I play a lot of games over steam, and I am coming from windows.
Ooh, okay! I have some recommendations for distributions built for gaming:
- CachyOS is probably the best OS for this. It is Arch-based.
- Bazzite is a Debian-based gaming distro.
I recommend Debian for new users and Arch fir experienced users, but use what feels right to you.
Worth mentioning that if you’re on AMD, you’re pretty much open for choice. If you have nVidia, make sure the OS you go with calls out nVidia support as a feature. Even then, your specific config may require that you try out a couple before finding the right fit.
I personally tried Bazzite and had a rough experience with performance and haven’t had issues on EndeavorOS, but have read reports from other nVidia users that had the opposite experience. All to say, your mileage may vary, and don’t give up right away if the first one doesn’t feel right.
From what I hear, gaming = bazzite.
Also you can check compatibility of your games with ProtonDB.
My wife and I play a lot of games; my wife is also not super technical — she can get her way around some problems, but not deeper ones, and never uses the terminal, — and we’ve enjoyed bazzite quite a bit with almost no issues.
I also do development, and that’s been fine as well.
Look at zorinOS or Mint. Those are good starting points
Thank you
Always remember, distrohopping is allowed. Your first distribution doesn’t have to stray with you forever. It can, but doesn’t have to. If you hear about a cool new distro, feel free to try it out.
