If you are new to the world of Linux, you may be wondering where to start. With so many distributions available, it can be difficult to choose the one that best suits your needs. In this article, I will introduce you to my two favorite Linux distributions for beginners: Linux Mint and Fedora.

Fedora: the distribution for the curious

Fedora caters to a diverse audience, ranging from novice users to IT professionals, with a focus on innovation and the use of free software. It is based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux and is known for its stability and security. Fedora is also very well documented, with an active community and abundant online resources.

One of Fedora’s main strengths is its desktop environment, GNOME, which offers a user-friendly graphical interface, allowing users to easily interact with their computer. It features an activities bar on the left side of the screen for quick access to applications and files, as well as several pre-installed applications like a web browser and a file manager. GNOME emphasizes simplicity and intuitiveness, with logically organized menus, and also allows customization of the appearance and functionality of the desktop, making Linux accessible even to novices. Fedora is also highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your needs.

Fedora is very up-to-date in terms of technology, which means you will have access to the latest features and software. It is an excellent option for beginners who want to explore the latest trends in Linux.

Linux Mint: simplicity and ergonomics

Linux Mint is a very popular Linux distribution among beginners. It is based on Ubuntu and offers a very intuitive and easy-to-use user interface. Linux Mint is designed to be simple and accessible, even for those with no experience with Linux.

One of the main strengths of Linux Mint is its user interface, Cinnamon, a desktop environment that aims to provide a simple and familiar user experience, similar to that of Windows. It features a clear and intuitive interface, with a main menu accessible with one click, a taskbar at the bottom of the screen to manage your open applications, and icons on the desktop for quick access to your files. Cinnamon also allows for easy customization, enabling you to change the wallpaper, themes, and applets to tailor the environment to your preferences. In summary, Cinnamon is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, making it an excellent choice for novice users who want a smooth transition to Linux.

Linux Mint is also very stable and secure, which is essential for beginners. It is also very well documented, with an active community and abundant online resources.

How to test a Linux distribution

Testing Linux on a PC can be done in several ways, and here are two common methods:

  • Live USB/CD: Download a Linux distribution (like Fedora or Mint) and create a Live USB or CD using a tool like balenaEtcher or Rufus. Boot your PC from this media, and you will be able to use Linux without installing it on your hard drive. This allows you to test your computer’s compatibility and the features of Linux.

  • Virtual machine: Use virtualization software like VirtualBox to create a virtual machine on your PC. You can install Linux in this virtual machine, allowing you to use it within your current operating system without affecting your files or settings.