There are approximately 600 actively maintained flavors of Linux available. Making the right choice for what you need on your PC is a daunting task. Heading to DistroWatch and randomly picking out a top version is not a good idea. There are many things to consider, test, and sort out before installing a version of Linux.

I have made many mistakes when it comes to choosing a version of Linux for my PC. I have older PCs that can be revitalized by installing Linux on them so they don't just sit there and become e-waste. I can always find another way to repurpose an old computer with Windows, but it’s better to have what feels like a new, productive system. Plus, it’s fun to dust off that old machine and make it new again.

Not checking hardware compatibility

Ensure hardware is compatible with the distro

One of the biggest mistakes I made when choosing a Linux distribution was assuming my PC’s hardware would be compatible with it. I think I tried a version of Red Hat or SUSE Linux for the first time on an older laptop. Everything worked, except the Wi-Fi and Ethernet adapters. I read in the forums that people would compile drivers for their systems, but I’m not a coder, and doing that eluded me.

The lesson is to ensure your hardware will work with the version of Linux you choose. Modern versions are pretty good and “just work,” but you might not get the best performance from your hardware. This is especially true if you build your own PC or have hacked together a legacy system from spare parts. Research the distro you are considering and verify it supports your hardware or a workaround is available.

Not testing the distro

Going all in on a distribution caused me headaches

I was a long-time Windows user, and years ago, I believed the Linux hype and installed an early version of Ubuntu on my main PC. I decided Windows is bad, and Linux was my path to computing freedom. I didn’t create a dual-boot system to run Windows and Linux, and at the time, it didn’t offer live CDs either (yes, CDs and optical drives used to be a thing). So, I blew away Windows with a fresh installation of Ubuntu.

I managed to navigate the experience, but Linux wasn’t ready for the desktop yet. However, modern Ubuntu is pretty good, and it is preferred for running via Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2). Now, it’s possible to run live versions of Linux distros from a thumb drive using a tool like Ventoy and an ISO to test the experience without damaging Windows. Or, install different versions in a VM to test and get a feel for how the distro performs.

Picking a complex distro

Trying a complicated distro can discourage newbies

When choosing a Linux distro, I made the mistake of trying a version that is overly complex and does too much. For instance, I used NixOS, which offers many features, such as declarative configuration, but it is more complicated, requiring me to learn the Nix coding language for the config file. That’s the main reason I switched from NixOS to Mint recently.

However, as a Windows-to-Linux convert, I need an operating system that behaves similarly to Windows. Although I enjoy the power of the CLI on Windows, I still need the point-and-click environment. I also like the start menu, taskbar, and other Windows similarities. So, instead, I have switched to more Windows-like distros like Zorin OS and Mint Linux.

Forgetting where I came from

You might want to stick with something familiar

It’s essential to consider the OS you’re using and are currently experienced in. What are you comfortable using? Linux is a different world, and I’ve made the mistake of thinking I can dive in and everything will work. Like choosing a version that’s too complex, it’s also important to remember where you came from and what you need from Linux.

For instance, Mac users will likely have a good experience using other distros with the Pantheon desktop environment, which is built on top of GNOME technology. In contrast, Windows users should consider Mint, as it offers a more familiar experience. The menu, settings, and file system work similarly to Windows and make for an easier transition.

Ignoring desktop environments

There are several to choose from that are compatible with other distros

I have a bad habit of settling for the default desktop environment that the distro installs by default. However, there are many Linux desktop environments that you can use, like GNOME, XFCE, Cinnamon, KDE, Pantheon, and others. Sometimes, there is an option to select the type of desktop environment you want to use when installing Linux. But even if you don’t get to choose one out of the box, you can use most available desktop environments with your distro. It’s important to try multiple environments to see what works best for your workflow. If you don’t, you could be missing out on features and more efficient ways to manage tasks.

Only using one distro

Kick the tires and test the other distros

I have a bad habit of using Mint or Zorin OS most of the time when I want my Linux experience. However, there are numerous distros available for testing. I'm setting up VMs to test more distros and download additional ISOs to run more live versions. Once I get a handle on a new version of Linux, I will back up my data and install it on my PC. When I limit myself to one or two distributions, I miss out on hardware compatibility, services, features, and experiences. Also, since one distro doesn’t do something well, another can work better, which in turn improves my overall productivity and enjoyment of using Linux.

Don’t make my mistakes when choosing a Linux distro

There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right distro of Linux that will work best for you and your situation. While it runs on your PC, you shouldn’t expect it to work just like Windows—it’s a different OS altogether. Additionally, consider factors such as compatibility, user-friendliness, availability, support, and community.

There is a vast and diverse Linux community, and strong opinions about which distro is the best and the best way to accomplish tasks. In conjunction, there is a lot of help out there for new users who have tons of knowledge and experience. Don’t feel intimidated by asking questions and trying to find out the best ways to get your first official Linux PC up and running. It's also important to run live bootable ISOs of different Linux distributions to find the right fit.