Distro = distribution. “Linux” is a family of operating systems, and there’s a bunch of kinds to choose from. As a beginner I would suggest something well documented and popular like Ubuntu, or Mint which is based on Ubuntu.
In terms of the three main PC operating systems (Mac, Windows, Linux) there’s only minor differences in functionality but sometimes the way something is achieved is different. Linux OSes are unique in that they are for the most part open source and free to use and modify. You can change every part of the OS if you want, whereas with Windows and Mac that’s very difficult. Depending on what hardware you have you may have some issues on Linux OSes though. Companies make drivers primarily for Windows, and do drivers for popular Linux distro as an afterthought or not at all, although that’s slowly changing.
In terms of not caring about the spying business… That’s your choice of course, but the argument of “I don’t have anything to hide so I don’t care if I’m surveilled, or as you say” it’s happening anyway so why bother fighting it" is very weak and leads to further erosions of our privacy and ultimately our freedoms.
Distro = distribution. “Linux” is a family of operating systems, and there’s a bunch of kinds to choose from. As a beginner I would suggest something well documented and popular like Ubuntu, or Mint which is based on Ubuntu.
In terms of the three main PC operating systems (Mac, Windows, Linux) there’s only minor differences in functionality but sometimes the way something is achieved is different. Linux OSes are unique in that they are for the most part open source and free to use and modify. You can change every part of the OS if you want, whereas with Windows and Mac that’s very difficult. Depending on what hardware you have you may have some issues on Linux OSes though. Companies make drivers primarily for Windows, and do drivers for popular Linux distro as an afterthought or not at all, although that’s slowly changing.
In terms of not caring about the spying business… That’s your choice of course, but the argument of “I don’t have anything to hide so I don’t care if I’m surveilled, or as you say” it’s happening anyway so why bother fighting it" is very weak and leads to further erosions of our privacy and ultimately our freedoms.
Eh, I hear you on the last part, but it has more to do with picking my battles.
Anyway, thanks for the rest of the info, btw!