I've used linux distros for a variety of tasks in the past but am finally committed to moving my primary machine to it. This is mostly used for games, writing, development, and web browsing. I've selected Manjaro as my distro.

Anyone have any tips or suggestions? Software to install. Things to keep in mind. Cool things to do you couldn't on windows?!

:tux:

  • NoamChomsky [he/him]
    ·
    edit-2
    3 years ago

    Just a warning, if you want to avoid Linux burnout I suggest switching to Ubuntu/Fedora/Pop!_OS or similar. I have been all the way around, using Arch Linux, Gentoo, and NixOS, but then I settled on Pop!_OS and it has been very low-maintenance so far. I especially recommend it if you have a dual intel/nvidia laptop and/or you do gaming. Granted, if you are willing to make the commitment, these more advanced distros can be rewarding, but for someone making their first commitment to Linux, I would suggest starting with something lower maintenance.

    • Wildgrapes [she/her]
      hexagon
      ·
      3 years ago

      Pop was enticing. It was basically my second choice so I may well give it a go as well.

    • Sushi_Desires
      ·
      edit-2
      3 years ago

      Just curious, what do you mean by maintenance? What are the the maintenance tasks that are required for them?

      Edit so I'm seeing manjaro and arch in the same sentence a lot so I am guessing you are basically building and maintaining the entire machine from scratch as it were?

      • NoamChomsky [he/him]
        ·
        3 years ago

        When I say maintenance with respect to Arch Linux, I mean ensuring that all pieces of your system which you personally chose continue to function together without issue e.g., configuring display drivers (especially relevant with dual intel/nvidia), PulseAudio/Pipewire, laptop power management, and generally dealing with applications that do not officially support Arch Linux if they break. Manjaro (if I recall correctly) removes the task of putting the system together yourself, but it will still require more knowledge to maintain and troubleshoot than most Ubuntu derivatives. This doesn't mean that it's a bad choice, or even necessarily that it's a bad choice for new users, but if switching you should nevertheless keep it in mind.