I am thinking about switching to a Linux Distro from Windows in order to have some more privacy and make my PC less susceptible to viruses and malware. Can Jow Forums recommend a decent Distro?
My top concerns are 1) ease of use for basic computing such as spreadsheets, word documents, photos, web browsing, etc, through the GUI without needing to resort to the terminal 2) an asthetically pleasing interface that I can customize if I want (e.g., moving the task bar) 3) privacy and lack of bot net 4) minimal maintenance to keep the OS running
Kubuntu. Be wary of listening other kinda opinions, they're usually something needlessly esoteric or complicated. Ubuntu is de facto "just werks" distro and most guides and binary installers you find online are made for it and it alone. KDE Plasma (which comes with Kubuntu) is the most complete and versatile DE around, no competition. Those are the things you want if you need a no-frills good experience.
Caleb Allen
The only DE that "just works" and isn't gutted is MATE, so I'd lean towards Ubuntu MATE.
KDE still has awful defaults and will always have awful defaults. GNOME isn't customizable. XFCE/etc. are usable but odd.
Alexander Wood
Mint. It's designed for windows users and just werks out of the box
Linux Mint Cinnamon or Xfce, or Kubuntu. Don't use anything else, Mint is the best ootb experience distro for anyone who isn't a poweruser.
Ethan Jackson
>most can be run as a live cd >or vm >bit of a performance hit, but you can get a feel of the overall look and layout or which de you prefer. tl;dr Cinnamon Mint.
Benjamin Gray
Plasma is old and outdated on kubuntu. Use KDE Neon
