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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Each elementary OS and Linux Mint are nice for brand new customers.
- Every distribution appeals to a distinct sort of person.
- You may set up and use each totally free.
Linux has extra completely different distributions than a puzzle has items. They quantity within the 1000’s, and vary from the very simple to the extremely difficult.
Clearly, if you happen to’re new to Linux, you are going to need to begin with one thing that may painlessly introduce you to the open-source working system. Each Linux person has an opinion on which distribution is finest fitted to new customers, however I’d argue that the selection will depend on the place you are coming from.
I need to deal with two completely different distributions that make sense for customers coming from both MacOS or Home windows. Those that are new to Linux most likely do not need to migrate to an working system that appears nothing like what they’re used to.
Ergo: elementary OS and Linux Mint. Let’s examine which one is best for you.
elementary OS
I’ve a mushy spot in my coronary heart for elementary OS. Actually, I as soon as referred to as it my favorite distribution of all time. I used this distribution for years and located it to be an absolute delight. The elementary OS distribution affords a clear desktop that will probably be immediately acquainted to those that are accustomed to MacOS. You will discover a backside dock and a high panel, and a desktop that has a really tasteful theme. All of these components come collectively to make a Linux distribution that’s not solely simple to make use of however pleasing to the attention.
Additionally: Elementary OS 8 continues the tradition of a beautiful, user-friendly desktop
Primarily based on the LTS launch of Ubuntu, elementary OS advantages from the identical reliability as present in its mothership, and it is simply as user-friendly (if no more so). You will discover the default elementary OS theme to be elegant and properly thought out, making it very simple to work together with.
Once you log into the desktop, you may discover a dock and a high bar. On the dock, there are fast launchers for issues just like the file supervisor, internet browser, to-do record, calendar, music participant, video participant, picture viewer, app retailer, and a button so as to add new workspaces.
On the highest bar, there is a desktop menu (on the far proper), fast entry to the calendar (middle), and the system tray (far proper).
Nobody, no matter Linux expertise, could have even the slightest drawback with elementary OS, particularly if you happen to’re coming from MacOS.
One of many first belongings you’ll discover, upon opening the desktop menu, is that there is little or no in the way in which of preinstalled purposes. That is OK, as a result of elementary OS has a fantastic AppCenter for putting in software program.
Do not fret if you happen to see only a few preinstalled apps within the desktop menu.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
elementary OS additionally ups the ante on safety with the addition of Safe Session, which boosts privateness and safety by requiring a person’s consent to ensure that purposes to entry system options (resembling cameras, mics, and many others.). You can even set display deadlines, create customized keyboard shortcuts, and extra.
Who’s elementary for?
Should you’ve been utilizing MacOS and want to make the transfer (or a minimum of take a look at out) Linux, elemntary OS is the distribution for you. With a UI that’s modeled after Apple’s, an app retailer that makes putting in software program simple, loads of safety, and ease of use, you may really feel proper at house.
The AppCenter makes putting in software program simple.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
That does not imply Home windows customers needn’t apply, as elementary OS is simple sufficient for anybody to make use of.
Additionally: The best Linux laptops of 2024
elementary OS is an working system that lives as much as its identify: in ease of use, it is elementary, however that doesn’t make it elementary in day-to-day performance.
What’s Linux Mint?
Should you’re coming from Home windows, there is a Linux distribution proper up your alley, and it is referred to as Linux Mint.
Linux Mint is usually thought of the only finest distribution for brand new customers. One of many causes for that is that it sticks with a really conventional desktop format. You will discover a backside panel, a desktop menu, a system tray, and desktop icons. And since Linux Mint is predicated on Ubuntu, you get the identical bundle supervisor and stability.
The place elementary OS opts for a extra fashionable look, Linux Mint may appear barely outdated. As an alternative of leaning laborious into aesthetics, Linux Mint opts for simplicity, and it does a fantastic job of attaining that. Linux Mint is as simple to make use of as any working system in the marketplace.
Additionally: I tried the new Linux Mint 22.3 – it’s a masterclass in polish and quality-of-life fixes
Whereas elementary OS opts to preinstall a naked minimal of software program, Linux Mint delivers all the pieces it’s essential get going, proper out of the field. There are productiveness instruments (resembling LibreOffice), multimedia viewers, chat apps, the flexibility to simply create internet apps out of an internet site, and all of the utilities you possibly can consider. As soon as you have put in Linux Mint, you are good to go.
After which there’s the system snapshots function, which lets you create restore factors. Ought to one thing go improper, you possibly can roll again your desktop to a beforehand working state. This makes use of Time Shift, which I’ve coated in How to create system restore points on Linux with Timeshift – and why you should.
Time Shift simplifies creating system restore factors.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
So far as aesthetics, you get a theme app that permits you to choose a theme, change the looks, and choose a colour. Or you possibly can go to the superior choices and get a bit extra granular with the appear and feel.
There are many colour palettes from which to decide on.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Mint additionally affords a driver supervisor to make it simpler to put in the appropriate drivers in your elements.
Who’s Linux Mint for?
Should you’re on the lookout for a turn-key Linux answer that you could set up and is able to exit of the field, and also you’re coming from Home windows, you would be hard-pressed to discover a higher possibility than Linux Mint. No, it isn’t practically as stunning as elementary OS, but it surely affords extra options, has a bigger neighborhood, and has a quicker growth cycle (which implies you may get new releases and updates quicker).
Which one is best for you?
That is easy: if you happen to’re a MacOS person, go together with elementary OS. Should you’re a Home windows person, go together with Linux Mint. Both approach, each distributions are excellent and can serve you properly for a really very long time.
Additionally: The 6 Linux distros I expect to rule 2026 – and why
If both of those distributions pursuits you, obtain an ISO (elementary OS/Linux Mint) create a bootable USB driveboot up, and set up.
You will not remorse it.
