this post was submitted on 04 Sep 2024
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

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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submitted 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) by Noved@lemmy.ca to c/linux@lemmy.ml
 

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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[–] bsergay@discuss.online 2 points 6 months ago

To me, Endless OS seems to be the best fit for you; install it once and you never ever have to give it a second glance for troubleshooting or whatsoever. It achieves this through using "a read-only root file system managed by OSTree with apps installed using Flatpak.". This translates to:

  • The most important system-related files being protected from change by yourself and others.
  • Ensurance that your base installation is exactly the same as the one tested and used by its developers. And thus an (in-)direct quality control and maintenance by the very people that work on it.
  • As the base system is not changing beyond what is provided by the devs, installation of applications is relegated to flatpaks (see Flathub for the App Store).
    • Flatpak is a packaging format that doesn't interact with the base system to install software; think of it like how applications are installed on your phone. With this, you can still install software you need without compromising changes to the base system.
[–] DaedalousIlios@pawb.social 2 points 6 months ago

It depends! You'll get a lot of recommendations. And they're probably good recommendations. But there are most certainly Distros out there that are very simple. I would suggest you don't be afraid to Distro Hop until you find one that you really feel at home on.

If you're looking for something that's simple, out of the box, and out of your way, I'd avoid anything Arch based. Ubuntu or Debian based Distros will have the most documentation and therefore minimize the amount of time you spend looking for answers, however, Fedora based Distros, in my experience, are rock solid and sit comfortably between stable and the bleeding edge.

[–] vzq@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 6 months ago

Most operating systems these days are just micro-kernels to run the actual operating system, your browser. Most users will be perfectly happy using whatever in most cases as long as you can get one of the major browsers on it.

If they have special requirements, then you need to figure them out first.

[–] GustavoM@lemmy.world 2 points 6 months ago

If you mean "dumb friendly" by "An exact Windows clone"... there are plenty of "Windowslike" Linux distros out there.

If you mean "user friendly" by "Easy to understand by any user"... then yes, (any) Linux distro is user friendly as is.

[–] bastion@feddit.nl 2 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

Yes, it's easy. BUT:

  • buy Linux-compatible hardware. While you might technically be able to get something to run by fucking around, it's just better to bit Linux-compatible hardware. If something doesn't work, it doesn't work, put it on a shelf and try again in six months.
  • If you're dual-booting windows, know that windows occasionally nukes the boot loader, so that only windows loads. This happens irregularly, like every 2-5 years. A Linux friend can help fix it, or you can follow instructions online (you need an empty thumb drive to do it).
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[–] eugenia@lemmy.ml 2 points 6 months ago

If the PC you're building has the latest and greatest hardware in it, you might find that Linux might not support that stuff yet. You might get lucky, but you might not either. It usually takes a little while to get new hardware supported. So it might be a better idea to install Linux on your older computer, then there's no reason to buy a new PC anyway. Linux uses about half the RAM that Windows uses, for example, so it's like you did an upgrade anyway. As long as you have over 4 GB of RAM, you're fine for desktop usage. Windows requires 8 to run as well that Linux does at 4. You'd only need to upgrade if you're after extreme gaming support.

[–] spittingimage@lemmy.world 1 points 6 months ago

If you pick a new user-friendly distro, nine times out of ten it'll run like a dream out of the box.

If you want to change something minor like a desktop background, you might need to search through menus for the settings or ask for advice.

If you want to install new hardware, like swapping in a new video card, you'll definitely need some assistance.

[–] UnixWeeb@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 6 months ago (11 children)

Simple Answer: No

The moment you need to think about what distribution you need to choose from is where it'll stop any (dumb)user. Most people want a simple process with very little thinking.

If you are interested in learning linux and willing to take the time to understand the entire process that comes with it then yes.

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