If you are curious about Linux but feel intimidated by the command line, let me introduce you to Linux Mint. In the world of operating systems, Mint has built a well-deserved reputation as the distribution that “just works.”

The moment you boot up Linux Mint, you’ll feel at home. Its default desktop environment, Cinnamon, is sleek, modern, and familiar to anyone who has used Windows. You get a clear bottom panel, a start menu (called the “Menu”), and system tray icons. There is no steep learning curve; you can start being productive immediately.

What truly sets Mint apart is its philosophy of “it just works” right out of the box. Unlike some operating systems that require you to hunt down drivers or codecs to watch a video or connect to Wi-Fi, Mint includes them by default. You can play MP3 files, watch DVDs, and browse the web immediately after installation.

Furthermore, the Software Manager is a breeze. Instead of scouring the web for programs, you open one simple app, search for what you need—from Firefox to VLC to GIMP—and install it with one click. No terminal required.