Which Linux Should I Install? The Complete Beginner's Guide
Discover the ideal operating system for your needs
If you're thinking about trying Linux but don't know where to start, you've come to the right place! There are hundreds of different versions of Linux (which we call "distributions"), and it can be confusing at first. In this article, we'll walk you through the best options depending on what you want to do.
Why Choose Linux?
Before we look at the options, let's understand why so many people choose Linux:
It's completely free: You don't have to pay a single euro to use it.
It is safe: Viruses and malware are extremely rare on Linux.
Gives new life to old computers: You can install Linux even on 10-15 year old computers!
Respect your privacy: It doesn't collect your data like other operating systems.
The Best Options
Ubuntu
The Ubuntu is the most popular choice for those starting out with Linux. It's like "Windows of Linux" - easy, friendly and beautiful looking.
✅ Advantages
- Very easy to use
- Huge community that can help you
- Almost all programs work on it
- Regular updates and support
⚠️ Disadvantages
- Needs a little more RAM
- Some older machines may be slow
✅ Advantages
- Very easy to use
- Huge community that can help you
- Almost all programs work on it
- Regular updates and support
⚠️ Disadvantages
- Needs a little more RAM
- Some older machines may be slow
Linux Mint
If you're used to Windows and want something very similar, the Linux Mint is the ideal choice. It has a start menu, taskbar and everything you already know.
✅ Advantages
- Very familiar look for Windows users
- Excellent performance even on old machines
- All necessary programs pre-installed
- Very stable and reliable
⚠️ Disadvantages
- A slightly more conservative look
- Updates come a little slower than other systems
✅ Advantages
- Very familiar look for Windows users
- Excellent performance even on old machines
- All necessary programs pre-installed
- Very stable and reliable
⚠️ Disadvantages
- A slightly more conservative look
- Updates come a little slower than other systems
Pop! _OS
If you want to play games or work with videos, images, and music, the Pop! _OS It's a great choice. It comes with everything you need to get the most out of your graphics card.
✅ Advantages
- Excellent support for graphics cards
- Ideal for games via Steam
- Modern and beautiful appearance
- Fast and efficient
⚠️ Disadvantages
- The interface is a little different and takes some getting used to
- Smaller community than Ubuntu
✅ Advantages
- Excellent support for graphics cards
- Ideal for Steam games
- Modern and beautiful appearance
- Fast and efficient
⚠️ Disadvantages
- The interface is a little different and takes some getting used to
- Smaller community than Ubuntu
Zorin OS
The Zorin OS is designed to look like either Windows or MacOS, depending on your preference. It's a great choice if you want something elegant and professional.
✅ Advantages
- Beautiful and professional appearance
- You can choose how it will look (Windows or Mac)
- Very easy for beginners
- Good support for Windows programs
⚠️ Disadvantages
- The best version (Pro) is paid.
- A little heavier than other options
✅ Advantages
- Beautiful and professional appearance
- You can choose how it will look (Windows or Mac)
- Very easy for beginners
- Good support for Windows programs
⚠️ Disadvantages
- The best version (Pro) is paid.
- A little heavier than other options
Ubuntu / Xubuntu
Do you have an old computer that's "crawling"? Lubuntu and Xubuntu they are specially designed to run fast even on 15 year old machines!
✅ Advantages
- Very light and fast
- They work on machines with 2GB RAM or less
- Low power consumption (ideal for laptops)
- Stable and reliable
⚠️ Disadvantages
- Simpler appearance
- Fewer effects and animations
✅ Advantages
- Very light and fast
- They work on machines with 2GB RAM or less
- Low power consumption (ideal for laptops)
- Stable and reliable
⚠️ Disadvantages
- Simpler appearance
- Fewer effects and animations
Comparison with At a Glance
| Διανομή | Difficulty | Minimum RAM | ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu | Very easy | 4GB | Beginners, general use |
| Linux Mint | Very easy | 2GB | Windows users |
| Pop! _OS | Easy | 4GB | Gaming, creators |
| Zorin OS | Very easy | 4GB | Professionals |
| Lubuntu | Easy | 1GB | Old computers |
💡 Beginner's Tip
Don't worry if you don't know what to choose! All of these options can be tried without installation via USB stickTry 2-3 different ones and see which one you like best!
The safest option for beginners is Ubuntu or Linux Mint - both have a huge community that can help you if you get stuck somewhere.
How to Get Started
Step 1: Download the System
Visit the official website of the distribution you chose and download the ISO file (it's like a "package" with the entire system inside).
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB
Use a program like Rufus (for Windows) or Etcher (for any system) to "write" Linux to a USB stick of at least 8GB.
Step 3: Try it First
Boot from the USB and select "Try". This way you can see what the system is like without changing anything on your computer!
Step 4: Installation
If you like what you see, click the "Install" icon on your desktop. The installation wizard will guide you step by step. You can install Linux alongside Windows (dual boot) or replace Windows entirely.FAQ
❓ Will I lose my files if I install Linux?
No, if you choose the "install alongside Windows" (dual boot) option. But to be safe, always back up your important files before any installation!
❓ Will I be able to run Windows programs?
Many Windows programs can run on Linux through a tool called WineAlso, most Windows programs have alternatives for Linux (e.g. LibreOffice instead MS Office, GIMP instead Photoshop).
❓ Is Linux difficult?
Not anymore! Modern distributions are as easy to use as Windows or macOS. It will only take a few days to get used to.
❓ What if something goes wrong?
Linux has huge communities that are willing to help! There are Greek forums, Facebook groups, and Reddit is full of helpful people.
❓ Do I need to know programming?
Not at all! This is a myth. You can use Linux just like you use Windows - with clicks and without writing a single line of code.
🎯 My Personal Recommendation
If you are a complete beginner: Start with Linux Mint Cinnamon. It's the most familiar and friendly for those coming from Windows.
If you want something modern: Try Ubuntu. It has the best support and the largest community.
If you have an old computer: Go for Lubuntu - you'll be amazed at the speed!
If you play games: Pop!_OS is the best choice for gaming in 2025.
Useful Programs You Will Need
For Office: LibreOffice (like Microsoft Office but free)
For Internet: Firefox ή Chromium (already installed)
For Email: Thunderbird (like Outlook)
For Images: GIMP (like Photoshop)
For Music: Rhythmbox ή Spotify
For Videos: VLC (plays everything!)
For Contact: Discord, Skype, Zoom (all available for Linux)
Some Things You Should Know
✅ The Pro
Free forever: You will never pay for a license or updates.
Security: There is no need for antivirus on Linux - viruses are extremely rare.
Privacy: Linux doesn't track what you do and doesn't send data anywhere.
Adjustment: You can change everything as you wish!
⚠️ Things to watch out for
Some programs are missing: Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office, and some games don't run directly (but there are alternatives!).
Some devices require additional setup: Some printers or scanners may require a little fiddling to get working.
Different logic: Some things are done differently than in Windows - but that doesn't mean it's harder!
⚡ Tip: Try it in a Virtual Machine
If you want to try Linux without changing anything on your computer, you can use VirtualBox (it's free). VirtualBox lets you install Linux inside your Windows, as if it were a program. So you can try it out at your leisure!
Linux Myths You Should Forget
❌ Myth: "Linux is only for programmers"
✅ Truth: Millions of people use Linux without even knowing programming!
❌ Myth: "You can't play games on Linux"
✅ Truth: Steam has thousands of games for Linux, and many Windows games run through it. Proton!
❌ Myth: "You have to write commands all the time"
✅ Truth: You can do everything with clicks, just like in Windows. Commands are optional!
❌ Myth: "There is no support if I have a problem"
✅ Truth: The Linux community is the most helpful there is - you'll find solutions everywhere!
The Decision is Yours!
Linux isn't for everyone, but it's definitely worth a try! It's free, secure, fast, and gives you complete control over your computer. My suggestion? Download Linux Mint or Ubuntu, make a USB stick, and try it for a week. You're not losing anything - you can always go back to Windows if you don't like it.
But I'll tell you something: Most people who try Linux... never go back! Good start to your Linux journey! And remember: the community is here to help you whenever you need it.
📚 Next Steps
Once you have installed your chosen Linux:
1. Spend some time exploring the system
2. Install the programs you need from the "Software Center"
3. Adjust the appearance as you like
4. Join Greek Linux groups on Facebook or forums
5. Enjoy the freedom and security of open source software!
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