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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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I'd say Pop_OS! which has a spin (version) with Nvidia drivers already installed. Below is a direct link. It's based on Debian, so it enjoys excellent app support. Linux Mint is also a good choice.
https://iso.pop-os.org/22.04/amd64/nvidia/35/pop-os_22.04_amd64_nvidia_35.iso
to use as a media centre and multiplayer gaming system in my living room
Based on this, you're basically looking for the 'game console experience on your couch'. If that's the case, honestly you shouldn't look beyond^[1]^ Bazzite.
If, instead, you actually wanted to play retro games primarily, then please let us know.
Thanks so much for the tips!
I’d definitely like to get some of the classic multiplayer games running on emulators as well.
I’d definitely like to get some of the classic multiplayer games running on emulators as well.
Bazzite does allow easy install of EmuDeck and RetroDECK during first installation, which should cover most of your emulation needs. For completeness' sake; Batocera does exist. However, I'm not sure if it runs e.g. Steam games as good as Bazzite runs retro games.
Came to say this.
Easy mode: LMDE/Mint. They are all geared towards a good user experience and trying to keep you out of the terminal. I would recommend them to any new Linux user.
For a slightly more advanced experience, Debian with XFCE as the desktop. The installation is slightly less friendly and they expect you to be familiar with using the terminal and tinkering with the guts of your OS from time to time but you can have a 'lighter' installation with less background services. (I run Debian on all my machines so I have a bias towards Debian and LMDE).
Nobara could be a great choice for your setup. It's a version of Fedora, made by a very well respected Fedora team member, setup with gaming in mind. It comes with many of the drivers you'd have to download using most other distros. Being Fedora based means you can tinker with anything you wanted to change. I recommend the KDE spin, KDE is known as the swiss army knife of environments. It's super intuitive too. I'm actually in a bit of an emulator phase right now, I have had zero issues using KDE Fedora while figuring it all out!
Nobara! For gaming it is just incredible. But if you have an old GPU any distro is ok I suppose, maybe Mint?
I’m also looking for general tips and advice for beginners if anyone has some to share.
The only thing that is stopping a Windows user from becoming a Linux user is the package manager -- learn how to use it in the cli. Then the "rest' should be an obvious, flat curve (which "package" goes for video card, audio, etcetc).
If your main concern is UI distro doesn't really matter, the thing you need to think about is desktop environment, most big distros let you choose from a few
TL;Dr I would suggest looking for a distro with kde plasma as it's quite customisable and looks quite clean out of the box. Personally I prefer gnome out of the two but you definitely hit a wall eventually customising it
Gnome is what Ubuntu and fedora use by default I believe and looks somewhat like Mac (but is fairly distinct from everything else, you kinda have to see for yourself)
KDE Plasma is what the steam deck uses in desktop mode and looks kinda like modern windows.
Cinnamon is what Linux mint uses which also looks like windows 10 and is designed to appeal to windows users
Pop!os recently released their own DE called cosmic, but they were originally using their own customised version of gnome
@BroBot9000 cool. Thanks @alt for the link to Jovian, this might an opportunity to tinker with NixOS... Do you know how nvidia cards is supported ? (nouveau driver is ok for my kind of use).
@flashgnash thanks for reminding me the Pop_OS option... do you know if you can configure Steam to start on big picture mode to start on boot ?
I’m on NixOS using the beta drivers and it does everything as far as I can tell. DLSS, ray tracing all work and performance is the same as windows with the same settings. I don’t think I ever need to go back to windows.
I don't own any devices with an Nvidia GPU. Therefore, I can't share my own experiences but only the ones from the community. If my memory serves me right, it should work. However, as usual, expect some strange behavior at times. Thankfully, getting back to a working system shouldn't cause you any troubles on Jovian-NixOS. Nonetheless, it's something to keep in mind.
@alt thanks for the reply. I might try this at some point. https://nixos.wiki/wiki/Nvidia seems to indicate some support.
HoloISO is SteamOS for non Steam Decks. That would be great option for something that "just works" and is designed for use from the couch with a controller. I haven't tried this but I'm sure there's a way to install Kodi for media too.
Just install your fav distro and install whatever you need
Never installed Linux before, don’t have a fav. That’s why I’m asking.
They are mostl all about the same (the major ones).... Different package managers and other differences but basically the same
How is this helpful?
I used more than 10 distros and don't really notice that much difference is my point