Hello! My old laptops hard drive packed it in, so I got a new one and now need to flash drive an operating system on it. I think this is my time to give Linux a proper go. I tried it before for my gaming PC but switched for a cracked Windows key because I was young and not bothered to learn.
Well, now is my chance to give it another go. I’m looking for a Linux optimised for performance on an HP 255 G7. Threadbare, but not so bare that it’ll require me to do a load of complicated stuff to do the basics. I’ll just be using it for YouTube and Google docs really. Any help/advice/orders are appreciated.
Thanks!
Many of the major distros with graphical installers would work. Fedora, Ubuntu, Endeavor, OpenSuse… it’s really the Desktop Environment and the default set of apps that’s going to make the difference for you, since that’s what determines how you interact with the computer on a day to day basis.
A lot of folks feel more comfortable with an interface like their old OS and simple graphical tools. If that’s what you’re after, it’s hard to beat Mint with its default Cinnamon desktop. It is very Windows-like in its workflow except just better. It’s got great gui system tools, a good community, and it’s super easy to install.
If that’s what you’re after - easy to install and just daily drive to browse the web and use google docs - then stop reading now. Mint is my recommendation. If you’re wanting to dive in and learn more about Linux along the way, keep reading!
I don’t agree with the “acts like my old desktop” philosophy, personally. I think it tends to make people expect the system to work like their old OS, and everything is different under the hood. It’s like putting a car’s dashboard and steering wheel into a tank. The vehicles are similar in a lot of ways, but they’re fundamentally different.
So, as a constant reminder that you’re using something fundamentally different from Windows, a Desktop Environment like Gnome or KDE is a better choice.
Gnome is very different from the Windows workflow. I’m told it takes people a bit to adjust to it, but I wouldn’t know. For me, Gnome is the most intuitive DE I’ve ever used. I had the basics down in seconds. I recommend Fedora Workstation if you want to try it out. It’s up to date, has a great set of default apps, and has a strong community. I use Fedora, and I’m very happy with it.
KDE can work like Windows, if that’s what you’re after… but it can also work nearly any way you want it to because it’s so amazingly flexible that it’ll knock your socks off. The number of settings and things you can tweak, rearrange, and modify to your liking can be a bit overwhelming, but it can also be fun. I’ve spent literal hours having fun tweaking my desktop (although I always end up with something that imitates the Gnome workflow lol). It does a great job showing you how adaptable Linux can be, and how it’s all about your choices as a user. I love it, even if it’s not my DE of choice. If that sounds like your kind of fun, then KDE Neon or Fedora’s KDE spin ate worth a look.>