”. Often shortened to “Distros”. The most obvious difference between Distros is the interface (or “Desktop Environment” or “DE”). It’s not the only thing that sets them apart, but it’s the most noticeable.
I would recommend Ubuntu or any one of it’s variants. The best variants (in my opinion) are Linux mint and Linux Lite. Linux Lite having the most “Windows like” interface. Linux Lite also has additional tools to install common programs that Windows users are accustomed to. Ones that don’t come with other Distros by default.
Until recently Ubuntu used an interface called “Unity”. As of the last couple of releases, they have switched to Gnome. However, they’ve made gnome look a lot like Unity, so you should be able to follow instructions you find on the internet without too much trouble.
Gnome has a ton of customizations available via the “Gnome extensions” website. If you’re willing to relearn how to interact with your computer’s interface, it’s a good fit for someone who wants customization.
Here’s a good article with the basics of getting up and running with Ubuntu.
https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/migrating-from-windows-7-to-ubuntu/
Here’s Ubuntu’s website for downloading and documentation:
https://www.ubuntu.com/desktop
The official “Getting starting” guide:
https://tutorials.ubuntu.com/tutorial/try-ubuntu-before-you-install#0
Here’s the list of official Ubuntu Distributions:
https://www.ubuntu.com/download/flavours
Here’s a great article explaining the difference between the official Ubuntu Distribution (written by an awesome Redditor Killyourfm):
“Forbes: Linux For Beginners: Understanding The Many Versions Of Ubuntu”: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonevangelho/2018/11/28/linux-for-beginners-understanding-the-many-versions-of-ubuntu/
Here’s the official install guide:
https://tutorials.ubuntu.com/tutorial/tutorial-install-ubuntu-desktop#0
An install guide for Dual Booting:
http://linuxiumcomau.blogspot.com/2018/04/installing-ubuntu-along-side-windows-ie.html?m=1
And here’s Linux Lite’s official page:
https://www.linuxliteos.com/
Gnome extensions:
https://extensions.gnome.org/
Thank you so much. And also everyone else who commented, save maybe the steam deck recommendation without context.
It has helped.