Linux Mint 很快。在旧电脑上运行良好。Linux Mint 建立在坚如磐石的 Ubuntu 基础之上。它使用与 Ubuntu 相同的软件存储库。关于 Ubuntu 软件存储库,Ubuntu 推送的软件仅供广泛测试后使用。这意味着用户不必处理一些新软件容易出现的意外崩溃和故障,对于新的 Linux 用户来说这可能是一个真正的禁忌。
A majority of computer users are Windows users. And when a [Windows user gets a Linux][2], there’s a fair amount of ‘unlearning process’ that user must go through. A huge amount of operations have been fixed in our muscle memory. For example, the mouse reaching to the lower left corner of the screen (Start) everytime you want to launch an application. So if we could find something that eases these issues on Linux, it’s half a battle won. Enter Zorin OS.
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Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based, highly polished Linux distribution, entirely made for Windows refugees. Although pretty much every Linux distro is usable by everybody, some people might tend to be reluctant when the desktop looks too alien. Zorin OS dodges past this obstacle because of its similarities with Windows appearance wise.
Package managers are something of a new concept to Linux newcomers. That’s why Zorin OS comes with a huge (I mean really huge) list of pre-installed software. Anything you need, there’s good chance it’s already installed on Zorin OS. As if that was not enough, [Wine and PlayOnLinux][20] come pre-installed so you can run your loved Windows software and [games][21] here too.
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Zorin OS comes with an amazing theme engine called the ‘Zorin look changer’. It offers some heavy customization options with presets to make your OS look like Windows 7, XP, 2000 or even a Mac for that matter. You’re going to feel home.
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These features make Zorin OS the _**best Linux distro for beginners**_ , isn’t it? Do check out the [Zorin OS website][24] to know more and download the OS.
#### 4\. Elementary OS
Since we have taken a look at Linux distros for Windows users, let’s swing by something for MacOS users too. Elementary OS very quickly rose to fame and now is always included in the list of top distros, all thanks to its aesthetic essence. Inspired by MacOS looks, Elementary OS is one of the most beautiful Linux distros.
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Elementary OS is another Ubuntu-based operating system which means the operating system itself is unquestionably stable. Elementary OS features the Pantheon desktop environment. You can immediately notice the resemblance to MacOS desktop. This is an advantage to MacOS users switching to Linux as they will much comfortable with the desktop and this really eases the process of coping to this change.
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The menu is simple and customizable according to user preferences. The operating system is zero intrusive so you can really focus on your work. It comes with a very small number of pre-installed software. So, any new user will not be repulsed by huge bloat. But hey, it’s got everything you need out of the box. For more software, Elementary OS provides a neat AppCenter. It is highly accessible and simple. Everything at one place. You can get all the software you want and perform upgrades in clicks.
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Suggested read How to Install and Use Slack in Linux
Experience wise, [Elementary OS][28] is really a great piece of software. Definitely give [it a try.][28]
#### 5\. Linux Mint Mate
A good number of people who come to Linux are looking to revive older computers. With Windows 10, many computers that had decent specs just some years ago have become incompetent. A quick google will suggest you install Linux on such computers. In that way, you can keep them running up to the mark for the near future. Linux Mint Mate is a great Linux distro if you are looking for something to run your older computers.
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Linux Mint Mate is very light, resource efficient but still a polished distro. It can run smoothly on computers with less muscle power. The desktop environment does not come with bells and jingles. But in no way is it functionally inferior to any other desktop environments. The operating system is non-intrusive and allows you to have a productive computing experience without getting in your way.
Again, the Linux Mint Mate is based on Ubuntu and has the advantage of huge base solid Ubuntu software repository. It comes with a minimum number of necessities pre-installed. Easy driver installation and setting management are made available.
You can run Linux Mint Mate even if you have 512 MB RAM and 9 GB hard disk space (the more the merrier).
The Mate desktop environment is really simple to use with no twists in the tale. This is really a huge plus point for Linux beginners. All the more reason to [try out Linux Mint Mate][30].
#### 6\. Manjaro Linux
Ok. Any long time Linux user will say guiding a newcomer even in the general direction of Arch Linux is a sin. But hear me out.
Arch is considered experts-only Linux because of it’s highly complex installation procedure. Manajro and Arch Linux have a common origin. But they differ extensively in everything else.
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Manajro Linux has an extremely beginner friendly installation procedure. A lot of things are automated like driver installation using ‘Hardware detection’. Manjaro hugely negates the hardware driver hassles that torments a lot of other Linux distros. And even if you face any issues, Manjaro has an amazing community support.
Manjaro has its own software repository which maintains the latest of software. While providing up to date software to users is a priority, guaranteed stability is not at all compromised. This is one of the prime differences between Arch and Manjaro. Manjaro delays package releases to make sure they are absolutely stable and no regression will be caused. You can also access the Arch User Repository on Manjaro, so anything and everything you need, is always available.
If you want to know more about Manjaro features, do read my colleague [John’s experience with Manjaro Linux and why he is hooked][32] to it.
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Manjaro Linux comes in XFCE, KDE, Gnome, Cinnamon and a host of more desktop environments. Do check out the [official website][34].
To install any of the above 6 operating systems, you need to create a bootable USB stick. If you are currently using Windows [use this guide to do so][35]. Mac OS users may [follow this guide][36].
**Your choice for the best Linux distro for beginners?**
Linux might come with a learning curve, but that’s not something anybody ever regretted. Go ahead get an ISO and check out Linux. If you are already a Linux user, do share this article and help someone fall in love with Linux in this season of love. Cheers.