So I’m building a new computer before the end of the year and lemmy is obviously pushing me towards Linux.

I am not computer savvy, I have a family member that will help me set up my PC, but I do not want to be calling/messaging them every day when I want to open a program.

Basically my question comes down to: can I operate a Linux PC these days without needing to troubleshoot or type code.

I use my computer about once a week for a few hours I would say, so any time spent troubleshooting is time wasted.

Thanks!

EDIT: since a lot of people are asking what programs I typically use, I’ll just list my most used programs.

Word, Excel, ect(I’m fine with alternatives)

Spotify

Gimp (would have been a make or break, so I’m glad it’s supported)

Brave browser (browser is a browser)

Steam

Discord

I would say that while I could figure out how the kernels work, I’m at a point with computers these days where I don’t have the time. My priorities fall with a seamless daily experience. If I have the time to figure something out I can, but ideally my day to day usage being unbotherd is what I’m after.

A lot of the comments so far have been helpful! I’m definitely going to give Linux a fair shot with my new build, probably start with Mint.

  • ulterno@lemmy.kde.socialEnglish
    4·
    2 months ago

    Steam ⇒ No Ubuntu

    For Word/Excel alternatives, I would suggest LibreOffice fresh. So, go with one that gives recent versions of it [1].

    can I operate a Linux PC these days without needing to troubleshoot or type code.

    That will vary greatly depending upon your Hardware selection. I was lucky enough to manage a good enough setup (adding extra effort to check Motherboard components) for Linux support and still have a few problems. [I am unable to get CPU fan speed (tachometer reading).]

    I like Endeavour OS, but it being rolling on Arch, means, it is for someone who is happy with troubleshooting and bug reporting.

    I had tried Open SUSE for a bit (back then, I hardy knew Linux) and liked that too.

    Debian probably won’t work either, because, even though it is something you probably won’t need to troubleshoot for years, once setup, Steam will make it hard for you and Discord, well, no idea. I removed it after declining the new TOS.

    1. I hated the problems with older versions, which seem to be greatly reduced in the newer ones ↩︎

      • ulterno@lemmy.kde.socialEnglish
        4·
        2 months ago

        Maybe this article would be a good indicator.

        By default, Ubuntu will give the Snap version, which Steam devs don’t like to support.
        And installing another version will probably require some configuration and terminal stuff, so I’d suggest going with something that plays well with Valve.

        • Archr@lemmy.world
          3·
          2 months ago

          This is true. And it’s also why I always recommend downloading steam through their website. They distribute their own Deb directly, and it auto updates.

          Flatpak version is also okay but if you want to use a secondary disk then you need to know how to use portals (or the Flatpak configuration tool that I can’t remember the name of).

          • rotopenguin@infosec.pubEnglish
            2·
            2 months ago

            Flatseal is the tool.

            (Another benefit to using the flatpak version of Steam is that Steam leaks rather substantial chunks of /dev/shm memory. The flatpak automatically cleans that up. God knows why Valve hasn’t fixed this yet.)