I’ve been using GrapheneOS for a couple years now, both with and without the Google compatability apps. I vastly prefer without, but I’m lucky in that my credit union’s app will function without Google.

Bring back Linux Mint KDE

“Just pretend it’s always been Linux” is a bold move. I salute 12-year-old you o7

Yeah, I unfortunately didn’t know about the “Nvidia hates Linux” thing when I bought this laptop. I guess I know better for next time.

Garuda might be worth a try. I used it for a couple months and really enjoyed it, I only stopped because Nvidia drivers kept breaking.

My least favorite is Linux Lite. It’s supposed to be a lighter, simpler version of Ubuntu but I don’t think it accomplishes this at all. It’s very slow for something that’s supposed to be lightweight, and still includes Snaps, which are also very much not lightweight. Plus its software center is just bad, which is not great for something that’s marketed at Linux noobs. Linux Mint XFCE or SpiralLinux are better options for a Linux noob who needs a lighter distro, IMO.

An improvement I’d suggest: obviously, ditch Snaps. Another would be to take a look at what Bodhi Linux does and have the “software center” run in the browser. I don’t know how good this is security-wise, but it definitely speeds things up from the UX side of things.

Yep, I get this sometimes on apps that work just fine.

I’m currently using Linux Mint as well. I tried Garuda out and I did really like it, but the rolling release kept breaking NVIDIA.

I used Ubuntu back in the day but it sucks now. Snaps are the devil’s work.

I hate GNOME so much. To each their own but I don’t want my computer to look like an iPhone.

Honestly, if you like Ubuntu but dislike Snaps, Linux Mint might be a better choice than Fedora if you’re not as comfortable with Linux. Mint is basically “Ubuntu without all Canonical’s garbage.”

Linux Lite. Trying to pare down Ubuntu is a fool’s errand, and they still use snaps.

I use SpiralLinux on my old Inspiron but it’s basically just Debian with some user-friendly tweaks. I guess you could try Tiny Core or Porteus or something really small like that.

I like SpiralLinux a lot. I installed it on my old Inspiron and it runs like a dream.

Why not Zoidberg?

As someone who uses a fairly cheap gaming laptop with an NVIDIA GPU: I would advise against NVIDIA. I’ve successfully gotten mine to work, but it’s been a hassle. If you can avoid it, do so.

I wish I’d known how much of a pain in the ass having an NVIDIA card would be. I would have gotten a different computer.

“Just a hobby”–famous last words

I’ve been using it for a while now, no complaints.

I use Libre Camera. It’s OK. I suspect Google Camera is better but I don’t feel good about installing it.

Also GrapheneOS on a Pixel 6a. I know it’s ironic but Graphene has worked really well for me.