Open Warrior

Most Linux users are sure to have heard the argument either for or against standardising Linux and endorsing a single distro. (If you haven’t, see this article to see some of the pros and cons of doing so.) At the same time, most Linux users will tell you, that, among other things, what makes Linux and Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) special is the freedom of choice that it gives users. Users not only get to choose a distribution, but they also get to choose a desktop environment, ie. KDE or GNOME and every other piece of software on their system. This is a freedom that many FOSS users are unwilling to forgo. However, when it comes to a new user of Linux, things can get quite confusing, especially if they’re not technically inclined.

When somebody asks me which “version” of Linux they should install the first thing I tell them is to go with Kubuntu, because that’s what I use, so I’ll be able to help them if they run into trouble. But then, usually a few seconds later, my advise turns to something like:

“Actually, you should probably rather use Ubuntu, because supposedly GNOME is easier to use than KDE. But then again, I’ve heard the PCLinuxOS is really easy for beginners…”

And so it goes on, as I try to figure out for myself which is the best Linux distro for a beginner to start with that will make their transition into the world of FOSS as easy as possible.

So over the last few days I’ve been thinking of exactly how one addresses the problem I so frequently encounter. I then came up with the idea of a beginner’s Linux distro. Basically, the distro would be the ideal starting point for a first time Linux user. To make it successful however, it would need to be endorsed and supported by the entire Linux community. It would need be educational, teaching users about Linux and guiding them through the transition process. It would need educate users about the reasons for, and the value in having, multiple distributions which can cater for specific needs and allow the new user to make an educated choice as to which distro would suit them best.

A beginner’s distribution would help to eliminate the confusion faced by the beginner when choosing to switch to Linux, and would ultimately make the transition process easier. Once they become comfortable with the beginner’s distribution, they could then move on to a distribution which better caters for their specific needs.