If you’re ready to leave Windows 11 behind, I recommend this distro for new Linux users – ZDNet

Many users are moving away from Windows. In fact, a 2021 study found that one in three Americans are looking to ditch Microsoft’s operating system in the next year, and this trend seems to be continuing in 2023. Of course, switching away from Windows means learning something new. Apple users have a relatively easy transition to macOS, while Linux has been an attractive option for years. For those new to the operating system, a lot of time and research can be spent finding a suitable distribution, and trying to decide which distro would best suit their needs. Many distros require a certain level of technical experience to properly navigate them. Linux Mint has often been seen as the ‘best’ distro for new users because of its user-friendly experience. However, another excellent distro has come out in recent years: Fedora.

Fedora has been around since 2003, and the Linux community has consistently recognized its excellent performance. The biggest draw for newcomers is its straightforward installation process. You won’t have to worry about partitioning your hard drive, nor selecting file systems, something that can make many beginners nervous. Instead, all you’ll need to do is provide a user account and password to begin your experience.

While many beginners like to choose distros like Ubuntu, which comes equipped with lots of preinstalled software, Fedora favors a minimal experience, focusing more on performance and simplicity. It doesn’t bundle your experience with unnecessary programs and bloatware. Users often praise its streamlined design and clean aesthetics.

Of course, Fedora comes with a built-in package manager, a powerful tool for discovering, downloading and installing any software you want to use. Fedora doesn’t shy away from adding the latest technologies and features to its updates. In 2023, it’s received praise for its performance, while continuing to build a solid foundation based on years of improvement and feedback from its growing user base. Fedora also runs Gnome, a popular desktop environment that provides a smooth, user-friendly interface for browsing, gaming, and work. With features like an overview menu that shows active windows, Gnome also includes features that have traditionally been associated with Mac OS. All of this combined, along with a user-friendly and easy installation, makes it a worthwhile option for anyone wanting to take the plunge into a new world.

Although there are countless operating systems available for free, Fedora is a fantastic option that can easily compete with the performance and simplicity of macOS and Windows 11. This distro offers features like the Gnome desktop environment, GNOME Shell, and several powerful applications. In fact, it provides more features than any other operating system. Fedora is an incredibly popular choice for many, and its continued rise among those switching from Windows shows that this distro is going to be popular for a very long time.

While Linux distros can be great options for users of any level, and each distro boasts their own unique quirks and benefits, Fedora is an excellent choice for any beginner wanting to see what a Linux-based OS can do. By using the basic Fedora installer, new users will have a user-friendly experience that can launch you into the world of Linux.

Some may question if the choice of distro truly matters, but many, particularly experienced users, would agree that a proper distro selection can lead to a rewarding and less stressful experience.

If you’re considering leaving Windows 11, and are a novice looking for a Linux distro that provides a smooth, reliable and intuitive experience, then Fedora is an excellent choice, one that offers excellent stability and great performance, and can be a fun and simple gateway to Linux.