Best Linux Distros for New Users

Originally, I used a standard Ubuntu distribution. It was very easy to use while still being adaptable and nimble. However, there were several pieces of software I needed for my research that either were misinterpreted under simple commands or were not compatible with my distro. All of this was resolved when I began to use Linux Mint instead.

First of all, it was a lot faster, and I was quickly able to set it up with the aforementioned software without any issues. Overall, Linux Mint offered a much more aesthetic and navigable interface. It was just as suitable for Unix-based manipulation (which one will undoubtedly employ when using Linux) as it was for the more familiar approach one gets growing up with Windows.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Linux Mint for those looking for their first Linux distribution. Personally, I suggest the Cinnamon desktop edition, but that's just me.

Ubuntu is the most well-known distro, and the one many users start with. It's based on Debian (a more difficult distro to use), which is a very stable Linux distro. If you don't like the default, Mac-like desktop, then consider looking at some of Ubuntu's flavors, each with a different desktop environment.

My favorite Ubuntu flavor, and the one I'm using right now to write this list, is Ubuntu Mate. It's a good choice for users who want more control over their operating system.

This Ubuntu-based distro uses its own custom desktop environment, which looks a lot like the macOS interface. It's a good choice for Mac users to start with.

Zorin OS is another distro similar to Linux Mint that has a Windows-like GUI.

Peppermint OS is a lightweight distro with cloud-based apps, making it a good alternative to the less privacy-focused Chrome OS.

Fedora is one of the most innovative Linux distros. It does require some experience to use properly, but it's easy enough for new users to run the distro without having major problems.

For beginning users who prefer the latest software, there's Manjaro. This is essentially Arch Linux, but without all the frustration and difficulty in installing the OS.

The KDE Edition is slick and easy for beginners but may become annoying due to the constant updates that come with it.

As of the day this list was created, MX Linux is the number one most popular distro on the site Distrowatch.

Highly underrated, in my opinion. Solus is an independent distro and incredibly stable. When used with the signature Budgie desktop, it's really slick and intuitive.

Kubuntu combines the ease of use and easy installation of Ubuntu with the absolutely beautiful KDE Plasma desktop environment. This was the first distro I chose to use after Ubuntu and have been using it ever since.