New to GNU/Linux? Try using Manjaro...

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So if you're new to the whole realm of Linux distros, it can be a very daunting experience given the various different options you have to pick from. And for that reason, I'll give my recommendations on where to start if you're unsure of what to do. For a long time, I've always advocated for Arch Linux and would typically recommend this to anyone and everyone, including new Linux users. Get Arch Linux at https://www.archlinux.org. A couple of years ago, the first ever Linux distro I tried using was Ubuntu but that didn't last for too long because there were better options out there. It wasn't until I tried using Arch Linux when I got very much into using terminal-based applications and window managers. And I was inherently a noob just like any other Windows' user who has never tried using Linux before, so anyone can do it. Nonetheless, make sure you don't go into learning Linux with the mindset of being "too busy to learn how to do things effectively" because that is just arrogant. Also, be careful so you don't get trapped into the paradox of distro-hopping as well.

Regardless, I've always said and recommended the same Linux distro for new users, and that is Manjaro. Get Manjaro at https://manjaro.org/. It is by far, the best Linux distribution for a new user and here is my explanation on why.

Here are the main benefits that Manjaro has over other, more commonly known distros:

Just a little side note: when you go to install Manjaro, make sure you get the XFCE version (should be the default) as that is the window manager that you would want. I've come to realize after a while of using Linux, that the major struggle of overcoming the "Windows mindset" is all psychological. New users need to understand that Linux has its own set of utilities which function differently and better than those found on Windows 10. Oftentimes, the first thing new users of Linux want to do is replicate their Windows 10 setup on Linux and not have to deal with learning anything. And that is the fault of Windows or whatever other operating system they are migrating from, because it has taught them to become passive and computer illiterate. However, Manjaro still gives you the option to do that, but that is not the way to use Linux! Not to mention, you also get too used to using the proprietary software which can't always be found on Linux and so you find yourself in a paradox of not knowing what to use. Needless to say, there are usually libre-software alternatives for whatever proprietary software you were using, so use that instead! 99% of the time, you will always benefit from using libre-software in the long run.

After a while of using Manjaro, eventually you're going to become comfortable enough with using Linux that will have one of two options. You can either (1) continue using the Linux operating system as you had since you installed it without any problems, or (2) you finally realize that Linux has a lot more potentiality once you start customizing it which will benefit your workflow and efficacy. This could ultimately teach you more about computers and how to work on them more efficiently, etc. Mind you though, you do not need to be a computer programmer at all to understand any of this, anyone can learn this. And as you learn more about software, you begin to realize how terminal-based applications for example are better, which will enhance your productivity. There is a lot more that you can get out of using Manjaro as a new user to Linux, even if you don't know that much about it.