Windows 12 could be another costly upgrade for supporters of Microsoft operating systems. A new report reveals that the AI-dominated OS will require AMD and Intel CPUs with a dedicated NPU. Possibly surfacing in late 2026, the follow-up to Windows 11 may also rely on subscriptions.
So is Mint still the easiest distro? I think I’m switching for good this time.
If you’re using your computer for web browsing, document editing, etc., Mint is a great choice.
If you are doing a lot of gaming, I’d suggest Fedora with either GNOME or the KDE spin.
So for a total novice could you elaborate on this? Like why a certain build is better for gaming?
Newer kernel and drivers for graphics cards. Fedora runs a more close to bleeding edge kernel, mesa, etc. whereas Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu LTS (Long Term Servicing) builds, so they don’t “rock the boat” as much with things like newer kernels as frequently.
Mint’s Cinnamon Desktop Environment also only supports the older X11 display server (Wayland is experimental right now) whereas GNOME and KDE desktops on Fedora default to Wayland. This translates to more modern and efficient window rendering.
Basically: Mint: “Just works. Don’t rock the boat. This will be stable into the heat death of the universe” Fedora: “Maximum speed and features at reasonable stability”
Thanks!
I went from 10 to Mint back in January.
Pretty easy switchover. Very few issues. As a lifelong Windows user, installing apps, keeping everything updated and backed up could not be easier. Only issue I ran into during install was my WiFi device would not show up. Had to turn off fast boot and then power cycle the system and literally pull the plug to completely reset the adapter. Other than that, everything worked perfectly “out of the box”. No fucked up driver install process. No hour long updates. It literally worked perfectly within minutes. All the shit I went through with every single Windows install honestly feels like a cruel fucking joke right now when I type it out.
I had some issues with my Bluetooth/wifi but I somehow got it to work. Modding is a bit of a bitch though, I have to run Vortex through steam tinker and it is less than optimal even if it works.
Fortunately, Nexus has posted that they’re intending to support Linux more in the coming future.
Hopefully it comes soon. The current state of Linux modding is mixed at best.
I only have a desktop right now, but I’m leaning towards buying an actual PC for gaming and video editing, keeping that on Windows just for simplicity’s sake, then switching my desktop to Linux and using that for all non-gaming and non-editing purposes.
I’m using ModOrganizer 2, and it seems to work fine, but you need a separate installation for every game.
Probably? There are others that might be a tiny bit easier but have less active communities, so I’d still say Mint.
It’s probably the easiest lift and shift distro. I still use it as it simply just works.