Author's recommendations for distro-hopping

Beginners getting started with using Linux

Start with a beginner-friendly mainstream distro (list below).
Spend time getting familiar with the desktop environment and the package manager.
Make daily use of Linux for at least a few months.

Recommended beginner distro list

#1 Linux Mint - Best for nearly everyone as a first distro and best for people coming from Windows
#2 Ubuntu - Looks like a blend of MacOS and Windows
#3 Kubuntu - Ubuntu with a better desktop interface
#4 Elementary - Looks just like MacOS
#5 Zorin - Offers paid support
#6 OpenSUSE - The alternative to Ubuntu that is in the SUSE ecosystem
#7 Fedora - The alternative to Ubuntu that is in the Red Hat ecosystem

Intermediate users who have used Linux enough to try other distros

Test other Linux distros in a virtual machine or just install on your computer
Try different desktop environments
- KDE Plasma 5, Gnome, Cinnamon, Xfce
- Form an opinion about what you like and don't like about each desktop environment
Form an opinion about the main package ecosystems
- Debian/Ubuntu/Mint/PopOS
- Arch/Manjaro
- Fedora/RedHat
- OpenSUSE