Overclocked Andy

Edit: Thanks all for your input. Got an idea on how to start now. Appreciate everyone’s time.

Hey Linux folk.
I have an old laptop that is out of Windows support so I may give Linux a go on it.
I’m an absolute IT n00b beyond some high level swearing experience.
What resources do you recommend I look at?

Mar 7 at 6:45pmIvory for iOS
Show threadmcSlibinasMar 7
@OverclockedAndy https://itsfoss.com/install-linux-mint/
use tags, like #linux people are subscribed to tags and will hear you #linuxmint
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.

It's FOSS
Show threadOverclocked AndyMar 7
@mcSlibinas I didn’t tag as I don’t want to get overloaded. I know there’s a lot to Linux and folk will have very different ideas. That can very quickly overwhelm me which I’m trying to avoid.
I’ll give that link a go though thanks!
Show threadmcSlibinasMar 7
@OverclockedAndy smart 😉
Show threadmaexchen1Mar 7

@OverclockedAndy

Put #tag into the tröt.

#debian

Show threadMark StosbergMar 7
@OverclockedAndy I agree with Linux Mint as a starting point.
Show threadselfhosting.couchsurfingMar 7
@markstos @OverclockedAndy thirded for Linux Mint, fwiw I've been using Linux since the early-mid 90s and daily-driving Mint for like 8 years on my laptops.
Show threadclewMar 7

Sort of a sideways answer, but I would look around for a Linux users' group that does installs for n00bs. This does limit you to physically close places but ... if there is one they can do so much in person, and you can find out if maybe you want to join/make/be a Total N00b Group to kibitz over your new experiences.

@OverclockedAndy

Show threadRafael BonifazMar 7

@OverclockedAndy you can try something like #LinixMint or if the computer is too old.you could try Linux Mint Mate edition, that is much lighter.

Also a SSD disk and some extra ram is great.

Show threadPatrick Loftus 🖖Mar 7

@OverclockedAndy I've really liked my experience with CatchyOS.

I've been primarily running Lubuntu for greater than a decade with LXDE. *edited after checking some dates - LXDE for longer than Lubuntu though.

Within the last year I installed CatchyOS on a 2010 Macbook using LXQT.

The Live USB will let you try the OS using the Plasma desktop environment prior to deciding to install.

The install is very easy and you have many options for different desktop environments allowing you to quickly try out many options. Try before you buy they say but in this case just no currency exchanged.

Good luck on your journey, there is a lot of option and choice, try not to be paralyzed by it and just try something out.

Show threadMartijn van ExelMar 7
@OverclockedAndy get a decent size USB drive and load Ventoy on it and as many distro ISOs you can. Boot each of them, see what you like and understand. I would try mint cinnamon first.
https://www.ventoy.net/en/index.html
Ventoy

Ventoy is an open source tool to create bootable USB drive for ISO files. With ventoy, you don't need to format the disk again and again, you just need to copy the iso file to the USB drive and boot it.

Show threadDonovanMar 8
@OverclockedAndy Those saying "Mint" are correct. Installation may be a bit tricky if TPM comes in to play, but the everyday experience is pleasantly Windows-esque.
Show threadOverclocked AndyMar 8
@semievolved that’s probably what I need as it’s @Affienia’s laptop & keeping it familiar would be best.
It’s what I’d figured myself but it’s good to have a load of validation.
There’s a lot of info out there on Linux but I can get overwhelmed when there’s a lot of choice & switch off.
Your help is appreciated.