this post was submitted on 20 Oct 2025
44 points (97.8% liked)

Linux

9996 readers
355 users here now

A community for everything relating to the GNU/Linux operating system (except the memes!)

Also, check out:

Original icon base courtesy of lewing@isc.tamu.edu and The GIMP

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

Hi everyone, I am planning to install linux on my friends laptop and I am not sure which distro to install for them.

The options I am considering:

  • Fedora: I have it on my PC and since I will be the first person to be asked, I thought it would be best if I know the distro well
  • Mint: is a default suggestion, but I am not sure if it is different enough from the Windows look that one does not expect it to behave the same as Windows
  • Ubuntu: most widely available in forums, etc. And a good starting point in my opinion

What do you guys think?

EDIT: Thanks for all the suggestions, I think I'll stick with Fedora and let them try Gnome, KDE and Cinnamon :)

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] rozodru@piefed.social 8 points 2 weeks ago

Go with Fedora KDE. it'll be the most polished DE and a good starting off point for transitioning from Windows. Mint is fine but there can be issues. Ubuntu is a headache especially when it comes to updates and upgrades (experienced it on my server this past weekend) and their sneaky "we'll install a snap instead" approach to some things I just don't like.

Fedora is easy and a good middle ground to get them into Linux. Also since you already use Fedora it will be an easy transition for both of you since you can provide first hand support.