Newbie users should first clarify their usage requirements when choosing a Linux distribution. 1. Choose Ubuntu or Linux Mint for daily use; programming and development are suitable for Manjaro or Fedora; use Lubuntu and other lightweight systems for old devices; recommend CentOS Stream or Debian to learn the underlying principles. 2. Stability is preferred for Ubuntu LTS or Debian; you can choose Arch or Manjaro to pursue new features. 3. In terms of community support, Ubuntu and Linux Mint are rich in resources, and Arch documentation is technically oriented. 4. In terms of installation difficulty, Ubuntu and Linux Mint are relatively simple, and Arch is suitable for those with basics. It is recommended to try it first and then decide.

If you are new to Linux, you may be a little confused when facing many distributions (distros). In fact, choosing the right Linux system can help you avoid many detours. The key is to understand the degree of matching your usage needs and system characteristics.

1. Determine your usage scenario

Different uses are suitable for different Linux distributions. For example, do you mainly want to learn command line, do development, or replace Windows/Mac's daily office work? Here are some common situations:

• Mainly used daily : Ubuntu or Linux Mint is recommended, with a friendly interface and strong community support.
• Programming or development environment : Manjaro and Fedora are both good, with fast software updates and many pre-installed tools.
• Lightweight systems (old computers) : Lubuntu, Xubuntu or Puppy Linux is more suitable and takes up less resources.
• Learning Linux principles or server-related : CentOS Stream or Debian is a closer "bottom-level" option.

2. Do you value stability or the latest features?

There are quite a big difference in update strategies for Linux distributions:

• If you don't want to frequently toss the system and pursue stability and long-term support, you can consider:

  • Ubuntu LTS (Long-term support release every two years)
  • Debian (known for its stability, but the software version is older)

• If you like to try new things and are willing to take certain risks, a rolling update system may be more suitable for you:

  • Arch Linux or its derivative version of Manjaro
  • Such systems always keep the latest software, but occasionally compatibility issues occur.

3. Are community and support resources abundant?

For beginners, it is very important to find the answer quickly when they encounter problems. Some mainstream distributions have active forums, tutorials and Q&A communities:

• Ubuntu : It has a complete documentation and the most online tutorials. You can find solutions to almost any problem.
• Linux Mint : There are also a lot of Chinese information, suitable for novices who don’t want to read English documents.
• Arch Linux : Although the documentation is detailed, the content is technical and is not suitable for users with completely zero foundation.

It is recommended to choose systems with a large number of Chinese and English materials, so that it is easier to find solutions when encountering problems.

4. Is the installation and configuration simple?

Some systems have a complicated installation process, or the default settings need to be manually adjusted to be easy to use. For example:

• Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Elementary OS : The installation process is simple, the graphical interface is friendly, and most hardware drivers can automatically recognize it.
• Fedora, Debian : Although it is also very popular, manual intervention may be required on some laptops or graphics drivers.
• Arch Linux : The installation process is complicated and suitable to try it after having a certain foundation.

If you are working on Linux for the first time, it is not recommended to challenge the system that is too difficult at the beginning. Start practicing with one that is easy to use.

Basically these are the key points. Choosing a Linux distribution that suits you does not require much professional knowledge. Just judge it based on your usage habits, device performance and learning goals. You can download the ISO file to create a USB flash drive and try it. Most distributions support the "trial-free installation" mode, and it is useful to experience it yourself than to see more introductions.

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