

There are a lot of distributions that aim to mimic Windows in layout and functionality, like Zorin OS (Opens in a new window), but they're on the smaller side, and you won't have as big a community to tap as you learn your way around.

That's why I recommend starting with Linux Mint (Opens in a new window). One may use a Mac-like interface with a dock and an "app store," while others may use a more minimalist interface and require installing apps from the command line.Įxploring the bevy of Linux distributions out there is a fun part of the hobby, but for your first installation, you will likely want something popular and beginner-friendly, so it's easy to get help when you need it. Instead, Linux is packaged into many different distributions, or "distros," each with their own interface and set of features. Unlike Windows and macOS, there isn't just one version of Linux.

