I play a lot of games over steam, and I am coming from windows.
I don’t think you can install Linux on a cat. Please do not the cat
I am looking for a Linux OS
Submitted 1 day ago by Arandomguyontheinternet@sh.itjust.works to [deleted]
https://sh.itjust.works/pictrs/image/6010f6f8-75f0-4a97-b7e9-1a4a206df2e7.jpeg
Comments
abbiistabbii@piefed.blahaj.zone 5 hours ago
muusemuuse@sh.itjust.works 3 hours ago
PLEASE DO NOT THE CAT
captainlezbian@lemmy.world 3 hours ago
I use nobara as a gamer and it works well for me
bilouba@jlai.lu 5 hours ago
Kubuntu is the best. It’s Ubuntu with KDE tools and programs. You have Plasma as a desktop environment, which is very close to Window but that you can customize to your need. Ubuntu is very popular so you get pretty much everything available and with tutorial, ressources and everything. KDE really push it to the most user friendly, GUI for everything kind of state. Steam is easy to install, take charge of Proton or anything needed for your games to run. I was very frustrated by Gnome (the default desktop environment for Ubuntu), failing miserably to make it more like Window. I guess Gnome is more for Mac users. The only thing I recommend is deactivating Snap and installing Flatpack. It’s easy to find tuto on how to do that. Both Snap and Flatpack are doing the same idea, to bundle a program and it’s dependencies in a format that allows easier distribution to many distro. But Snap is not as good as Flatpack. You are free to leave it or to use both. Either way, you can also install program made for Ubuntu or Debian. And with KDE come Discover that is like an App Store and updater. Linux Mint is also good but I really think Plasma is the best desktop environment. Good thing to know you can always install more desktop environment that the one already installed, so don’t hesitate to try other. If you are already engaged in a very pro open source stance, you might look at Fedora. Anyway you choose, there are community of people passionate with Linux that can help you every step of the way. LLM can also help you get the basic. Good luck and welcome 🤗
muusemuuse@sh.itjust.works 1 hour ago
Honestly I’ve found Kubuntu breaks in weird places for weird reasons. It’s always been that way. Neon was supposed to address this but it just broke in other places instead.
If KDE is your priority, I see only 2 top tier options. Fedora if you want it to just work out of the box, arch if you are okay arguing a little to make your point and have it work how you want.
ttyybb@lemmy.world 23 hours ago
Look at zorinOS or Mint. Those are good starting points
Arandomguyontheinternet@sh.itjust.works 23 hours ago
Thank you
ArseAssassin@sopuli.xyz 8 hours ago
I’d love to help you, but unfortunately I can’t think of a single distro that would run on a cat.
cyberpunk007@lemmy.ca 3 hours ago
Not even CATchyOS?
muusemuuse@sh.itjust.works 3 hours ago
Ubuntu is the starter distro. Start there. Figure out how this shit works and learn what you love and what you hate about it. Then you’ll be in a better position to find what you actually want.
Do not start with arch. That is not what it is for.
You don’t want kali. It solves a specific problem you do not have.
Avoid all immutable distros at first. They are great but add a layer of complexity that will fuck you if you don’t have the basics down first.
otacon239@lemmy.world 23 hours ago
Worth mentioning that if you’re on AMD, you’re pretty much open for choice. If you have nVidia, make sure the OS you go with calls out nVidia support as a feature. Even then, your specific config may require that you try out a couple before finishing the right fit.
I personally tried Bazzite and had a rough experience with performance and haven’t had outsides on EndeavorOS, but have read reports from other nVidia users that had the opposite experience. All to say, your mileage may vary, and don’t give up right away if the first one doesn’t feel right.
marcos@lemmy.world 13 hours ago
If you have nVidia, make sure the OS you go with calls out nVidia support as a feature.
That makes the setup easier, but the capacity of making it work or not doesn’t actually change.
I’d say not only pick an OS that explicitly supports it, but make sure to test first as a live-image without installing and overwriting the OS that is already there working.
otacon239@lemmy.world 12 hours ago
I wish there was an easy way to test this, but I got two weeks into my setup before I noticed parties because it was only affecting some of my games. This is still a good idea, just not a guarantee.
Bamboodpanda@lemmy.world 13 hours ago
I was in the same situation a few months ago. I wanted to try Linux but had no real experience with it. To experiment safely, I built a computer from old parts and installed Linux Mint. I then swapped it with my Windows machine and committed to using Mint exclusively for a month. That hands-on approach helped far more than reading guides. I now use Mint on my primary system.
Here is what I learned along the way. Mint has excellent documentation because it is one of the most popular Linux distributions. When I ran into problems, I could generally find reliable answers through the official forums, community wikis, or by asking ChatGPT for step-by-step instructions. So far, there has not been a single issue I could not eventually fix with some experimentation.
If you are coming from Windows and want to game, there are several points worth knowing upfront:
1. Steam on Linux is straightforward Steam has a native Linux client. Most Windows games work through Proton, which Steam handles automatically. For many titles, you simply install the game and press play. Performance can be very close to Windows.
2. Expect some trial and error Although many games work out of the box, some require you to switch Proton versions or install small compatibility tools. It is usually not difficult, but it is different enough from Windows that patience helps.
3. Modding takes more effort My most recent challenge involved getting game mods working. Tools like Proton, Wine, and mod installers sometimes interact in unexpected ways. It took me a few hours of reading and experimenting, but I eventually got everything running. Once you understand where games store their files and how Proton prefixes work, modding becomes much more manageable.
4. Linux teaches you how your system works If you are willing to tinker, Linux rewards you. You learn how your files are organized, how applications install dependencies, and how to fix problems yourself. That knowledge makes troubleshooting less intimidating over time.
5. You can always dual-boot If you are nervous about switching completely, you can dual-boot Windows and Mint. That way you can learn Linux without losing access to anything critical.
If you are starting from zero, the biggest advantage is the size and friendliness of the Linux Mint community. You do not have to figure everything out alone. With a bit of persistence, you can build a fully functional gaming setup that performs well and is easier to maintain than you might expect.
pinball_wizard@lemmy.zip 12 hours ago
Great guide!
I would add that searching for a “SteamDeck” guide for a mod set tends to find a more complete guide for running that mod on Linux.
Dogiedog64@lemmy.world 12 hours ago
Fedora KDE Plasma is what I use. It’s solid.
delcaran@feddit.it 22 hours ago
I switch ti Bazzite on my gaming rig a month ago and felt great. I managed to install and mod Skyrim effortlessly and yesterday I installed Tarkov and SPT with no problem whatsoever. Highly recommend.
But check if your favorite games are compatible, mainly the multiplayer ones: Tarkov can only be single player PvE, GTA is story mode only and forget about Destiny 2. Not a problem for me, plenty of alternatives, but you should check for yourself.
njordomir@lemmy.world 2 hours ago
Bazzite scared me when it chose not to boot one day. I had to do some sort of command and got it working again (saved the details to my system build notes). I can’t have stuff breaking on me so I was concerned. I haven’t had an issue since, so I’m pretty stoked on Bazzite now. I will say, I couldn’t get Steam Play working (the thing that let’s you play games remotely on a tablet or phone or whatever, Steam itself works fine). I fixed the issue with Sunlight/Moonlight which does the sane thing but did it with less lag, picture degradation. Personally, I suggest you hold out on choosing and load a few different distros on USB sticks to try. I recently built a PC for a family member and did some distrohopping to find the right OS for them.
Blubber28@lemmy.world 21 hours ago
Seconding bazzite here. If you want to “get to know Linux” you might want to consider something else, but if you just want a well-running system with minimal use of the command line, Bazzite is an amazing option. I’ve been using it since August last year, and have only had to use the command line once in that time. Which isn’t a problem for me, but it may be a bit daunting for others (and that is totally fine!).
doxxx@lemmy.ca 16 hours ago
I’ll throw my vote in for Bazzite. It’s best if you want to use your PC instead of tinkering with Linux. Plus it’s quite gaming focused so Steam etc will work out of the box, although each game’s compatibility will vary. Check protondb.com for compatibility reports on Steam games.
markovs_gun@lemmy.world 16 hours ago
I recommend Mint if it’s your first time. It’s really easy to set up and use and there are thousands of guides online for fixing any issues you encounter with it. I do not recommend Bazzite like others are recommending because you literally can’t change anything with it. That is fine if everything works out of the box and you’re basically just using it for gaming, but if literally anything is wrong with your install or you have a device where the drivers that come with Bazzite don’t work, you literally can’t fix it. Not as in “it’s really difficult” I mean it literally won’t let you do it. Updating drivers on Linux is notoriously frustrating, but it’s very often required especially if you have older USB peripherals you want to use.
Jobe@feddit.org 20 hours ago
Can’tbelieve no one’s said this yet, but first you should check protondb.com for all the games you play a lot. It will show you how well they work in Linux. The biggest issue are competitive/esports titles because of their anticheat systems. Most other games run fine out of the box, but some run better with some tweaking.
bitwolf@sh.itjust.works 12 hours ago
Fedora KDE is what I use and recommend.
Its easy, to setup, no frills, reliable and very easy to use with a just gui if you’re not into the terminal.
If, and only if, this is not your primary computer. Eg, it’s only for gaming, I’d recommend Bazzite.
Bazzite is great and I use it on our couch pc for a true console experience. I call it “our better Xbox”.
ChristerMLB@piefed.social 21 hours ago
My experience is that Linux Mint is the closest we have to a “it just works"-distro that is also decently up to date. Try that first.
Ascend910@lemmy.ml 12 hours ago
You will feel at home with anything kde
GreenBeanMachine@lemmy.world 15 hours ago
The beauty of asking a linux advice from linux nerds is that you will get as many different advice as there are comments and then will have to do your own research anyway.
Suck_on_my_Presence@lemmy.world 23 hours ago
I recommend Mint for a beginner friendly stepping stone. Works right out of the box and is really easy to jump to from windows.
SpicyTaint@lemmy.world 23 hours ago
It looks like you found a cat instead. Please pet the cat.
neidu3@sh.itjust.works 22 hours ago
After distro hopping for decades, I’ve ended up just running Mint for almost all desktop use cases. This includes gaming via steam.
eletes@sh.itjust.works 14 hours ago
I recently made the switch to Kubuntu. I wanted KDE and Wayland all setup for me after arch issues a couple years ago.
Another big reason is that I can install the discord .deb files easily without thinking much, cause discord has an update like every other day.
I might switch one day but it should be easy cause my OS drive doesn’t have any games on it
dr_robotBones@reddthat.com 12 hours ago
I just ignore Discord updates lol
Lawnman23@lemmy.world 14 hours ago
Fedora KDE.
Looks similar-esque to Windows and Steam and most/all your games will run great on it.
Packages and kernel are kept current and it’s stable.
It has an App Store called Discover for finding most anything you will need out of the gate.
matmarspace@programming.dev 19 hours ago
For sure choose some Debian-based distro. As a beginner maybe stay away from Arch or Fedora derivatives - most tutorials are for Debian-based distros and it will be easier that way. Pick something like Ubuntu, Mint, Zorin or sth like that. Don’t be owerwhelmed. The distro doesn’t really matter as long it’s not Arch. Learn that the look of the desktop is independent of the distro you choose. The look is called “desktop environment”. Look it up. You can install any desktop environment on any distro so you don’t have to pick distro based on looks. Good luck and have fun.
lonesomeCat@lemmy.ml 13 hours ago
Pop_OS
Cromer4ever@lemmy.world 11 hours ago
mint
LostWanderer@fedia.io 6 hours ago
My following recommendations are often pretty easy for new users: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, ZorinOS. These distros will give you a chance to become more familiar with linux without getting overly lost in the process. Debian based distros tend to be the best starting place, as they often just work, their approach to Third Party Drivers is sane.
I recommend you steer clear of Arch or Arch-Based distros like CachyOS...If you are just starting out, this will not be a good experience for you. I've found that installers of either EndeavourOS or CachyOS can fail in ways you aren't prepared for, like failing to install the Linux Kernel or failing to allow you to correctly install partitions. Please, don't listen to those that recommend CachyOS or anything Arch Linux. Unless you are prepared to cry, or are very technically inclined and can figure stuff out fast.
zlatiah@lemmy.world 19 hours ago
I play a lot of games over steam
If my main concern is playing game with Steam, most mainstream Linux OSes should be fine. If I have to pick one… Linux Mint is very beginner-friendly, and I’ve heard great things about Bazzite too. SteamOS works flawlessly with Steam out of the box, but I don’t know how easy it is to set up by yourself
If you happen to also like non-Steam games: a lot of them can be added as a custom application/game via your Steam Library, which does most of the heavy-lifting: you only have to specify which compatibility layer to use & sometimes do keymapping. Setting up
wineon its own is not for the faint-heartedI personally use Arch because AUR (a user-uploaded repository, a lot of popular Linux OSes have their own versions) makes it easy to play a lot of FOSS games… but I can’t recommend Arch Linux for beginners
mrcleanup@lemmy.world 10 hours ago
I started on Bazzite when I switched, and it was ok but never felt quite right. After that I switched to Garuda, which is also designed to be a ready right out of the box experience that is gaming and performance focused.
It is based on Arch, so it is currently being kept up to date and has been extremely reliable. Pretty much every issue has been solved with an update and reboot.
As an aside, everyone always pushes KDE, but I personally love xfce, it’s worth a look.
dr_robotBones@reddthat.com 12 hours ago
You’ll probably want to switch off it one day, but when I first go into Linux I used Ubuntu and everything just worked. Even when I had a laptop with a touchscreen, the touchscreen worked no problem. Its a great place to start imo, but not a great place to stay as when you become more proficient with Linux you’ll start to see the distro’s limitations.
Horsey@lemmy.world 12 hours ago
Fedora’s solid for me. I left Ubuntu distros because they’re always out of date with the latest desktop environment updates.
Saprophyte@lemmy.world 1 hour ago
I’m going to go out on a limb here… If you have no Linux experience, download virtualbox and a handful of distros to try out in your current machine.
CachyOS is great for gaming, I’d suggest the KDE desktop PopOS is also a great choice, their native cosmic desktop is nice. Mint with cinnamon is also a good choice for gaming and daily use Bazzite is also a popular gaming distro that also uses KDE Xubuntu is also a great choice, Ubuntu base with XFCE desktop, great for gaming and a big supportive community
Try these and maybe a handful others to play with until you find a desktop that you find intuitive and easy to find what you need. Once you play with a few of these pick one and try to stick with it as you learn Linux in a full native install.