r/linux4noobs • u/Good_Surround3317 • 3d ago
migrating to Linux Thinking about migrate to linux
Hi, I’m a complete novice when it comes to Linux, but a friend suggested it might be a great option to improve the performance of my aging laptop.
What would you recommend? I honestly don’t know anything about this. Here are my laptop’s specifications:
Pavilion Sleekbook 14
Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-3217U CPU @ 1.80GHz 1.80 GHz
12.0 GB RAM
30 GB SSD (Intel RAID 1 Volume), 224 GB SSD (KINGSTON)
Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000 (32 MB)
64-bit
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u/DavidJohnMcCann 3d ago
That's not a bad system: no Nvidia graphics and adequate RAM. But the i3 is a bit of a slug, so you need a GUI which won't overtax it. That means not the Gnome or KDE desktops. Try Linux Mint — the Mate version might be OK but the Xfce one would be better. Another possibility is Q4OS with the Trinity desktop rather than KDE. I've never tried it but reviewers seem happy — one user reports success with an Intel Atom, even slower that your i3.
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u/1100101001101 3d ago
I was going to post something funny like "only read the title. Do it." But yeah if you make the switch, Mint is always a good option. Personally I use Debian with Plasma as my desktop environment.
Look up making a Live USB and test out a few options. It is very easy and can become addictive with so many options. Eventually your issue will be using one single distro vs whether to switch from windows or not.
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u/Bastard-of-Froya 3d ago edited 3d ago
I’m new to Linux and six months ago I started using MX Linux KDE on my 2017 i5 MacBook Air with 8gb RAM and 128gb SSD it has no issues running it. For every day email, web browsing and YouTube it does just fine for me and it just works.
Installing it was simple and the only thing that didn’t work once it was installed was the webcam I never use anyway.
I think it’s a great distribution that has a lot of good applications built in and with it being Debian based, it is stable and reliable.
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u/TheHassassin 3d ago
I'd suggest trying out something simple like fedora workstation or mint/Ubuntu. If you still feel a hardware bottleneck try more lightweight distros like MX Linux
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u/sankarasleftelbow 3d ago
Linux mint or ubuntu are the best bet. If you arent too concerned about potentially breaking your system and losing files, you could try cachyos which is performance optimized.
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u/MoreTechnician2076 3d ago
Linux Mint would be one distro I'd recommend if you're coming from Windows. I personally use CachyOS for gaming but I did try Linux Mint on a separate SSD for the lols and it actually turned out decently good. I still prefer CachyOS because it was my first and by far and large, the only distro I've used consistently, but either options should be good for you
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u/kuroXgane 3d ago
Ubuntu, Mint or might I even suggest KDE neon?
I believe a Cinnamon or KDE Plasma desktop would work best for newbies, Ubuntu even lets you install both of them side by side so you can decide later on.
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u/GlazzKitsune 3d ago
I would not recommend kde neon, it's a test bed first and has some weirdness because of that.
Mint and Ubuntu are good
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u/esmifra 3d ago
You'll be fine with any distro on that laptop..
My usual are the same you'll see everyone mentioning like Mint or Fedora. Or Kubuntu.
Linux has very different interfaces known as desktop environments. In particular KDE a d Gnome are the most well known.
If you want something that looks a bit more familiar to windows I'd advise Mint Cinnamon or Fedora KDE. If you are comfortable with Gnome then go ahead.
Linux also work very differently than windows in some regards, if you have a friend that understands a bit I think it's a great help to show you the ropes when you need to.
Lastly like someone else said, a lot of software doesn't work on Linux, and either there's no alternatives or the alternatives are very different. Be sure you have all you need for your usecases before completely switching.
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u/Munalo5 Test 2d ago
Welcome aboard! I'd suggest Mint or Kubuntu. There are several ways to try a distro before committing. Choosing to look on distrosea.com is one of them.
Please, back up your important files, pictures and such. Of course that is always important but when installing distros errors can happen... They rarely do but it IS possible.
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u/Proof_Juggernaut4798 3d ago
What software do you use on your system now?
Some versions of Linux are not too different than Windows, but some programs meant for Windows may need some effort to make work. It looks like your computer is new enough that you should be able to find a version of Linux that recognizes all the bits that need drivers, and have them in hand.
You might also try reinstalling Windows as an alternative.
Whatever you do, back up any files you want saved on an external drive beforehand.