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this post was submitted on 14 Dec 2023
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Linux
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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Use a VM and play with different DEs
Fedora is a good base and comes with most DEs as spins so you don't have to swap live.
Choose the one you like the most.
Personally, XFCE for all around customization amd performance, KDE for out of box solid functionality (and wayland if you care).
Once you feel comfortable, then go ahead and install or dual boot.
Silverblue is okay but kinda overrated because Flatpaks are not a silver bullet and will break or have basic FS dependency issues. Plus, it's not a great intro to Linux experience because ~~you can't shoot yourself in the foot easily~~ most tutorials on Linux will be for a regular system.
As for the distros themselves:
spoiler
Arch: Bleeding edge and you want to actually suffer every time you boot.
Manjaro: Arch but supposed to work out of box.
Debian: The King of stability at the cost of slower package updates
Fedora: Cutting edge and works out of box unlike Arch
Ubuntu: Useless Canonical distro that is heavily dated
Pop! OS and ElementaryOS: user friendly downstream of Ubuntu that suffer the same issues as Ubuntu.
Linux Mint: Ubuntu if it was actually good except it's still a downstream so still has aforementioned Ubuntu issues.
Gentoo: You want something completely custom
Slackware: You want a classic Unix like machine but with Linux
RHEL/CentOS/Rocky/Oracle/Etc: Enterprise Linux (server usage and desktop usage)
OpenSUSE: The RPM equivalent of Arch & Debian (comes in rolling and stable releases). So you can choose bleeding edge or stability.
Personally, I have stuck with Fedora for a long time. Debian or OpenSUSE would be second choice. Arch only if I'm forced to like the steam deck lol.
Also ArchWiki is your friend. Even if you're on any other distro, it has a wealth of the latest information and tutorials for whatever you want or need.