Linux is considered by most to be a big scary place for new users to break into, but the truth is that’s Linux distributions provide a great community for many technology enthusiasts to come together and share their ideas and of course their desktops.
So if you’re sick of looking at that familiar blue Widows desktop and you’re looking to learn something new, or if you just want something that’s more secure than Windows/Mac, then take a look at some of the best beginner Linux distro’s below.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is very much the de-facto Linux distro that most new users flock to. This is because it’s arguably the most well known of the whole lot. But the crown of most well known distro isn’t unjustified as it’s a great operating system. I myself first dipped my foot into the Linux pond with Ubuntu.
The Unity interface makes Ubuntu different from what you will be use to with other OS’s like Windows and Mac, but it’s no more difficult to use. In fact, I would say it’s probably easier to use than other OS’s as you only need to hit the super key (windows button), type what you’re looking for and hit enter. There’s no hunting around start menu’s here.
Elementary OS Luna
Elementary OS Luna (Luna for short) is a great operating system, it’s arguably the most highly polished Linux distribution out there. The whole point of Luna is to be easy to use, clean, and gorgeous…all which it’s accomplishes and then some. Luna is based on Ubuntu, so if you know Ubuntu, then you will be able to easily find your way around Luna.
Unlike Ubuntu, Luna doesn’t use the Unity interface and as you can see from the screenshot above, it’s very different from Ubuntu. The whole premise is simplicity. Luna is a fantastic free alternative for both Windows and Mac migrants.
Zorin OS
Zorin OS is another great OS, but this one has it’s roots firmly in the Windows camp. With a traditional taskbar, start menu, and Windows looking theming throughout, no Windows user would feel alienated in Zorin.
Even though Zorin does have it roots in Windows, it is different enough to whet your appetite and bring a lot of new features to the party. Personally I think Zorin OS is a beautiful, well made distro that thoroughly earns it’s place in this list of the best beginner Linux distro’s.
Mint Cinnamon
Linux Mint is almost as popular as Ubuntu, and rightly so as Linux Mint is for all intents and purposes is Ubuntu’s little brother. Mint is a direct fork of Ubuntu but it has a lot of additional features added, including many codecs and pieces of software to help get you up and running right out of the box.
Linux Mint uses the Cinnamon desktop, which again won’t be unfamiliar to any of you Windows migrants out there. Once again though, it has familiarity, yet something completely different to offer it’s users so it probably won’t get boring for you. PinguyOS
PinguyOS is the ultimate in beginners distro’s, the whole point of PinguyOS is to give it’s users a complete out of the experience that requires absolutely no applications to install and no changes to be made (but you can if you want to). It comes with a tonne of pre-installed apps for just about everything you can think of. So you can literally install the base OS and you’re away.
PinguyOS is a great beginners distro but because of the extra “weight” in terms of it’s bundles applications, I wouldn’t really recommend it for those of you that are running on older hardware. All in all PinguyOS will give you a really good, complete experience without having to lift a finger.
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