I started my Linux journey around 2021 following in the footsteps of Linus Tech Tips (LTT). With my first foray into Linux I picked Manjaro as my first Linux distro. While I don't remember what desktop environment I used, it worked for me without any issues.
In the end the reason I switched back to Windows was at the time I was super into game development, doing this in Unity so one day after booting up my computer Unity would not work and after trying to fix it for a few hours I decided to switch back to Windows.
During my first time when I was using Linux, I didn't understand Linux at all. Now this is a big issue as before AI when something broke, Google searching for a solution was all I could do.
Now this has changed with LLMs becoming powerful, as just putting your error log and the distro you're running or sometimes just describing your problem allows it to fix most issues for you. Comparing this to back in the day where I would just look through posts on Stack Overflow until something worked. When the commands from Stack Overflow didn't work and changed configures it caused problems later down the line as I never undid any of the commands entered.
I was on Windows up to late 2024 where due to the type of games and projects I was working on made it easier to switch to Linux. While Linux was pulling me Windows was pushing me away with its enshittification with search not working, maybe adding more ads, and just being buggy.
Looking through distro options I was unsure what to pick, but I wanted a mainstream/widely used distro with good support. Looking at the requirements the two main options were Ubuntu and Fedora. After comparing both options and talking to others, I decided on Fedora.
The first reason I decided to go with Fedora was kernel version as Ubuntu LTS runs a very outdated kernel, even on the latest version, comparing this to Fedora which is only a few days behind. While newness of the kernel is not a huge reason/issue it's almost always better to be on a newer kernel.
For another reason, I already used Fedora at school in the IT lab. While the IT lab did not exclusively use Fedora as it was divided between the two teachers with one using Arch and the other using Fedora. Talking to Adam who uses Fedora on his side, he said even managing tons of computers hadn't had any major issues.
These two reasons pulled me to Fedora, with me finally deciding to move over. For GUI I decided to go with KDE, this decision is one I stand by and think other penguin interested users should follow.
Install Experience
The install experience for a Linux distro is important as it's people's first experience. With the ability for an average user to get through the whole install process.
To start with a Fedora install you would go to the Fedora project site. Once you get to the page you have to pick between Fedora Workstation and KDE Plasma not including non-desktop versions. Now while choice is good if someone who is new to Linux comes to download Fedora, they might be unsure which one to pick. Now while this is not the end of the world it adds friction to the user experience.
Now a huge plus for the Fedora install process which all Linux distros should do is having their own media writer meaning users don't have to download Rufus or BalenaEtcher to install the distro.
Going through the rest of the install process it's very easy to follow with it going over some KDE features for the KDE version like KRunner and how to install applications through the Discovery centre.
KDE
Now while the default for Fedora is GNOME in my opinion KDE is much better. Now if you use GNOME and prefer it that's fine but for someone who has not used either before KDE is the better option.
Windows users that are coming over from Windows, KDE will be closer than GNOME as it keeps the system tray at the bottom bar compared to having indicator only when the app is minimised. Comparing how you open apps KDE is much more familiar for a windows user then GNOME.
The start menu is another thing the same between KDE and Windows which for a new Linux user it's the same as Windows except without the ads.
It's not just because it's closer to windows that it's better. A big reason I believe Linux is more user-friendly than Windows is installing apps as on windows most of the time you download an exe file to be installed, or go through ad-infested Microsoft Store. If we compare the GNOME software centre to KDE Discovery centre, KDE is better. For one the UI for KDE has a side bar where everything you need is easily accessible having easy to understand categories. Comparing this to GNOME which only has categories when under the explore tab which are basic and not as in-depth as KDE. Overall KDE has the better software for updating and installing apps.
Now while there is a lot of personal preference here, I think KDE is overall better than GNOME but even more if moving from Windows.
Software Updates
In a world where software exploits are becoming more common keeping software up to date is a must. Now with updating software you want it to be easy in your Linux distro with it letting you know when an update is available.
On Fedora KDE it's easy to see when an update is needed as it shows up in the system tray, with it having indicators if it's an OS update or just applications.
Once we know that Fedora needs an update we can either click the icon in the system tray or open the Discover centre, it shows you a list of everything that is going to be updated. Almost all the time you click update all, but if you want to only update one application or skip one if the latest version doesn't work.
For downloading and updating apps the two major ways this is via either Flathub or the official Fedora repos. Comparing this to Arch which other than what is included has the AUR which has had a huge malware problem recently.
Conclusion
While I personally enjoy KDE and think it's the better desktop environment, your choice is valid if you use GNOME. While Fedora is the perfect balance between Ubuntu with its LTS old kernel and irregular update cycles. Without going the other side of Arch which has move fast and break things attitude.
Now while there is not a single best distro I personally think Fedora is what 90% of people want.