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Linux @lemmy.ml Noved @lemmy.ca

Is Linux (dumb)user friendly yet?

So I'm building a new computer before the end of the year and lemmy is obviously pushing me towards Linux.

I am not computer savvy, I have a family member that will help me set up my PC, but I do not want to be calling/messaging them every day when I want to open a program.

Basically my question comes down to: can I operate a Linux PC these days without needing to troubleshoot or type code.

I use my computer about once a week for a few hours I would say, so any time spent troubleshooting is time wasted.

Thanks!

EDIT: since a lot of people are asking what programs I typically use, I'll just list my most used programs.

Word, Excel, ect(I'm fine with alternatives)

Spotify

Gimp (would have been a make or break, so I'm glad it's supported)

Brave browser (browser is a browser)

Steam

Discord

I would say that while I could figure out how the kernels work, I'm at a point with computers these days where I don't have the time. My priorities fall with a seamless daily experience. If I have the time to figure something out I can, but ideally my day to day usage being unbotherd is what I'm after.

A lot of the comments so far have been helpful! I'm definitely going to give Linux a fair shot with my new build, probably start with Mint.

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  • You can try Linux out without installing it to get a feel for it before you make the jump. Set a weekend aside (or at least a couple of hours) to test drive a Linux distro and check if it is your cup of tea.

    This is one way of doing this:

    • Install Virtual Box on your (Widows) PC
    • head over to https://getaurora.dev/ and download the latest iso
    • In virtualbox create a new VM
      • set the OS Type to fedora (64 bit)
      • after that you can keep all the standard settings, just be aware that performance is not going to be representative of an actual install
    • Then select the newly created VM and open the settings panel
      • here you go to "Storage" and click on the slot under "Controler: IDE" labeled "empty"
      • click on the CD symbol on the right side of the window, in line with "optical drive" and select "choose a disk file"
      • pick the iso file you downloaded in step 2
    • close the settings window and start the VM
    • go through the installation wizard to install Aurora OS in your Virtual Machine
    • Profit

    I know that these instructions can seem daunting but it is easier than it reads, I promise.

    Why Aurora OS

    Aurora OS is based on Fedora Silverblue meaning that it is what is known as a immutable distro. That in turn means that it's harder to mess stuff up and break your install. It also means that some things are harder to achieve. But I also think that you are probably not interested in the hard stuff anyway.

    Aurora uses the KDE Plasma Desktop, the same desktop used by Valve on the Steamdeck. It has a familiar Windows like layout by default but also allows you to customise it like crazy to fit your particular need (whatever that may be).

    Aurora flatpak as it's app format. To see what kind of software is available for this distro you can check flathub.org . It's not going to be as much software as Linux Mint for example (Mint uses flatpak and deb), but everything the average user needs should be there.

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