最适合于初学者的 Linux 发行版
发行版

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> 在本文中，我们将看到**最适合于初学者的 Linux 发行版**。这将有助于 Linux 新用户选择他们的第一个发行版。
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![](/data/attachment/album/201907/25/102920n7y7xdzyl2td5yfy.jpg)


让我们面对现实，[Linux](https://www.linux.com/what-is-linux) 可能会给新用户带来巨大的复杂性。但是，带来这种复杂性的并不是 Linux 本身。相反，是“新奇”因素导致了这种情况。并不是怀旧，但我记得第一次使用 Linux 时，我甚至不知道会发生什么。我喜欢它，但最初这对我来说像是逆流游泳一样。


不知道从何处着手可能是一个令人沮丧的原因，特别是对于那些在 PC 上运行 Windows 之外的其它系统没有概念的人来说。


Linux 不仅仅是一个操作系统，而是一个理念：在这里大家共同成长，也适合于每个人的不同需要。我们已经介绍过：


* [Windows 用户的最佳 Linux 发行版](https://itsfoss.com/windows-like-linux-distributions/)
* [最佳轻量级 Linux 发行版](https://itsfoss.com/lightweight-linux-beginners/)
* [黑客攻击的最佳 Linux 发行版](https://itsfoss.com/linux-hacking-penetration-testing/)
* [最佳 Linux 游戏发行版](https://itsfoss.com/linux-gaming-distributions/)
* [隐私和匿名的最佳 Linux 发行版](https://itsfoss.com/privacy-focused-linux-distributions/)
* [看起来像 MacOS 的最佳 Linux 发行版](https://itsfoss.com/macos-like-linux-distros/)


除此之外，还有一些能够特别满足新人需求的发行版。这里有一些这样的适合初学者的 Linux 发行版。你也可以在视频中观看并[订阅我们的 YouTube 频道](https://www.youtube.com/c/itsfoss)以获取更多与 Linux 相关的视频。






### 最适合于初学者的 Linux 发行版


请记住，此列表没有特别的顺序。编制此列表的主要标准是易于安装、开箱即用的硬件和软件、易用性和软件包的可用性。


#### 1、Ubuntu


如果你在互联网上研究过 Linux，那么你很可能遇到过 Ubuntu。Ubuntu 是领先的 Linux 发行版之一，它也是开始 Linux 之旅的完美之选。


![](/data/attachment/album/201907/25/102945kms2vv2v75jmsf0x.jpg)


Ubuntu 被视为人性化的 Linux，这是因为 Ubuntu 在通用可用性上付出了很多努力。Ubuntu 并不要求你在技术方面懂得很多才能使用它。它打破了 “Linux = 命令行麻烦”这一概念。这是 Ubuntu 飙升到今天的主要优势之一。


Ubuntu 提供了非常方便的安装程序。这个安装程序以简单的英语（或你想要的任何主要语言）描述安装过程。你甚至可以在实际执行安装过程之前尝试使用 Ubuntu。安装程序提供了简单的选项：


* 删除旧操作系统以安装 Ubuntu。
* 与 Windows 或任何其他现有操作系统[一起](https://itsfoss.com/install-ubuntu-1404-dual-boot-mode-windows-8-81-uefi/)安装 Ubuntu（每次启动时都会提供要启动的操作系统的选择列表）。
* 让高级用户自行配置分区。


*初学者提示：如果你不确定该怎么做，请选择第二个选项。*


Ubuntu 的用户界面采用 GNOME。它简单、高效。你可以通过按 Windows 键搜索从应用程序到文件的任何内容。有什么比这更简单的吗？


没有驱动程序安装问题，因为 Ubuntu 附带硬件检测器，可以检测、下载和安装适用于你的 PC 的最佳驱动程序。此外，安装会附带所有基本软件，如音乐播放器、视频播放器、办公套件和一些消磨时间的游戏。


Ubuntu 拥有出色的文档和社区支持。[Ubuntu 论坛](https://ubuntuforums.org/)和 [Ask Ubuntu](http://askubuntu.com/) 几乎在 Ubuntu 的所有方面都提供了可观的高质量支持。你的一些问题很有可能已经得到了回答，这些答案是适合初学者的。


请在[官方网站](https://www.ubuntu.com/)查看并下载 [Ubuntu](https://www.ubuntu.com/)。


#### 2、Linux Mint Cinnamon


多年来，Linux Mint 一直是 [Distrowatch](https://distrowatch.com/) 上的**排名第一的** Linux 发行版。我必须说，这是当之无愧的宝座。Linux Mint 是我个人的最爱之一。它优雅、秀气，提供了卓越的计算体验（开箱即用）。


![](/data/attachment/album/201907/25/102946gef8gwneeg3khkle.jpg)


Linux Mint 带有 Cinnamon 桌面环境。仍处于熟悉 Linux 软件阶段的 Linux 新用户会发现 Cinnamon 非常有用。所有软件都按类别分组，非常易于访问。虽然这不是一个令人兴奋的功能，但对于不了解 Linux 软件名称的新用户来说，这是一个巨大的好处。


Linux Mint 很快，在旧电脑上也运行良好。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。而对于 Ubuntu 软件存储库，仅在广泛测试后 Ubuntu 才会将软件推送在其中。这意味着用户不必处理某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不可接受的。


![](/data/attachment/album/201907/25/102947cn9j0hhvohxhhbtr.jpg)


Windows 7 爱好者如果没有真的升级到微软 Windows 10 的话，那将会发现 Linux Mint 的可爱。 Linux Mint 桌面非常类似于 Windows 7 桌面。类似的工具栏、类似的菜单、类似的托盘图标都绝对会使 Windows 用户感到十分熟悉。


就个人而言，我更倾向于向 Linux 世界的新人推荐 Linux Mint，因为 Linux Mint 确实给用户留下了足够的印象，会让他们接受它。对我来说，Linux Mint 应该是面向初学者的 Linux 列表中的首位。


请在这里查看 [Linux Mint](https://linuxmint.com/)，看看 Cinnamon 版。


#### 3、Zorin OS


大多数计算机用户是 Windows 用户。当 [Windows 用户拿到一个 Linux](https://itsfoss.com/windows-like-linux-distributions/) 时，他必须经历相当多的“去知识过程”。大量的操作已经固定在我们的肌肉记忆当中。例如，每次要启动应用程序时，鼠标都会移动屏幕的左下角（“开始”菜单）。因此，如果我们能够在 Linux 上找到一些可以缓解这些问题的东西，那就成功了一半了。进入 Zorin OS。


![](/data/attachment/album/201907/25/102948ydgwgrrxd1kkd6gx.jpg)


Zorin OS 是一款基于 Ubuntu 的高度打磨的 Linux 发行版，完全是为 Windows 难民制作的。尽管几乎每个 Linux 发行版都可供任何人使用，但是当桌面看起来太陌生时，有些人可能会不情愿使用。Zorin OS 避开了这个障碍，因为它与 Windows 外观明显相似。


对 Linux 新手来说，软件包管理器是一个新概念。这就是为什么 Zorin OS 带有一个巨大的（我的意思是真的很大）预安装软件列表。你需要的任何东西，很有可能都已经安装在 Zorin OS 上了。好像这还不够，[Wine 和 PlayOnLinux](https://itsfoss.com/use-windows-applications-linux/) 也预先安装好了，所以你也可以在这里运行你喜爱的 Windows 软件和[游戏](https://itsfoss.com/linux-gaming-guide/)。


![](/data/attachment/album/201907/25/102949ftyntvwd2yeylf5u.jpg)


Zorin OS 配备了一款名为 “Zorin look changer” 的惊人的主题引擎。它提供了一些重要的自定义选项和预设，可以使你的操作系统看起来像 Windows 7、XP、2000 甚至是 Mac，你会有宾至如归的感觉。


![](/data/attachment/album/201907/25/102950w2g5zlgneb9ci7nc.jpg)


正是这些功能使 Zorin OS 成为**适合初学者的最佳 Linux 发行版**。查看 [Zorin OS 网站](https://zorinos.com/)以了解更多信息和下载该操作系统。


#### 4、Elementary OS


我们已经看过了给 Windows 用户准备的 Linux 发行版，让我们为 MacOS 用户也提供一些东西。Elementary OS 成名非常迅速，现在总是被列入顶级发行列表之中，这一切都归功于其美学本质。其灵感来自于 MacOS，Elementary OS 是最美丽的 Linux 发行版之一。


![](/data/attachment/album/201907/25/102951cmnskobfognzhi55.jpg)


Elementary OS 是又一个基于 Ubuntu 的操作系统，这意味着操作系统本身无疑是稳定的。Elementary OS 带有 Pantheon 桌面环境。你马上就会注意到它与 MacOS 桌面的相似之处。这对于转换到 Linux 的 MacOS 用户来说是一个优势，因为他们会对桌面非常适应，这确实简化了应对此变化的过程。


![](/data/attachment/album/201907/25/102952bqxwz4qw169xzql9.jpg)


它的菜单简单，可根据用户喜好自定义。该操作系统是零侵入性的，因此你可以真正专注于工作。它附带了非常少量的预安装软件。因此，新用户都不会被庞杂的内容吓跑。但是，嘿，它具备开箱即用所需要的一切。如果需要更多软件，Elementary OS 提供了一个整洁的 AppCenter。它易于访问且简单易用，一切都在一个地方，你可以一键获得所需的所有软件和升级。


经验表明，[Elementary OS](https://elementary.io/) 真的是一个很棒的软件。绝对值得[试一试](https://elementary.io/)。


#### 5、Linux Mint Mate


许多来了解 Linux 的人都希望让旧电脑焕发新生。随着 Windows 10 的普及，几年前许多具有不错配置的计算机已经变得无力应对。在谷歌上快速搜索一下会建议你在这样的电脑上安装 Linux。通过这种方式，你可以让它们在之后一段时间仍旧能保持水准。如果你正在寻找可以运行在旧计算机上的操作系统，Linux Mint Mate 是一个很棒的 Linux 发行版。


![](/data/attachment/album/201907/25/102953ff1nhvr3xoxzyojp.jpg)


Linux Mint Mate 非常轻便，资源利用效率高，而仍然是一个漂亮的发行版。它可以在计算能力较弱的计算机上平稳运行。桌面环境没有各种花哨的东西。但它在功能上和任何其他桌面环境相比毫不逊色。这个操作系统是非侵入式的，允许你获得高效的计算体验而不会妨碍你。


同样，Linux Mint Mate 基于 Ubuntu，具有巨大而坚实的 Ubuntu 软件存储库的优势。它预装了最少数量的必需软件。提供了简便的驱动程序安装和设置管理。


即使你只有 512 MB 的内存和 9 GB 的硬盘空间（当然是越多越好），你也可以运行 Linux Mint Mate。


Mate 桌面环境非常简单易用，没有什么费解的地方。对于 Linux 初学者来说，这确实是一个巨大的优势，更有理由 [尝试 Linux Mint Mate](http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=3182)。


#### 6、Manjaro Linux


好吧。任何一个 Linux 的老用户都会说，即使只是在大方向上，引导新手接触 Arch Linux 都是一种罪过。但是听我说。


Arch 被认为是专家级 Linux，因为它的安装过程非常复杂。Manajro 和 Arch Linux 有着共同的起源，但它们在其他方面存在很大差异。


![](/data/attachment/album/201907/25/102954k0nz0f3k0zwu34c1.jpg)


Manajro Linux 具有非常适合初学者的安装程序。许多事情都是自动化的，比如使用“硬件检测”进行驱动程序安装。Manjaro 极大地解决了困扰许多其它 Linux 发行版的硬件驱动程序的麻烦。即使你遇到任何问题，Manjaro 也有很棒的社区支持。


Manjaro 拥有自己的软件存储库，其维护了最新的软件。虽然优先向用户提供最新软件，但它是以保证稳定性不会受到损害为前提的。这是 Arch 和 Manjaro 之间的主要区别之一。Manjaro 延迟软件包的发布以确保它们绝对稳定并且不会导致回退。你还可以访问 Manjaro 上的 Arch User Repository（AUR），因此你可以随时获得所需的一切。


如果你想了解更多有关 Manjaro 功能的信息，请阅读我的同事 [John 的 Manjaro Linux 经历以及为什么他会被它迷住](https://itsfoss.com/why-use-manjaro-linux/)。


![](/data/attachment/album/201907/25/102954n9ii65of5s5bkk7m.jpg)


Manjaro Linux 有 XFCE、KDE、Gnome、Cinnamon 以及更多桌面环境，请查看[官方网站](https://manjaro.org/)。


要安装上述 6 个操作系统中的任何一个，你需要创建一个可启动的 U 盘。如果你当前正在使用 Windows [请使用本指南](https://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/create-a-usb-stick-on-windows)。Mac OS 用户可以[遵循本指南](https://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/create-a-usb-stick-on-macos)。


### 你选择哪个最适合初学者的 Linux 发行版？


Linux 可能会有学习曲线，但这是一件不会让每个人都感到后悔的事情。进一步获得一个 ISO 文件并体验一下 Linux 吧。如果你已经是 Linux 用户，请分享这篇文章，并帮助人们在这个爱的季节爱上 Linux 吧。加油！




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via: <https://itsfoss.com/best-linux-beginners/>


作者：[Aquil Roshan](https://itsfoss.com/author/aquil/) 选题：[lujun9972](https://github.com/lujun9972) 译者：[wxy](https://github.com/wxy) 校对：[wxy](https://github.com/wxy)


本文由 [LCTT](https://github.com/LCTT/TranslateProject) 原创编译，[Linux中国](https://linux.cn/) 荣誉推出


OK
![Warp Terminal](/assets/images/warp-terminal.webp)


![Warp Terminal](/assets/images/warp-terminal.webp)

Let’s face it, Linux can pose an overwhelming complexity to new users. But then, it’s not Linux itself that brings this complexity. Rather, it’s the “newness” factor that causes this. Not getting nostalgic, but remembering my first time with Linux, I didn’t even know what to expect. I liked it. But it was an upstream swim for me initially.

Not knowing where to start can be a downer, especially for someone who does not have the concept of something else running on their PC in place of Windows.

The first thing that confuses a newcomer is that Linux is not a single operating system. There are hundreds of Linux OSes (the correct technical term is distribution).

We have covered [why there are so many Linux](https://itsfoss.com/what-is-linux/) distributions in detail to help you out with that.

Here are a few lists of Linux distributions based on different criteria:

[Best Linux distributions for Windows users](https://itsfoss.com/windows-like-linux-distributions/)[Best lightweight Linux distros](https://itsfoss.com/lightweight-linux-beginners/)[Best Linux distributions for hacking](https://itsfoss.com/linux-hacking-penetration-testing/)[Best Linux distributions for gaming](https://itsfoss.com/linux-gaming-distributions/)[Best Linux distributions for privacy and anonymity](https://itsfoss.com/privacy-focused-linux-distributions/)[Best Linux distributions that look like MacOS](https://itsfoss.com/macos-like-linux-distros/)

In addition to that, there are distributions that cater to the needs of newcomers. So, here, we shall focus on those options.

## Best Linux Distros for Beginners

### 1. Ubuntu

![Ubuntu 20 04 Desktop](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2020/11/ubuntu-20-04-desktop.jpg)

- Easy to use
- Unique user experience
- Huge collection of software applications available through the software center
- Essential tools pre-installed

You must have heard about Ubuntu — no matter what. It is the most popular Linux distribution overall. Not just limited to servers, but also the most popular choice for Linux desktops.

It is easy to use, offers a good user experience, and comes pre-installed with essential tools to get a head start. Of course, Ubuntu managed to “simplify” the Linux experience years back and that is the reason it is still so popular even with several other alternatives available.

![Ubuntu 20 04 desktop with file manager and a terminal window running htop](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2020/08/ubuntu-20-04.png)

Ubuntu offers a very convenient installation procedure and ensures the best hardware compatibility when compared to some other non-Ubuntu-based Linux distributions.

The original Ubuntu relies on [GNOME desktop](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnomes?ref=itsfoss.com). Even though it is easy to use, it may not be a familiar user interface if you’re coming from the Windows platform.

In that case, you can try out some official [flavors of Ubuntu](https://itsfoss.com/which-ubuntu-install/) like [Kubuntu](https://kubuntu.org/?ref=itsfoss.com), [Lubuntu](https://lubuntu.net/?ref=itsfoss.com) to get a Windows-like user interface.

Ubuntu has great documentation and community support. [Ubuntu forums ](https://ubuntuforums.org/?ref=itsfoss.com)and [Ask Ubuntu](http://askubuntu.com/?ref=itsfoss.com) provide appreciable quality support in almost all aspects of Ubuntu. You should easily find answers to common issues and even if you notice something new, the community will help you out with troubleshooting.

### 2. Linux Mint

![Linux Mint 20 desktop screenshot](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2020/11/mint-20-screenshot.jpg)

- Familiar user interface with Windows
- Performs great with older hardware
- Some improvements over Ubuntu

Linux Mint is arguably the [best Ubuntu-based Linux distribution](https://itsfoss.com/best-ubuntu-based-linux-distros/) suitable for beginners. Yes, it is based on Ubuntu, so you should expect the same advantages of using Ubuntu. However, instead of [GNOME](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNOME?ref=itsfoss.com) desktop, it offers different desktop environments like [Cinnamon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamon_(desktop_environment)?ref=itsfoss.com), [Xfce](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xfce?ref=itsfoss.com), and [MATE](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MATE_(software)?ref=itsfoss.com).

Furthermore, [Linux Mint does a few things better than Ubuntu](https://itsfoss.com/linux-mint-vs-ubuntu/).

[8 Reasons Why Linux Mint is Better Than Ubuntu for Linux BeginnersWhich one is better, Linux Mint or Ubuntu? This question has been there ever since Linux Mint came into the picture, and this article does not answer this question. Well, not entirely. So, what is this about, then? I have been an Ubuntu user for a long time. I stray](https://itsfoss.com/linux-mint-vs-ubuntu/)![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2013/12/reasons-why-mint-is-better-than-ubuntu.jpg)


![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2013/12/reasons-why-mint-is-better-than-ubuntu.jpg)

Not just limited to the familiar user interface, which will be a bonus for Windows users. It provides impressive performance with minimal hardware requirements, especially with Xfce or MATE desktop environments.

It also uses the same software repository as Ubuntu. So, you don’t have to worry about the availability of software to install.

![Home page of Software Manager application in Linux Mint](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2020/11/software-manager-linux-mint.jpg)

Linux Mint is a fantastic [Windows-like distribution](https://itsfoss.com/windows-like-linux-distributions/). So, if you do not want a unique user interface (like Ubuntu), Linux Mint should be a perfect choice.

The most popular suggestion would be to go with the **Linux Mint Cinnamon** edition. But, you can explore whatever you want. Moreover, you might want to look at our tutorial to [install Linux Mint from USB](https://itsfoss.com/install-linux-mint/).

### 3. Zorin OS

![zorin os 16 pro desktop with file manager opened](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2022/02/zorin-os-16-pro.jpg)

- Windows-like user interface
- Intuitive user experience
- Easy to use
- Ultimate edition available with a lot of pre-installed goodies and Lite edition for older computers

Zorin OS is yet another impressive [Linux distribution that offers a similar user interface to Windows](https://itsfoss.com/windows-like-linux-distributions/). It may not be the most popular choice but being an Ubuntu-based distribution, it is perfectly suitable for beginners while offering many cool features as well.

Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based distribution but feels highly polished. In my opinion, it is perfectly tailored for former Windows users who want a similar look and feel but something beautiful.

No wonder why Zorin OS is one of the [most beautiful Linux distros](https://itsfoss.com/beautiful-linux-distributions/) out there.

The ultimate edition of Zorin OS is worth spending if you need all the pre-installed goodies (fun games, office suite, and some additional features). But, the free edition works like charm as well.

You will also find a “Lite” and Education edition, which is suitable for old hardware and school requirements respectively.

### 4. Elementary OS

![elementary os 6 1 desktop screenshot, where several apps like file manager, web browser etc., are opened](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2022/02/elementary-os-6-1-screenshot.jpg)

- macOS inspired user interface
- Focuses on rich user experience
- Easy to use

elementary OS is one of the most beautiful Linux distros. It originally takes inspiration from macOS but has evolved over the years.

Even though it is not a “macOS clone” in any aspect, it tries to focus on the user experience similar to how macOS does (or should). If you are coming from the Apple ecosystem, you would love to try elementary OS.

Again, it is based on Ubuntu, so you get all the benefits of it along with a rich user experience.

Elementary OS features the Pantheon desktop environment. You can immediately notice the resemblance to the macOS desktop.

The operating system is zero intrusive, so you can really focus on your work. It comes with a minimal number of pre-installed software. So, any new user will not be repulsed by massive bloat. But it’s got everything you need out of the box. The App Center is also unique when compared to other Linux distributions.

You will find many applications specifically tailored for elementary OS. You can install the apps for free, but it encourages you to donate something first.

Experience-wise, [Elementary OS](https://elementary.io/?ref=itsfoss.com) is really a great piece of software.

### 5. Linux Lite

![Linux Lite 5 desktop](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2020/06/linux-lite-5.jpg)

- Windows-like user interface
- Tailored as a lightweight Linux distribution
- Easy to use

Linux Lite is yet another Ubuntu-based distribution that is easy to use. It is specifically tailored as a [lightweight distribution](https://itsfoss.com/lightweight-linux-beginners/) with some pre-installed applications that are not resource-heavy.

Linux Lite is perfectly suitable for Windows users, with a similar user interface featuring the Xfce desktop environment. Compared to its previous iterations, Linux Lite has improved the user experience. Even though it isn’t meant to provide you with the most modern experience, it still looks great as a desktop OS.

### 6. Manjaro Linux

![Manjaro 20 Desktop](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2020/11/manjaro-20-desktop.jpeg)

- Not an Ubuntu-based distribution
- Arch-based Linux distribution
- Presents a learning curve

If you want to take up a challenge with a learning curve and try something besides a distribution based on Ubuntu, Manjaro Linux is the best bet.

It is based on Arch Linux but tailored as a beginner-friendly distribution. Of course, considering that it follows a rolling release update cycle, you might end up with a broken system (even though that does not happen all the time). But, you have to compromise on the reliability when compared to any Ubuntu-based Linux distribution mentioned in this list.

You also get a wide range of choices to install a variety of software tools. There’s also [AUR](https://itsfoss.com/aur-arch-linux/), which is a community-maintained repository for software that may not be available for Manjaro officially.

If you want to know more about it, you may want to check out our [detailed review of Manjaro Linux](https://itsfoss.com/manjaro-linux-review/).

Manjaro Linux offers different desktop environments like XFCE, KDE, Gnome, Cinnamon, and a host of more desktop environments. So, you get numerous choices.

### 7. Pop!_OS

![Pop Os desktop running file manager and terminal](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2020/02/pop-os-stock.jpg)

- Improved user experience when compared to Ubuntu
- Extra out-of-the-box features like Auto-window tiling to help with fast multitasking

Pop OS is probably the best [Ubuntu-based Linux distribution](https://itsfoss.com/best-ubuntu-based-linux-distros/) if you’re not looking for a lightweight Linux distribution.

It provides a polished and snappy experience when compared to the Ubuntu GNOME edition. You also get some interesting features like automatic window tiling, window stacking, and a few more extras with Pop OS.

You get Cosmic, based on GNOME as the desktop environment, with many customizations/built-in extensions to enhance the user experiencee.

Unlike some other options, it does not officially support other desktop environments out of the box. So, if you dislike GNOME, you may have to try other desktop environments manually as an experiment. You might find the new features of [Pop OS 22.04](https://news.itsfoss.com/pop-os-22-04-release/) useful to explore more about it.

### 8. Peppermint OS

![Peppermint desktop](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2022/02/Peppermint-Desktop.jpg)

- Lightweight Linux distribution
- Easy to use and simple
- Ability to use web apps in the form of local apps

Peppermint Linux is an interesting choice for beginners who prefer to use web applications as local applications, using the out-of-the-box integration with [Ic](https://github.com/peppermintos/ice?ref=itsfoss.com)[e](https://github.com/peppermintos/ice?ref=itsfoss.com).

It is based on Debian. It isn’t pitched as a lightweight distro, but it works quite well with older hardware as well.

### 9. Deepin

![Deepin desktop screenshot](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2022/02/deepin-20-3-screenshot.png)

- Eye-candy visuals
- Rich user experience
- Easy to use

If performance or hardware requirement does not bother you, Deepin OS will be an interesting pick. It is known for its eye-candy user interface, one of the most gorgeous Linux distributions out there.

Of course, it suffers from performance issues if you do not have a decent modern hardware configuration. But, if it works well on your system, it is easy to use and offers plenty of software tools to get started.

Some might mention that just because it is a project with based out of Mainland China, you need to avoid it. So, if you have an issue with that, you might take a look at [UbuntuDDE](https://itsfoss.com/ubuntudde/) (which is basically Ubuntu + eye-candy visuals of Deepin)

## Frequently Asked Questions: If You’re Still Confused Where to Start

If you still want help for a head start, I’ve put together an FAQ to address the most basic questions for beginners:

**What is the easiest Linux distribution?**

The distribution which provides you with a familiar user interface and essential software tools pre-installed should be the easiest experience. If you’re coming from Windows, Linux Mint/Linux Lite can be some of our immediate suggestions.

If you’re comfortable with macOS, elementary OS can be a good replacement.

**What is the fastest Linux distribution?**

If you want fast performance and easy-to-use OS, Linux Lite can be a fantastic option. However, you can also explore other [lightweight distros](https://web.archive.org/web/20221203072343/https://itsfoss.com/lightweight-linux-beginners/).

**Can I run Windows apps on Linux?**

Yes and no. You can use WINE to run some Windows applications on Linux. You can follow our[ guide on using windows applications ](https://web.archive.org/web/20221203072343/https://itsfoss.com/use-windows-applications-linux/)on Linux. You can also try tools like [Bottles](https://web.archive.org/web/20221203072343/https://usebottles.com/) and [Crossover](https://web.archive.org/web/20221203072343/https://www.codeweavers.com/crossover) to easily install Windows applications.

**Do I need Anti-Virus on Linux?**

No. You have nothing to worry about as long as you download stuff from official sources and do not indulge in malicious activities.

However, you can explore any pre-installed firewall or [set up a new firewall](https://web.archive.org/web/20221203072343/https://itsfoss.com/set-up-firewall-gufw/) for additional protection.

**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, you will love it like I do!

To give you a head start, I would recommend you to follow [Ubuntu 20.04 installation guide](https://itsfoss.com/install-ubuntu/) and refer [how to install a distro from USB](https://itsfoss.com/install-linux-mint/).

[How to Install Ubuntu Linux in the Simplest Possible WayThe easiest way to install Ubuntu. Want to save time and need no hassle? This is the way.](https://itsfoss.com/install-ubuntu/)![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/04/install-ubuntu-easily-1.png)


![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/04/install-ubuntu-easily-1.png)

[How to Install Linux Mint [The Simplest Way Possible]Linux Mint is the best Linux distribution for beginners. Learn how to install Linux Mint and make it your main and the only operating system.](https://itsfoss.com/install-linux-mint/)![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2020/07/install-linux-mint.png)


![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2020/07/install-linux-mint.png)