recursive_recursion

Does it even matter that it’s Mint in particular?

Yes somewhat because the devs of Linux Mint has created a reputable high quality First User’s Experience to Linux setup.

I’ve never used mint, but isn’t the DE (or WM if you abhor DEs) more important?

Somewhat yes but it’s mostly the combination of all the ingredients that can make or break the lasagna dish.

If we’re comparing the DEs with each other than Plasma would win hands down over Cinnamon but for introductory users looking to switch from Windows or Macs to Linux than DEs are less likely to be an immediate concern.

They all come with a package manager.

Linux Mint would use the APT package manager which is good for beginners as you’d be able to use the same troubleshooting steps as Ubuntu or Debian.

Except maybe Nix, from what I’ve heard

NixOS is complicated to say the least, in which I’ve previously discussed here

Linux Mint is a solid place to start I’d say.

Ubuntu/Canonical has…issues to say the least.

• A primary concern being the ever eternal cursed Snap packages.
• Second being the replacement of existing tools with Rust alternatives without the proper FOSS licenses, so Ubuntu becomes less reciprocal over time and more proprietary over time.

anyways, choosing Linux Mint is a great place to start🤗👍 and I say this as someone that’s tried:

• Ubuntu Server
• Raspberry Pi OS
• Linux Mint
• Arch Linux
• NixOS
• Kali Linux

The belief of a higher order being can bring about a sense of peace of mind that someone higher above is watching over you in addition to the belonging that one can find in like-minded crowds/gatherings.

This historical collection of beliefs in combination with any random person calling themselves a priest/bishop/evangelist means that people will follow whomever like sheep because they want that security even if built on fragile scaffolding.

Unfortunately as this system can create a large quantity of easily exploitable people; you’ll see many corrupt governments, corporations, and cults try to replicate this in order to milk people for all their worth even at the expense of literally everything good in the world.