I’m resetting windows 10 on my Thinkpad T580 for work but would like to create a partition for linux. It’s an older laptop and really chugs through games like Minecraft or RuneScape but I enjoy playing relaxing games while I listen to audiobooks at night. I grew up using windows which is why I’ve mostly used Ubuntu and ZorinOS in the past but I’d like to expand my horizons to something like kubuntu. I value good UI/UX design and something lightweight for my old potato. Any recommendations on Linux distros?
** Thanks for all the input! I tried Fedora first but it felt kind of clunky to me. Then I tried out Mint xfce and it’s right up my alley! I can run a separate Firefox profile right off the task bar that runs outside of my VPN which is perfect for Netflix and other sites that have issues. So far loving how customizable it is. Minecraft runs ok off GDLauncher, and lutris is really cool. I forgot I had a boat load of old GOG games that are perfect for this laptop. I really fucking love Linux 😆
I think Arch Linux could be for you. You can install it with archinstall script. It’s relatively straightforward.
If they want to tinker, but dont want to install arch from scratch, endeavour is the way. If they want their system to just work, they should go with Pop!.
Use Pop OS for my wife’s gaming VM, but I use Arch for my main gaming PC. Would absolutely recommend it. We’re kinda spoiled these days, gaming on Linux has never been easier.
Not sure, as even Manjaro was too complicated for op.
If you’re on well-documented hardware, I agree that Arch is definitely a contender. I’ve been using it on my gaming pc for a few years now and it’s been more stable than any Windows install, not including the occasional self-inflicted damage from tinkering.