I daily drove Linux for about 6 years and finally managed to convince some of my family members to try it!
However, I realized I don’t have a lot of ideas about beginner distros. I have some requirements that led me to some decisions, but there doesn’t seem to be a fit-all option:
- Minimal maintenance -> Debian-based (stable release)
- High compatibility -> Debian-based (.deb seems more convenient than say, AUR)
- Familiarity -> KDE Plasma (looks like Windows, very customizable)
It’s for a Thinkpad X1. The main purpose is going to be academics.
All of that points to Kubuntu, but I worry about the Canonical Snap store stuff.
Everyone recommends Linux Mint for starters, but it doesn’t come with a KDE Plasma flavour. I know I can install it myself, but the integration is gonna be bad and they’re gonna bug me a lot.
I use Endeavour OS personally, so I’m somewhat familiar with Arch-based system. I guess .debs can be installed with debtap, but that feels like a whole another hacky solution. I have done university courses with my Endeavour OS laptop and I know quite a bit of software comes in .deb but not AUR.
What should I pick for them? And should I get more input from them? If so, what should I ask about?
Don’t think too much about it. There’s little reason not to try Kubuntu even with snaps. If it starts to bother you, backing up your files is simple then you can redeploy them on another distro. I’ve used Ubuntu for a couple years now with no issues other than some audio funkiness. But as I understand, that’s just linux in general sometimes and I fixed it in like 20 minutes.
The sooner you stop being determined to get 100 concensus opinions from “experts” and instead just roll with what features suit you and form your own opinion, the happier you’ll be. Snap has never once got in my way and the moment it does, I’ll figure out a solution or jump ship if it’s a big enough issue. The same way I did with Windows, Reddit, Twitter, toilets, disposable napkins, etc.