I am using since 2007 GNU/Linux distributions. Started with Ubuntu, experimenting with a lot of other distributions (Arch based and mainly Debian based) and since, hmmm, 10 years 100 % Debian. And I am really satisfied with it and its ecosystem.
At work I've managed to convince my team to change to Ubuntu 5 years ago.

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What is a good private and secure linux os for a complete newbie?

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    applesbana Thank you! It seems some say fedora or popos is pretty good too?

    Debian Sid and Arch for most of my workstations and Debian stable on the servers.

    In terms of security, the state of Linux could be better. There are steps you can take to improve the overall security of a Linux installation, some of which are easy to accomplish (enabling a firewall) but others can require a fair bit of technical knowledge depending on the distribution (full disk encryption, secure boot, SELinux, etc.).

    I generally recommend that most Linux newcomers should start with Fedora or Ubuntu. They are excellent introductory Linux distributions and both offer an abundance of technical support.

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      I gave it a go and couldn’t make sense of it, but I’m not a super user. Back to mint for me

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      overpass
      I've been Debian user for a long time and have no reason to switch, but I wouldn't say that it is an equivalent of Grapheneos on desktop. You can (and you should) use firewall and you can separate your data and use for instance virtual machine for different purpose, but the system per se is not created to be private and secure as possible. You can configure it to your liking, but it is not as easy to make it privacy and security vise solid like fortress...
      I guess it depends on what you are trying to achieve. If you're just seeking privacy oriented OS, than this could be better choice than Mac, Windows or Chromebook. You are not at least forced to use email or iCloud account to use Your computer, and with linux distribution you are owner of your computer unlike of MS or Apple devices.

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      dirksche is there a walk through to make it more secure and private? or is it already good to go?

        [deleted] Sorry, no. I really don't know if there is a difference regarding security.(I think it depends on the apps you use and how you walk throu the net) It's just the system I like most.

        Currently, Void Linux. I've switched between arch & gentoo for the past year, but Void feels like a good middle ground.