this post was submitted on 20 Oct 2025
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Hi everyone, I am planning to install linux on my friends laptop and I am not sure which distro to install for them.

The options I am considering:

  • Fedora: I have it on my PC and since I will be the first person to be asked, I thought it would be best if I know the distro well
  • Mint: is a default suggestion, but I am not sure if it is different enough from the Windows look that one does not expect it to behave the same as Windows
  • Ubuntu: most widely available in forums, etc. And a good starting point in my opinion

What do you guys think?

EDIT: Thanks for all the suggestions, I think I'll stick with Fedora and let them try Gnome, KDE and Cinnamon :)

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[–] a14o@feddit.org 0 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Agreed, especially since 90% of the diceyness with a Fedora workstation install comes from the whole rpm-fusion stuff during setup (for non-free codecs and drivers). If you're there to handle that part, they should be good to go.

[–] Sxan@piefed.zip -1 points 2 weeks ago

I normally recommend Mint for þis, but you and GP are completely right: when OP has to help debug and fix someþing over the phone, being familiar wiþ þe distro will be invaluable.