SudoStation

Find YOUR LINUX Distro

Will your next desktop be Linux?

DISTROS

Beginner-friendly distros are made with the non-savvy Linux user in mind. The common objective is for the user not to need or rely on the terminal for anything.

Top 3 recommendations:

Fedora

(Fedora 44)

APP CENTER | SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY | EASY INSTALL

How do I install this?

Fedora is a cutting-edge Linux distribution that showcases the latest open-source technologies while staying stable and reliable. It integrates Flatpak for easy app installation, and is a great choice for users who enjoy having up-to-date software.

Recommended Environments:

(preinstalled)

Plasma

GNOME

fedoraproject.org

Linux Mint

(Linux Mint 22.3 LTS)

APP CENTER | SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY | EASY INSTALL

How do I install this?

Linux Mint is built with simplicity and comfort in mind, making it ideal for those switching from Windows. It features a familiar desktop layout, comes with essential software pre-installed, and includes a clean Software Manager for installing apps.

Recommended Environments:

(preinstalled)

Cinnamon

linuxmint.com

Ubuntu

(Ubuntu 26.04 LTS)

APP CENTER | SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY | EASY INSTALL

How do I install this?

Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions, offering a user-friendly interface, frequent updates, and a huge support community. It provides easy access to thousands of applications and is well-suited for both newcomers and experienced users.

Recommended Environments:

(preinstalled)

Cinnamon

GNOME

Plasma

ubuntu.com

A distro is simply a collection of all the software you need for an operating system. This includes the kernel (which has the drivers for your hardware), the environment (which you interact with on the screen) and an app center (for installing applications).

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ENVIRONMENTS

The desktop environment (DE) is what the user sees and interacts with on the screen. Most distros will only pick one or a few environments for their target userbase.

Top 3 recommendations:

Plasma

(similar to MS Windows)

Preview environment

KDE Plasma is a polished, feature-rich desktop with endless customization. Its panel, menu, and widgets offer a familiar feel, while advanced options like Activities and tiling make it powerful yet welcoming for beginners.

Windowing systems:

Float

Tile

Workspace

Advanced

GNOME

(similar to Android & macOS)

Preview environment

GNOME is a modern and streamlined desktop environment focused on simplicity and productivity. It uses a clean design with an Activities Overview for managing windows and workspaces, making it easy to stay organized and distraction-free.

Windowing systems:

Float

Tile

Workspace

Good

Advanced

Cinnamon

(similar to MS Windows)

Preview environment

Cinnamon offers a traditional desktop layout that feels familiar to Windows users, with a taskbar, start menu, and system tray. It combines a classic look with modern features, delivering an intuitive and responsive user experience.

Windowing systems:

Float

Tile

Workspace

Good

Advanced

Good

An environment is what you see and interact with on the screen. It includes the background, windows , menu layout & menu items and also the system tray (time, date, WiFi and power options). While MS Windows and macOS each have only one environment, Linux has various to choose from.

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GAMING

Games on Linux are more accessible than ever. With a mix of native titles and Proton-powered Windows releases, Linux offers a growing library that rivals other platforms.

Recommendations for newcomers:

We have some recommended games for a good first experience. But you can always search for a game you are interested in on ProtonDB where they provide a rating. This is also where the community will post their own experience with a game, problems they encountered, and also their solutions.

Visit ProtonDB

ASSISTANCE

Currently, Linux distros don't come pre-installed with an Ai assistant. This is mostly due to privacy concerns and the general idea that it's not necessary; “it's up to the user to choose”.

Recommended for newcomers:

Grok Build is a Ai assistant that lives right inside your Linux terminal, ready to help beginners and experienced users alike with advanced technical tasks. Once installed with a simple one-line command, you can ask it to explain confusing commands, troubleshoot errors, install software or find missing dependencies.

From our tests, Grok Build was the easiest way to get assistance on a Linux system. It's easy to install and has extensive knowledge on the Linux ecosystem. You can literally type in "I installed a new GPU and now Steam won't launch", and it will diagnose the issue and fix it for you.

⚠️ Access to Grok Build recently became available for the Free Tier with "standard limits".

Ideally, you would want to run a local Ai model on your system so your data stays with you, and without the cost of subscriptions. But this requires some pretty decent hardware. In our tests we found that models below 9b are basically just toys and can't really help you diagnose problems on your system. But if you have the hardware and willing to learn, Ollama is a good place to start. It allows mounting various local models.

Visit Ollama