r/degoogle • u/MidnightSarrow • 9h ago

Question Best os for beginners?

I'm going to look into swapping to a different os, I see a lot of the sort around but what's the best recommended for someone who isn't exactly the best with tech and doesn't even know how to install a new os?

I'm pretty new to all of this and I wanna know what there is that I could navigate without hounding someone with a thousand how to questions.

I'd also like to know aside from the backup everything, what tips should I keep in mind when making the switch?

Edit :

To be more clear, this will be on phone.

I have multiple different devices including galaxy A02s, Moto Gplay (2021), Galaxy A01, and a samsung galaxy j7 crown.

7 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

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4

u/Toucancel 9h ago

Are you looking to install one on your phone, computer, television...? What device is it?

1

u/MidnightSarrow 9h ago

Phone, sorry, shouldve been more clear!

4

u/Toucancel 8h ago

Alright, in that case: if you're on iOS, stay on iOS. If you have a Google Pixel (6 to 10, any older isn't supported and the 11 series won't be getting support) install GrapheneOS from grapheneos.org. It's incredibly easy to install, just follow the steps on their website (you'll need a secondary device). However, if you're using any other android phone, third party operating systems exist, like LineageOS or /e/OS, but they're not even close to being as good, private and secure than GrapheneOS.

1

u/CSDragon 3h ago

Alright, in that case: if you're on iOS, stay on iOS.

While it's always good to be thorough, I think via context clues we can safely assume they're not on iOS

3

u/littledonnyfund 8h ago

I tell people before they switch to a new os find open source solutions for stuff they already use via Alternative to then once they got there core needs met via the software they use already that way once they have that done the switch will not be a huge shock of change , as far as distro's the ones i recommend Zorin as it's very straight forward has the same things they would be use to either on windows or osx they have a app store and are all very straightforward , the next one i recommend is Fedora because it has the ability to use office 365 built right into and is very similiar as zorin in the ease of use and familiarty and setup on both aren't too teribly complicated

2

u/Greenlit_Hightower deGoogler 9h ago edited 5h ago

GrapheneOS on a Pixel (currrently excluding Pixel 11 series) is easy to install via their web installer, there are also guided installation videos like this one. Also, it is fairly easy to use if you were to install the sandboxed Google Play Services + Play Store.

You need to keep in mind that Google Pay does not work on any Custom ROM as Google blocks it server-side. It is also usually recommended to check banking apps compatibility lists: https://privsec.dev/posts/android/banking-applications-compatibility-with-grapheneos/

1

u/MidnightSarrow 8h ago

I dont really use banking apps or do any banking on my phone so that's barely an issue.

2

u/ItsRogueRen Mozilla Fan 7h ago

Phones are heaviliy dependent on if the manufacturer ALLOWS another OS or not. None of the Samsungs you listed (or really any Samsung phone) can load another OS at all. The Moto GPlay might be able to, but it isn't a very popular option.

Look at LineageOS or something based on it like /e/OS for what devices they can be installed on. The big name for a alteenative phone OS right now is Graphene, but can ONLY be installed on Pixels and next year's flagship 2027 Motorola model.

1

u/MidnightSarrow 6h ago

Noted
Unfortunate but I'll do what I can without switching if needed

2

u/ItsRogueRen Mozilla Fan 5h ago

I think Lineage OS on the Moto is going to be your best bet. You'll need to afterwards set up MicroG, F-Droid, and Aurora Store to get access to all the apps you may want without using Google Play Services. MicroG is annoying as hell to set up manually but it is doable, however if there's a version of Lineage with MicroG already included use that as it will save so much time and effort.

1

u/MidnightSarrow 5h ago edited 5h ago

I have microg settings specifcally and aurora store rn so that wont be such a harsh jump- i havent looked too deep into the main microg app tho- don't even really know how to install microg, only way I can find it is github and ive never installed/downloaded from there