Allero

And also to talk with children about predators

Back in the days it was a regular feature of pirated software, and worst part is, in many cases it was legit as some antiviruses like Kaspersky seemingly went for full on crusade against piracy

While I wholeheartedly agree with the notion of "switch to Linux if you can", sometimes people can't do this due to obscure work software, specific hardware they can't afford to change, or something else.

I know that being on Linux all those Windows enshittification news appear very distant, but some people literally can't escape Windows for now - it's not only those who are reluctant - and those news are bad news.

For those who consider Linux, though - by all means go for it. You can install Linux alongside Windows (preferably on another physical drive, but same drive will do), and just tinker with it and see how it feels. Don't just toy with it, actually try to use it. As with any system, it might seem a bit weird for your first few hours, but when (if) you'll be ready to make a switch, you really won't look back.

Linux is not just an "ideological" choice. It is faster (you may not notice this on Windows, but even on greatest of computers Windows is lagging a bit, and you'll feel the difference); it doesn't bombard you with anything, it doesn't shill you anything, it doesn't do what you didn't ask, it just gets the job done exactly the way you want it to.

And it's insanely satisfying. Silence and control. For once, you actually are a master of your system.

Choose some distribution that supports KDE Plasma desktop - be it Fedora KDE, Manjaro KDE, KDE Neon or anything else - they will all do. KDE will make your experience way more Windows-like, and it will be easier to switch. In fact, KDE is what Windows desktop wish it could be.

Or, if you feel nostalgic for Windows 7 era, choose Cinnamon-based distros, especially Linux Mint.

And just run it. The time is now.

True

The memo looks like it comes straight out of dystopian novel

How did we get here

Manjaro is the best best thing, and Arch btw comes second

Btw, if you just need a quick Arch install, there is an EndeavourOS, or simply an archinstall script.

Manjaro is very different on a technical side, it's not just "easy arch btw"

I tried both, succeeded at both, but chose Manjaro btw

EndeavourOS is essentially Arch with bells and whistles.

Manjaro has a lot of things done differently.

Yes, Manjaro didn't have a stellar reputation in the past, but currently it's amazing and I'm more than happy to have it as my daily driver for over a year now. Best Linux experience overall.

(And yes, I can install and operate Arch)

True; however, Debian's update schedule is its blessing AND a curse, and old packets may result in lacking features (which can be frustrating) and lackluster performance in certain applications. And while you can use Flatpaks for some of it, system tools are not installed this way, and sandboxing brings its own set of issues.

That's not to say Debian is bad on desktop - Debian 12 is great and it runs on my laptop and I couldn't be happier - but the limitations are there.

Also, as far as I'm aware, Mint does modify Ubuntu to exclude some of Canonical's "features"

Anyway, if you want a sleek up-to-date system that is completely independent of Ubuntu, Manjaro remains a solid pick. Rolling release means you'll get the latest and greatest, and packet retention means you don't have to dip into unstable territory that is the domain of pure Arch.

Debian for work, Mint for work and games, Manjaro for latest & greatest of Linux (and games) without headache.

Arch for those who love pain and micromanagement.

I use Arch, btw

(But it's Manjaro)

Manjaro is amazing, but might have a little steep learning curve should you use it for something very advanced. Also, no .deb's and .rpm's for you, but AUR is arguably even more based (don't rely on it too much though, troubleshooting issues with AUR-sourced apps is an advanced task indeed!)

Other than that, an insanely snappy (thanks, Arch!), beautiful (thank you, presets for various DEs!), almost bleeding-edge and very novice-friendly distribution.