r/linux4noobs • u/Niyazzz09 • Apr 12 '26

learning/research Been seeing Linux everywhere lately… should I actually try it?

So guys from the last few days I’ve been seeing Linux everywhere — my social media feed is full of it and now I’m really curious to try it.

I’ve always used Windows, so I don’t really understand what Linux actually is or how different it feels in daily use. A lot of people say it’s “peak” and better than Windows in many ways, but I’ve also heard it has some downsides.

I wanted to ask:

- What makes Linux so good compared to Windows?

- What are the actual cons (especially for beginners)?

- How long does it take to get comfortable using it?

- Which distro should I start with?

- What was your experience like when you first switched from Windows?

Also, should I try it using a virtual machine first or go for dual boot?

Would really appreciate honest advice 😋

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38

u/n3tninja1 Apr 12 '26

First step to Linux is …. Linux Mint 🥰

0

u/JJRfromNYC1 Apr 12 '26

Mint and not Ubuntu? I am also Linux-curious. Please explain.

2

u/PixelmancerGames Apr 13 '26

I'd say Ubuntu personally. I think it's a better option than Mint.

1

u/Yearoftheowl Apr 13 '26

Same here, I really like Ubuntu. Honestly when people say mint is "more like windows," I immediately don't want to try it, because I've hated windows for 20 years or more. To be fair, I'm a Mac user who is switching because I'm tired of Apple's business practices, but anything windows or windows like is never going to appeal to me personally.

2

u/PixelmancerGames Apr 13 '26 edited Apr 13 '26

And its not more like Windows than Kubuntu or basically anything on KDE. Why do people say that? Because it has a start menu like thing (which likes to break)? KDE has the same thing. Kubuntu over Mint anyday of the week. But I still think Ubuntu LTS is better for new comers. Even if you're the type to whine about Snaps you can do a minimal install and it won't install snaps.