Best Linux Distros for New Users

Originally I used a standard Ubuntu distribution, and it was very easy to use while still being adaptable and nimble. But there were several softwares which I needed for my research which either were misinterpreted under simple commands or were not compatible with my distro. This was all resolved as 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 softwares, without fault. Overall, it made a much more aesthetic and navigable interface, which was just as suitable for Unix-based manipulation (which one will undoubtedly employ when using Linux) as it was for the hereditary approach which one gets growing up with Windows. I would wholeheartedly put my foot down and say if you're looking for a first Linux distribution, go with Linux Mint. I suggest the Cinnamon desktop edition, but that's just me.

If you're a regular Windows user then Linux Mint might be able to make you feel at home. It's an Ubuntu-based distro that provides users with a Windows-like interface. It's one of the easiest distros to install and use, and I highly recommend it if you're just starting Linux.

Ubuntu is the most well known distro, and the one many users start with. It's based off 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 write 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 it's own custom desktop environment which looks a lot like the MacOS interface. 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, which makes it a good alternative to the spyware Chrome OS.

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

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

KDE Edition is slick and easy for beginners. Might become annoying from the constant updates that come with it.

As of the day this list was created, MX Linux is the no. 1 most popular distro the site Distrowatch.

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

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