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this post was submitted on 24 Dec 2024
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Linux
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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Ubuntu. There are mixes of it but out of the box Ubuntu is about as straightforward a dist to install as possible and it is well supported.
That said "new laptop" and Linux are not always a match made in heaven. You might try it from a boot stick and confirm that things like the GPU, touch screen, touchpad, fingerprint reader, USB C / Lightning all work properly.
Ubuntu is horrible these days, including most derivatives that change nothing but the DE. If you want Ubuntu, use Mint instead. There's plenty of other options available, like Fedora, Pop!_OS, etc.
As for testing, most distribution installers allow you to try them without installing first. No need to set up anything separate for that.
Well, except that they have consistently been the one that has and installs proper drivers for a variety of hardware I've used it with. Many - many test units over the years with either brand new or older and obscure hardware that not a single distro I could find recognized, nearly every time it was Ubuntu that came through for me. Including my current laptop. I have been aware of the progression toward a corporate type atmosphere with them, though, and I don't like it. I'm thinking about seeing if plain ol' raw Debian now has the proper drivers because if it does, I may replace my Kubuntu with it. But that doesn't change the fact that they've delivered when all others failed.
In the past, I would've agreed. These days, hardware compatibility for anything except the very latest is pretty much the same among distros.