[mothered]

if you want to Hack, dont use Kali or backtrack

Certainly don't use BackTrack.

It's discontinued, outdated and no longer supported.

[saun123]

For beginner, you should try Ubuntu on VirtualBox (Free) or VMWare ($$$). It easy to use and has all programs you need with graphic to test out. If you need tutorials just search google or youtube, tons of tuts out there!!!
Take it easy~!!!

[mothered]

or VMWare ($$$).

No need to pay for software.

I have an unlimited volume license:

Spoiler:

I highly recommend using VMware Workstation for all your virtual needs.

[chesterbeatdeath]

On all the sites I go to in order to socialize and talk shop everyone says, "Start on a VM first." I disagree. The best way to learn a language, type of math, or operating system, is to install it and jump in.
Ubuntu is super easy to start with (Fuck Mint) and is absolutely fine to start off with and learn the basics. Xubuntu is better if you're looking for something lightweight and speedy in comparison with GNOME.
Once you're comfortable enough to work the OS without much issue (No, you can't just learn the GUI and hope that's enough), move to a distro with no bloatware. Once you're comfy there, move on to one that you have to learn about the entire system itself in order to even install it.
Once you're a nice big Arch snob, compile your own kernel and create custom terminal commands and your own GUI.

Linux is a kernel. Everything else is just fluff, thus making your very own personal distro is within your grasp given enough time.
But seriously, nothing wrong with Ubuntu, and it runs just about everything you'd need it to including completely modern gaming with a little tweaking.

That's just my opinion though. I remember my actual reason for leaving Windows was that I couldn't get a percentage to constantly appear in my battery icon. Silly huh? I spent 2 weeks on Ubuntu before trying a whole bunch of others just to fuck around with until I decided all I really needed was Xubuntu (Ubuntu core plus XFCe desktop environment). If you NEED to have absolutely NOTHING except what you want installed, including DEs and whatever software you need, compile an Arch install, be ready for a little while staring at a black terminal screen, and then get over that confusion and start using sudo apt-get install like no one before you ever has.

(There is no problem with Xubuntu, just for you haters. It is lightweight with an install of under 1GB. There is almost no bloatware in comparison with Ubuntu main, and the stuff you don't want is so easily removed it'll make you laugh).

Actually, second thought. Try Peppermint OS8. It's based on the Ubuntu kernel, but acts a shitload like Windows for beginners. It has a task bar, a start menu, two workspaces, and can even run websites as independent apps like ChromeOS through a program called IceWeasel. If Linux is scary, start with Peppermint to dip a toe in.

[zennyx]

if you want Privacy use Tails https://tails.boum.org/
if you want to Hack, dont use Kali or backtrack, its better to set up your own debian
and for beginners i prefer linux mint to start in the linux world

quite agree

[d4kota]

Check out https://distrowatch.com/ , its got rankings, links to distros, reviews, etc.

[natifix]

When I first started out with Linux, I began with Debian, and have always used Debian. I highly recommend downloading and installing it. It will take you a long time to fully adjust to the Linux environment, but once you spend hours upon hours solving issues with your system and spending months becoming comfortable with it, it will all have been worth it in the end.

I have to say, that this is true for me. It was a pain in the ass to get past 6 months, and then 12 months was even worse. but Im one year past my first linux install and I am so glad I stuck in it. I have A LONG way to go, but it has already changed my life in so many ways its really scary, surreal, and rewarding at the same time. I cant say how impressed I am, of how intelligent and capable humans really are and can be... when they decide to do it, they can fucking achieve ANYTHING...

I started with Ubuntu and Kali. I am really only interested in hacking, cracking, and then maybe, coding and programming, engineering software, manipulating hardware... so on.

Dont give up, try several linux distros, you should try mint, cinnamon, parrot, fedora, tails and cubes just for lulz and practice, experience, and context. and I need to follow my own advice here, I still have not tried cubes or tails or parrot os.

[mothered]

I still have not tried tails or parrot os.

I have both (and others) Installed on my VM.

In terms of anonymity & privacy, you'll be Impressed with Tails. If you're Into pen testing, forensics, security, hacking and so on, Parrot OS Is a good starting point.

[natifix]

One thing at a time for me when learning. Im a slow learner because I grasp many concepts at the same time, or need to, to really understand things. I learn best from a larger perspective of relation to a smaller focused one down to the independent parts after associating their purposes or relations with each other.

Anyway, um yea, Id love to try parrot next. Im still using kali and pretty much ditched the ubuntu. I may get an nvme drive here soon so that will open the door for me to have another drive alone for other OS..

[mothered]

One thing at a time for me when learning.

I believe this should apply to all facets of computing.

Once I fully comprehend a given task In It's entirety, I then tackle the next project. Inundating yourself, can sometimes defeat the purpose of learning.

Id love to try parrot next. Im still using kali

If you like Kali Linux, you'll enjoy Parrot OS.