Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET\nFollow ZDNET:\nAdd ZDNET as a preferred information source within Google to stay informed about the latest technology insights and evaluations.\n\n**ZDNET Key Takeaways**\nThese carefully selected Linux distributions stand out because they demand virtually no post-installation configurations. Each system is not only operational immediately after installation but also thoughtfully pre-equipped with all the essential software and settings, allowing users to begin productive work, entertainment, or creative tasks right away. In short, every distribution discussed here functions seamlessly from the first boot, sparing users from typical setup hassles.\n\nEvery time I’ve undertaken the task of installing Windows—a process that often feels unnecessarily complex and frustrating—it’s become clear that considerable effort is always required to make the system fully functional. Users frequently find themselves spending hours installing or updating drivers, removing intrusive advertisements, performing time-consuming system updates, deleting unnecessary default applications, adjusting interface settings, turning off distracting taskbar and lock-screen widgets, managing notification preferences, enabling system protection, and so forth. In essence, setting up Windows demands a significant investment of time before the system performs as expected.\n\nBy contrast, with many modern Linux distributions, this tedious checklist becomes remarkably short. Select the right distribution, and your system can be perfectly optimized immediately after installation—no manual tuning or additional tweaking required.\n\nSo which Linux distributions provide this kind of effortless, post-installation bliss? The following are some of the best examples—each purposefully designed to minimize user workload without sacrificing stability, performance, or ease of use. To be included in this curated list, a distribution must satisfy several essential conditions: it must offer a simple and intuitive installation process; come bundled with the most necessary applications; require no early modifications to make the desktop functional; avoid forcing users to upgrade immediately after setup; ship with minimal or no redundant software; include no advertisements of any kind; and demonstrate excellent automatic hardware detection. With these parameters established, we can now explore the leading contenders for the most user-ready Linux experiences available today.\n\n**1. Linux Mint**\nIt will likely surprise no one to see Linux Mint leading this list. In fact, many would argue that Linux Mint provides the most polished and complete out-of-the-box experience of any operating system currently available. Once installation concludes, the user is essentially ready to begin their computing journey—perhaps only needing to configure an email account in the default mail client, but little else. Linux Mint satisfies every one of the above criteria flawlessly, presenting an interface that is exceptionally intuitive, familiar, and comfortable even for users transitioning from other platforms.\n\nIts desktop environment mirrors the simplicity of classic operating system layouts, ensuring a near-universal sense of familiarity. With its carefully chosen pre-installed software and lack of clutter or unnecessary utilities, Mint allows users to be productive, creative, or entertained the moment the system boots. Despite not being my personal daily driver, I admit to feeling a deep admiration for those who choose Linux Mint because their setup process is virtually nonexistent—just install, restart, and go. Few operating systems manage to combine practicality, elegance, and user-friendliness as seamlessly as Linux Mint.\n\n**2. Manjaro**\nAt first glance, one might not expect an Arch-based distribution to appear among the easiest systems for everyday users. Yet, Manjaro defies expectations. It elegantly transforms the power and flexibility of Arch Linux into a remarkably straightforward and approachable experience. Manjaro simplifies installation to a degree rarely associated with Arch derivatives, delivering a system that is both refined in appearance and fully functional from the start.\n\nBy default, Manjaro offers the visually stunning KDE Plasma desktop, preloaded with just the right suite of applications to cover essential needs while avoiding unnecessary software. Users benefit from robust hardware detection that minimizes post-installation work, and the interface requires no customizations to be aesthetically pleasing or practical. While KDE Plasma is known for its vast customization potential, it does not demand those modifications—its default layout already excels in usability and performance. Manjaro, therefore, represents a brilliant balance between sophistication and simplicity, allowing newcomers and experienced users alike to enjoy a powerful Linux platform without any immediate setup struggles.\n\n**3. ZorinOS**\nZorinOS comes remarkably close to redefining what a complete, ready-to-use operating system should be. Every stage of its installation and onboarding process is crafted to be smooth and comprehensible, reflecting a thoughtful consideration for users of all skill levels. The distribution provides a balanced collection of core applications—enough to meet everyday needs without crowding the system with redundant programs. One notable inclusion is a specialized tool for connecting mobile devices, fostering easy cross-platform integration, and a unique Zorin Appearance utility, which enables users to effortlessly choose among various desktop layouts matching their personal preferences or familiar workflows.\n\nThe latest iteration, ZorinOS 18 beta, showcases a visually elegant desktop design that requires no aesthetic adjustments post-installation. Out of the box, it uses the Brave browser, known for privacy and security, eliminating the need for users to search for an alternative. In addition, the Evolution email client comes preinstalled, providing a complete suite for managing emails, calendars, contacts, and tasks within a single, polished interface—superior in design to its implementation on other distros. Thanks to integrated Flatpak support, users can conveniently install popular proprietary applications such as Slack or Spotify directly from the software center, enhancing flexibility without technical complexity. In summary, ZorinOS strikes a rare harmony between beauty, functionality, and simplicity.\n\n**4. Pop!_OS**\nCrafted primarily for developers, engineers, and creators, Pop!_OS manages to maintain a user-friendliness that makes it equally suitable for general users. One of its most appealing attributes is the ability to download installation images customized for specific graphics hardware—Nvidia or AMD—which ensures that graphical drivers are correctly configured from the very start. This smart design eliminates one of the most common sources of post-installation configuration effort among other distributions.\n\nPop!_OS includes only a carefully chosen selection of software essential for immediate productivity. Developed by System76, the distribution is rapidly evolving, with the introduction of the COSMIC desktop environment, designed to replace GNOME. COSMIC brings faster performance, a more efficient workflow, and an intuitive tiling window manager, all while preserving a minimalist aesthetic. These qualities make Pop!_OS a remarkably versatile system that demands minimal customization yet provides powerful capabilities. Having used it as my primary operating system for years, I have witnessed its steady refinement into one of the most elegant, stable, and adaptable desktops available.\n\n**5. Ubuntu Budgie**\nAmong the many derivatives of Ubuntu, Ubuntu Budgie holds a particularly cherished place. Its combination of visual refinement and ease of use makes it both beautiful and practical. After installation, almost no modifications are necessary. The default environment arrives complete with the software most users require—light, clean, and entirely free from superfluous programs. The Budgie desktop interface presents a strikingly polished and cohesive design that feels complete immediately upon first boot.\n\nOver years of installing and revisiting Ubuntu Budgie, I’ve consistently found that the default setup rarely calls for changes. At most, I might rearrange the panel layout into a dock format to suit personal preference, yet even that is optional. Considering that I’m quite selective about desktop environments, my lack of desire to alter Ubuntu Budgie stands as high praise. In contrast to other distributions, including Pop!_OS, which sometimes invites post-install tweaks, Budgie’s default presentation manages to satisfy even discerning users.\n\nWhile any desktop environment can inspire some degree of personalization, those seeking a Linux experience that demands virtually zero post-install adjustments will find these distributions to be exceptional starting points. They provide the ideal foundation for users who prefer to spend their time working, creating, or exploring—rather than endlessly configuring their operating system.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/5-favorite-linux-distros-easy-setup/
