this post was submitted on 04 Sep 2024
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Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Is Linux (dumb)user friendly yet? (lemmy.ca)
submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by Noved@lemmy.ca to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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So I'm building a new computer before the end of the year and lemmy is obviously pushing me towards Linux.

I am not computer savvy, I have a family member that will help me set up my PC, but I do not want to be calling/messaging them every day when I want to open a program.

Basically my question comes down to: can I operate a Linux PC these days without needing to troubleshoot or type code.

I use my computer about once a week for a few hours I would say, so any time spent troubleshooting is time wasted.

Thanks!

EDIT: since a lot of people are asking what programs I typically use, I'll just list my most used programs.

Word, Excel, ect(I'm fine with alternatives)

Spotify

Gimp (would have been a make or break, so I'm glad it's supported)

Brave browser (browser is a browser)

Steam

Discord

I would say that while I could figure out how the kernels work, I'm at a point with computers these days where I don't have the time. My priorities fall with a seamless daily experience. If I have the time to figure something out I can, but ideally my day to day usage being unbotherd is what I'm after.

A lot of the comments so far have been helpful! I'm definitely going to give Linux a fair shot with my new build, probably start with Mint.

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[–] c0smokram3r@midwest.social 3 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

Linux Mint LMDE is always my recommendation to friends & fam who are leaving Win & Mac environments. LMDE bc ease of use/install & stability.

Slight learning curve, but that goes with anything new to a person when it comes to tech. Linux Mint forums are also legit for quick answers.

Good luck regardless of what you choose! Don’t let the negative feedback get you down! 🍀

-sent from an old MacBook running LMDE

[–] Revan343@lemmy.ca 1 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I've been curious about LMDE, I use the Xfce version of regular Mint, but am comfortable in Debian (at least, server Debian). How does LMDE compare?

[–] c0smokram3r@midwest.social 0 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

They’re both great starters, imo! Xfce or LMDE is a solid choice for Linux beginners.

Xfce was a little too minimal for me & iirc it’s canonical-based. I chose lmde specifically bc I prefer Debian. I can’t recall if I had any major issues setting up either of them. I think it also just comes down to visual/aesthetic preferences. They’re both highly customizable so either way you’re good!

I’m gonna set up xfce for my dad on an old Dell desktop & i’m sure he’ll appreciate how close it is to windows right out of the box. 📦

[–] Revan343@lemmy.ca 1 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

I specifically like Xfce or LxQt, because I generally run older hardware; I suppose my biggest question is how easily I could use either (not overly picky about which). I'm not sure which desktop environment LMDE defaults to, but both Gnome and KDE are deal-breakers for me, unless it's easily changeable.

I don't have that problem on my actual Debian machines, because they're headless anyways, there is no desktop environment at all

[–] c0smokram3r@midwest.social 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Ooh, I gotcha! LMDE doesn’t default to gnome or kde. LMDE installs w cinnamon.

Not sure I’ve seen much of lxqt. Will def give that a once over our if curiosity!

[–] Revan343@lemmy.ca 2 points 2 months ago

LxQt is nice, it is barebones like Xfce, but built on the Qt framework like KDE. Xfce uses GTK, like GNOME.