Best os for someone new to Linux?

[shadowwolf]

I was wondering what the best Linux os is for someone with no previous experience with Linux os's. I want something that I can learn from, but isn't too absurdly difficult to set up or use. I've read through our sticky on Linux distributions and I'm thinking about using something like Debian or Slackware but I'm not entirely sure and I was wondering if I could get some feedback.

[khofo]

First it's not a linux OS, but a linux distribution.

To learn linux, I'd suggest you start out with a widely used distro (Mint/Ubuntu), since these distro have a huge community/tutorials online.
I'd also suggest looking for a book even though it is not necessary.
The best way to learn is to actually use it for your daily tasks.
When Familiar enough you could switch to other distros like arch/slack etc..

[gray-fox]

My advice would be not to touch Ubuntu or its variants and go for the Debian instead. There's just too much useless bloat/crap in Ubuntu. I started to use Arch quit quickly after starting to use Linux and tinkering with Arch installation/setup taught me very much in very short time. So don't be too "afraid" to try something that usually is thought as hard for the new Linux user. If you want very good community and wiki then I would recommend Arch.

If you don't feel like trying something like Arch or Slack yet, maybe go with some variants of those which are considered bit more noob friendly like Manjaro(Arch variant) or Salix(Slackware). Tho atleast Manjaro also has bit too much stuff pre-installed for my taste. But with Manjaro you can aply Arch's great wiki quit directly.

Why not just make bunch of virtual machines and start testing different distros and start tinkering instead of thinking of the right choice(which does not exist) too much.  That's the best way to learn which distro is good choice for you.

[khofo]

Tbh, forget about what I said  and listen to gray-fox.

Since I do use arch too, and I actually did not use Ubuntu or Mint before, and only had them installed on a VM, so basically just listen to gray-fox, it's not that hard, and as said installing arch, will teach you a whole lot about linux. I actuallly learned to use linux by using arch

[shadowwolf]

Thanks for responding. I think I'll do what gray-fox suggested and make a bunch of VMs and tinker with some different distros to find one  that is good for me.

[iTpHo3NiX]

*Cough* http://lifehacker.com/5680453/build-a-killer-customized-arch-linux-installation-and-learn-all-about-linux-in-the-process *cough*

[c64]

I've used Arch, Debian, Gentoo, CrunchBang and some other random crap...

Finally settled on Mint, because it's just easy and not overly bloaty.

I definitely learnt the most getting Arch running smoothly though, they have a really nice wiki to help you.

[Josiah23]

My first Linux Distribution was Ubuntu, then I moved to Mint, next was Arch, and now I'm currently using Kali Linux. The best out of all of them had to be Arch.

[techb]

Honestly, it doesn't matter. This question is on the same level as what programming language to start with. It doesn't matter, just pick one and start using it and learn.

I would suggest you use VM to start with. Install one in VMWare or VirtualBox and try to use it like it was your main OS. Find one you like and are comfortable enough with and install it on your actual machine.

I started with Ubuntu, moved to Mint, and then to Arch. Been with Arch ever since because I like it. My wife started with Mint and only uses Mint because she likes it. I have friends that run CentOS because they like it, others FreeBSD. It doesn't matter, pick one if you don't like it try another.

The point is that your learning. Since your on this forum, that is the main and only point. Others, like my sister-in-law, don't care. They want something simple, fast, and easy to use, so she uses Ubuntu and is happy. I like to code and muck about, so I use Arch and am happy.

[spaceman]

If you are *nix newbie just start with ubuntu cause they have realy large community and good forum so you would in 90% find solutions for problems there. Allso google out for the linux command line book just to know whats in this command that they share or post on theirs forum blog etc... After you can make if you have enough space on hdd 3ple boot and have win/ubuntu/arch and use whatever you want.

[rogue.hackz]

Coming from a Windows base to Linux can be kind of frustrating at first so just to keep your sanity level in check it's advisable to not jump onto advanced distros like Arch or Gentoo.

Arch and Gentoo are definitely better than most other distros out there, their documentation is superb, communities are somewhat big and you will only find knowledgeable, experienced Linux users using these distros. With that said, advanced distros expect you to know the basics or go through their documentation on your own to debug your own issue before asking questions. Therefore it's not suitable for beginners and asking basic stuff in forums / IRC you'll always get RTFM type of answers.

If I were to give some suggestions, I'd say start off with something like Ubuntu / Mint or some other easy to use distros out there. These would prepare you with the basics of Linux. Ubuntu channel in IRC is pretty big with lots of people actively helping out and you can almost always go there and ask questions / get any sort of help without getting into trouble.

You need to learn how to walk before you can think about running. So go with what I've recommended.

[Money]

Mine was Linux Mint. It was pretty easy to use when I got the hang of it, I then dual booted to Kali, then I got Ubuntu and Kali, now I deleted the Mint and Ubuntu and am left with Windows and Kali!

[0pt1musPr1m3]

If you have never used linux then I am not seeing the difference. In fact use all of them, distro hop for months till you find what you want to use. You will then be able to say "I've tried this one, this one, this one and this one but I like this one the best - Because......."

Don't depend on others for things you can figure out on your own - you are only hurting yourself. 

[parad0x]

I agree with Optimus, but since you've never used any Linux based OS, I would recommend Ubuntu or Linux Mint if you want like Windows, you know too much GUI and stuff, mostly double click and you are good to go. If you want some less clustered but want a good GUI, I would recommend Elementary OS (myself using that), some sort of minimal with speed (Use Luna, Freya isn't that stable though they say it is). Then move onto some more minimal OS with some less GUI and when you are comfortable, I'd say try arch, building almost from scratch, you can also try Slackware, BSD but I'd say just get used to some Linux flavor, it'll help

[flowjob]

Surprised nobody mentioned vezzy's guide to linux distributions: https://evilzone.org/operating-system/an-informal-guide-to-linux-distributions-for-the-unwashed-hacker/
It's a nice writeup of the most popular linux distros