this post was submitted on 02 Oct 2025
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66
How to help someone install Linux? (lemmy.today)
submitted 3 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) by lemmyknow@lemmy.today to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world
21 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

What are some things to know / keep in mind when helping someone install Linux?

Installing for myself, I have to deal with my choices (like my recent "update without the recommended backup hoping my files are there when I get back", Pop!_OS 24.04 COSMIC). But for others, I'dn't like risking them facing my consequences.

Any tips are welcome!

Edit: for context, I was asked for help on that. I am not converting someone just outta nowhere.

And my worry is less with everyday usage. They can adapt, or, assuming dual boot, boot back to Windows. But we prolly need to choose a distro, and not brick their laptop. Two important parts!

Also, we in CS, so… make of that what you will

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[–] circuscritic@lemmy.ca 14 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

Do not use Cosmic for this brand new user.

It's still beta, and I assume your goal is to have them keep using Linux.

Ubuntu or Mint for new users.

I vote Mint, but either works.

[–] BlameTheAntifa@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Never Ubuntu. Never Canonical.

Mint is a good choice if they can stomach Cinnamon. My top recommendations are still Bazzite for gamers and Fedora KDE or everyone else.

[–] Electricd@lemmybefree.net 0 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

But it’s easier to install software on Ubuntu as it has snap and install instructions for nearly everything

Frankly, Canonical isn’t really bad

Like what, snap and some links with Israel somewhere? A bit of telemetry in the top. That’s it?