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+++ title = 'Selecting a Linux Distro' date = 2026-03-28T14:57:46+01:00 lastmod = 2026-03-28T14:57:46+01:00 draft = false author = 'Janis Hutz' tags = [ 'Linux', 'Windows', 'macOS' ] categories = [ 'Guides' ] series = [ 'linux-beginner-guide' ] series_weight = 1 featuredImage = "" +++
{{< admonition type=info title="What is a distro?" open=false >}} A distro, which is short for distribution, is an assortment of Software that makes up a whole Linux-based operating system. It consists of various components, such as a User Interface (which is what you see on screen), called a Desktop Environment, Software Repositories (which is where you get software from) and some pre-installed applications {{< /admonition >}}
Selecting a Linux Distribution
It is very important to remember that the Distribution you choose has a way smaller impact on your user experience than picking a desktop environment (you can think of that as your user interface)! If that sounds a bit strange to you, then open the below box
{{< admonition type=info title="Why being able to pick a desktop environment makes sense" open=false >}} Coming from proprietary operating systems like Windows and macOS, you are used to having things such as how you are to interact with a PC dictated by the companies that make the Operating Systems (OS). If you have never before used anything different, you may think you like this more, but there are better concepts out there than the one Windows uses. macOS's concept would be a bit more efficient, had they properly tuned the animations and fully implemented some features a window manager with that concept needs to have.
At first then, it may be a bit overwhelming having to make so many decisions at once. This is where this guide comes in, it helps guide you through all the important decisions you need to make.
The most important thing to remember is that you don't have to decide within 10 minutes. Give a few options you think you may like a try and don't try to make it do what you are used to, try to learn how it does it, as that can open your eyes two whole new ways of interacting with a PC. {{< /admonition >}}
Picking a desktop environment
While it is a bit annoying to do, you can change your desktop environment down the line as well without having to reinstall your entire operating system.
Crucially, don't just pick something because you think it looks most like Windows, also don't try to get something else to work like Windows or macOS, because if you are changing your operating system, why not also change how you interact with it, as that can be a very eye-opening experience.
The best way to evaluate which ones you like the most is to try them out. If you have an old laptop or PC laying around that you don't use, just install something onto it and give it a try.
KDE
GNOME
Cinnamon
Cosmic
Xfce
Picking the distribution
Using the DE you picked above and some other aspects, these are my distro recommendations in the table below
| Distribution | Target audience | Base distribution | Advantages | Disadvantages | Available DEs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CachyOS | Intermediates / Beginners | Arch | Very fast, up-to-date, excellent docs, great community, all DEs & WMs | Arch base (thus a bit more challenging), likely a bit less stable than others on this list | All |