So like it says in the title. I’m looking to make a change. The only coding I ever did was like, some very light HTML on stuff like LiveJournal 20 years ago (because I’m ancient in internet years, haha) and even that I barely remember.

I’ve seen people talk about LinuxMint in other comment sections and how that one might be closest to something like Windows (in that a layman like myself can use it out of the box like buying a new laptop from Best Buy or whatever store). Is that actually a good one or is there something better for somebody like me?

I’ve seen enough people go ‘NO UBUNTU!!!’ to steer me away from that one, but otherwise I have no clue what would actually be good for somebody in my shoes.

I have a laptop that still technically runs Windows 8 that I just use for downloads so I’d be trying it on there so that if something goes wonky I’m not fucked. After looking at the LinuxMint website, the specs on that laptop meet the requirements for it.

Thanks so much!

  • Swordgeek@lemmy.ca
    27·
    10 hours ago

    Mint is good. It might be worth trying a few different desktop environments to see what you like - you can probably run all of the major ones from a LiveBoot device.

    BUT, and this is VERY important, ypu do not need to do any programming or coding on a Linux desktop. Ever.

    If you’re not a programmer then you are never forced to peel that onion. You can do EVERYTHING from a GUI if you want.

    You’ll lose the ability to run some games and software, but between alternatives and emulation, that list is getting smaller.