After a decade, I have started to try Linux again. Although I did install distros before – I got frustrated after tinkering for a few weeks the last time (mostly installing proprietary drivers via command line).
I have been a “Mac user” since the Apple IIGS (I remember Zany Golf, Mickey’s Space Adventure, Oregon Trail, Beachhead).
This evening I tried running Ubuntu 20.04 LTS on my 2010 Macbook Pro. Ubuntu kept freezing, so I clean installed Ubuntu Mate over it.
In the two weeks that I have been playing around I have been mostly successful with Ubuntu Mate, Linux Mint (Cinnamon), and Zorin OS (Ultimate Edition). So far Zorin is my favorite, Mate is next and Mint is third.
I am looking for a “daily driver” for the 2010 Macbook Pro so I don’t have to use a $300 Windows 10 machine I bought to “get by” next semester (when I am not at home using my iMac desktop).
This whole thing started with my frustrations with MS Word for Mac 2016 edition. It runs so painfully slow on my newer iMac. I’m not a fan of Office.com, formerly Office 365, even though I have to use it sometimes. I tried switching to LibreOffice out of frustration… and that once again sparked my interest in Linux.
More “notes” to come.
Resources for Linux Beginners:
distrowatch.com (start here to pick a Linux Distro to try out)
Chris Titus Tech on YouTube
Podcasts:
Going Linux (with Larry and Bill)
Linux for Everyone (Jason Evangelho, journalist at Forbes)
Choose Linux (on hiatus as of 4/2020 but still excellent and educational)
Linux Spotlight (Rocco aka BDL)
As a beginner in 2020 these are the resources that have taught me the most.
Good Luck!