this post was submitted on 29 Jun 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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I have grown up around Linux and have had people like my dad use it near me my whole life. I even booted a fedora version once on a very old machine when I was younger as a way for my dad to teach me about Linux. Sadly I never really caught on at the time.

I am ready to really jump in now. Is there a beginners guide/pros cons comparison for different distribution of Linux? I am also curious about how well things like matlab, solidworks, and Office suit/libra office work in Linux.

Thank you!

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[–] angrymouse 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

More important than the distro you choose is the DE (desktop environment), this will define how you will interact with your system and applications, and choosing a DE that you did not like can even make you give up if you do not have a strong will to move on. Here are a few more arguments: https://youtu.be/DJ_4hfuidG0

Maybe this video can help (the comparison starts at 4:44, just ignore the part that "gnome is almost a standard" This is not actually true, all DEs from the video below are available in most distros and are well supported): https://youtu.be/IiOt4waFqhQ

This one is more complete and cites more alternatives: https://youtu.be/_EbYX4Qp8Rc

But do not be afraid, you can change easily your DE once you installed your system, and even can have multiple DEs installed at the same time, you will need to choose them when you log in.