When I first began researching Linux, for my needs, I found the number of different Distros to be overwhelming. So I made this flow chart, with the intent to help new users find a starting point for choosing a distribution.

I’m open to critique, as to making this chart as helpful as possible.

EDIT: Chart updated based on suggestions in the comments.

  • Everyday0764@lemmy.zip
    1·
    2 days ago

    this didn’t work, what does it mean Windows or Macos background? i have neither :) i’m blocked at the second question

    /s

  • x00z@lemmy.worldEnglish
    24·
    3 days ago

    Pretty decent, but there’s a few things I think should be improved:

    • Logos !!!
    • Instead of having a chain of distros as an answer, make a nice group and don’t point towards any one of them. I’m still trying to figure out if you have some sort of ranking going on.
    • The split after “Windows or Mac? -> Mac -> <similar> or <similar and user friendly>” is weird and should probably be a question and differently phrased.
    • Immutability is misspelled and not explained. The gradient also makes it looks more special than the others (while it’s just a difference). Maybe an asterisk with an explanation at the bottom would be better for this.
    • At one point you use “Please” instead of “Yes”. I understand the joke, but people who could actually use this flowchart might not.
    • SteamOS is not a viable distro choice. (For now at least) I would suggest removing it until it actually becomes one.
    • “Are you a developer” has 4 answers but could be split into “Yes” and “No” with their own GPU questions.
    • White on yellow/orange is hard to read.
    • White on pink is readable but could be made easier to read.
    • Maybe a better font would great too
    • You could also add some Lemmy/Reddit/forum URLs where users could get Linux help.
    • You could also add some information like “Just looking for a Linux laptop? Buy System76” or something (I’m not up to date with decent Linux laptop vendors)

    You are open to critique so I hope you don’t mind this many points.

    • nephew@lemmy.caOPEnglish
      12·
      3 days ago

      Thank you.

      I’ve made changes based on your input and will update the chart soon.

    • Novocirab@feddit.org
      5·
      3 days ago

      One addition: On the right, “A computer from this decade?” — I think this can easily be widened to “A computer older than 15 years?” (swapping “yes” & “no”, of course). The laptop on my lap is exactly 10 years old, wasn’t high end back then, and runs OpenSUSE with KDE easily. Well, in all fairness, it’s now got 12 GB RAM, but that’s mostly for development purposes. Perhaps one could ask directly: “At least 8 GB RAM?”

  • tensorpudding@lemmy.world
    15·
    3 days ago

    It is impossible to please everyone with something like this but I personally think it strikes a good balance of opinionated and thoughtful. Thanks for making this.

  • The_Sasswagon@beehaw.org
    5·
    3 days ago

    I like your approach in that they don’t all just flow to the same 2 distros and there are multiple options at the end of most lines. It’s also quite readable. I do think there’s even more room to just try stuff out though, distros are not particularly rigid, certainly not when you’re first trying them out and you don’t know the differences.

    I happily use MXLinux to game on new(not so new now I suppose) hardware, run a media box, and on a couple work/school laptops for example. It’s just what I tried and felt cozy with after I got angry with windows and mint. I’m sure other distros are technically better for my uses but nothing I’ve tried has really been so much better to justify the switch.

  • TwilightKiddy@programming.devEnglish
    3·
    3 days ago

    You shall not advice to indulge in NixOS nor Gentoo. These take root in forbidden scripts, one must walk these depths of their own volition completely, clean of else’s influence. Us tell such atrocities exist and share the way we use them, but never condemn one to do so as well.

  • Albbi@lemmy.ca
    2·
    3 days ago

    I think you could add: “Enjoy a very colourful desktop interface?” and go from Garuda to Garuda Dr460onized.