Should I switch to Linux, and how?

Technology
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I keep hearing about people using Linux, and I’ve kiiiind of dabbled in it before and found it neat, so I’m considering it (I have Ubuntu installed within my Windows 10, and I played around with it a bit). The only thing is, there’s so much stuff about Linux online that I get overwhelmed. So here are the main things I want to ask:

If you’re a Linux user…

  • Why did you start using it? Why do you keep using it?
  • Where do you recommend a beginner starts?
  • Do you think it’s relatively easy to switch from Windows to Linux?
  • What are the main disadvantages to be wary of, in your opinion?

A thing to consider when answering: although I’m relatively tech-savvy compared to my friends, I’m pretty much self-taught (humanities major moments), so there’s still a lot of jargon I don’t know.

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I’ve been using Linux since 1996. I got exposed to UNIX in college, wanted something similar for my computer at home since DOS wasn’t cutting it, and Linux was the answer.

I keep using it because the Linux I use (Slackware) doesn’t try to hold my hand and doesn’t presume to second-guess me. It’s designed on the assumption that I know what I’m doing, and that if I foul up I know how to deal with it.

It’s been so long since I was a beginner that I probably have no business making recommendations to newbies. I’m liable to recommend Slackware or Debian, since they’re two of the oldest distributions still being maintained. Debian, in particular, is the root distribution for Ubuntu. And Slackware, frankly, is the Linux distribution that sticks closest to classic UNIX; if you can handle Slackware you can handle anything, even BSD UNIX and commercial/proprietary UNIX systems.

Since you already have Ubuntu installed via Windows System for Linux, I’d suggest spending more time in that environment. Try getting familiar with the Linux command line, maybe even doing some shell scripting.

I think the ease of switching from Windows to Linux depends on how attached you are to Windows or to software that only runs on Windows. I was never strongly attached to Windows, and I’ve always been a console gamer, so it was easy for me to adapt. I use Windows at my day job, and Linux and macOS at home. The only problem I have is when I try to use UNIX commands in a Windows command prompt; I have to remember to use dir /p instead of ls -al | less when I want a file listing.

The main disadvantage to using Linux, IMO, is that you’ve got to become your own sysadmin. Worse, you might get obsessed with tinkering with your Linux machine, customizing it ever further to suit your own needs, and not get actual work done.

Heaven help you if you get into Emacs, incidentally. It really can be its own operating system, and you really can make it a full-time computing environment and not just a text editor.

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  • Why did you start using it? Why do you keep using it?

Originally, I started using Linux in the early 2000s to fix broken Windows computers. I used Knoppix and other “live CDs” to gain access to system files when people couldn’t boot up anymore.

I still used Windows as my personal “daily driver” up until Windows 7. By that time, Windows felt so buggy and broken that I seriously started to consider using Linux more.

  • Where do you recommend a beginner starts?

First, I looked for free and open source equivalents of proprietary software that I still used regularly (e.g.: replacing CorelDRAW with GNU Image Manipulation Program and Inkscape, replacing Microsoft Word with OpenOffice or LibreOffice, etc.).

Then, I picked a distro that seemed to have the smallest learning curve when coming from Windows, and that would run well on my old refurbished laptop. I went with the Xfce version of Linux Mint, which is based off of Ubuntu (which, in turn, is based off of Debian).

I put together a simple guide on how to go through pretty much the same process that I went through if that is something that anyone else wants to do.

Puppy Linux is another good option if you have a very slow computer. One thing that is great about Linux is that it can “breathe new life” into older hardware.

  • Do you think it’s relatively easy to switch from Windows to Linux?

Yes, in my case it was a simple change that I got used to within a single afternoon, but “your mileage may vary”. One doesn’t have to know much of anything to start using Linux just as you would a machine running Windows or MacOS. A lot of the navigation is fairly intuitive.

Learning all of the “ins and outs” of it takes more time, but not everyone wants or needs to become a sysadmin. Similarly, I doubt “the average Windows user” knows much about writing batch files, editing registry entries, using PowerShell, etc.

  • What are the main disadvantages to be wary of, in your opinion?

How attached are you to certain pieces of software or hardware? There may not always be good Linux support for everything that you already use and that might be a “deal breaker” for some. However, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages in my opinion.

Ultimately, what do you see yourself doing with your computer? This will determine what you try to learn in order to get there.

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I don’t know if anyone really should switch to Linux, but I believe everyone can learn a lot by switching to a different OS for a bit. More so by switching to Linux.

I discovered Linux a bit by chance, at the end of secondary school. I heard some teachers talking about a “Linux machine” and I thought it sounded so cool. I went to the library that day and found a big book about Corel Linux, with a CD-ROM. I came home, inserted the disk and wiped the family PC. Oops.

Fast-forward to now, I work as a programmer and I believe that a Linux-based OS is the best environment to do what I do. It’s that simple. I’m a Linux enthusiast, but not really a romantic… I would switch to anything else in a heartbeat if I truly believed it was a better fit.

I would echo what @starbreaker said about spending more time with WSL. It depends on your goals of course, but if you want to explore more on the terminal side of things, you’ll find everything you need is there already.

I’ve only ever used Debian-based distributions so my advice there may not be so useful. However, I’ve spent a lot of time on Ubuntu and, at this point, I would not recommend it as a starter distro. I think there are far better options in terms of user experience, stability and general polish, such as Linux Mint, Elementary OS and Pop!_OS. I’ve been on Pop myself for the past couple of years and it’s been the most stable experience for me. Boring, stable, contemporary Linux.

One thing that I would discourage is dual-booting. A lot of online guides seem to focus on repartitionning your disk and installing Linux alongside Windows or macOS. In my experience, this is pretty much the worst of both worlds. If you can dedicate a tiny bit of money to this experiment, it’s worth shopping for a used Thinkpad. You can find used Thinkpads from around 2016-2018 for dirt cheap on the second-hand market. Robust, serviceable, fantastic Linux machines.

Good luck, and have fun :)

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I have not been a full-time Linux user, meaning I never used Linux exclusively on my computer, but I also have Windows Subsystem for Linux installed (with Ubuntu as the distribution). Before WSL existed, there was a period where I dual booted Windows 10 and Linux, since I am unable to afford an extra computer just to install Linux.

I tried out Linux because I wanted to try out an alternative operating system to Windows, and I had started to get interested in open-source software and care more about digital privacy. Linux Mint was the first distro I used when I dual booted Windows and Linux, because according to my research, it was one of the most friendly distros for Linux beginners who come from Windows, and after trying it out myself, I agreed.

However, I eventually stopped dual-booting because it was troublesome to switch between two operating systems back and forth, especially if the software you want to use is only installed in one of the operating systems. When WSL came out, I decided to install and use it, so WSL is my main method to use Linux these days.

The main factor that prevents me from being a full-time Linux user is the fact that I am a PC gamer primarily. There are video games that support Linux, but some of my favourite or most-played video games do not, and even if you use Wine they still do not run well on Linux, so your decision to switch to Linux very much depends on your needs and goals.

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Lot’s of great feedback here. I’d like to add my 2.5cents:

**Why did you start using it? Why do you keep using it?**

I started using Linux in 2006, on Ubuntu (Dapper Drake). I kept using it because I’m a nerd and Linux is extremely fun to install and play with, imho. And it’s just satisfying to have a system configured the way you want it to be, rather than only receiving the OS experience Microsoft or Apple has designed for you.

**Where do you recommend a beginner starts?**

You’ll get all kinds of answers to this, because there are all kinds of beginners.

  • Windows refugees should probably start with Linux Mint.
  • Gamers should probably start with Bazzite or Nobara.
  • Programmers and Productivity nerds would probably enjoy Pop!_OS as a starting place.
  • For everyone else? Just pick the one you think is cool. One that matches your desire to learn… or not.

My hot take is that dual booting Windows is just more trouble than it’s worth. You will learn faster without it (if you can afford not to have it). I game, program, make graphics, animate, 3d model, and edit video on Linux on a regular basis and I’m quite happy with all those workflows.

**Do you think it’s relatively easy to switch from Windows to Linux?**

These days, absolutely. That was not always so, but the past decade has been amazing for Linux. Most consumers and professionals can happily use it for whatever they like, provided they understand that a lot of commercial software will be unavailable.

What are the main disadvantages to be wary of, in your opinion?

As someone who has helped many others make the switch, the main warning I have is that you should be respectful towards your system, or keep backups, or be willing to reinstall when you mess up.

Linux gives the user a level of control that can be destructive. It’s very common for new users who like to fiddle with their OS to inadvertently break it. If you are the kind of person who dreads breaking your system, I strongly recommend an atomic/immutable distribution of Linux, such as Bazzite, Bluefin, or Kinoite. These distros update and backup automatically and don’t allow you to fiddle with critical system files as easily.

And on a parting note: If it’s fun for you, don’t be afraid to experiment. I’ve used so many distributions of linux that I’ve lost count! I learn something new every single time I install Linux.

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For the very simple reason of economics. In 2004 my windows license was tied to my school laptop. When i dropped out in 2005 no more windows. Got a computer from a neighbor which was reasonable for the time, a Pentium III 900mhz 512MB ram , But it ran Windows ME. Which in 2005 was painful to use at best. and i was already using firefox et al So Ubuntu Breezy Badger to the rescue.

My newbie rec is currently openSuSe, Unusual choice i know but their community is pretty chill, and welcoming, and there installer experience really can’t be beat. Ubuntu and Mint get all the press on this, but imho. Mint has always been more reputation then substance, and makes things harder for people in the long run… Ubuntu itself is just coasting on it’s reputation of ten years ago, or longer.

The server product remains solid as ever but it’s been awhile since the desktop was shown any TLC.

Depends on what your using already, if you already use webapps and stuff for most of your work there’s not much of a difference. If you game hevily however it can be quite an adjuustment

after 20 years i’m not sure i know the answer anymore

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I’ve been a linux user since I was 14, so for about 4-5 years now. I have quite a bit less experience using it then some other people in this thread.

I started using Linux just as an experiment to try something new. It was reccomended to me by a friend so I installed it and had some fun with it. Over time, I slowely moved over to Linux completely. I still use Linux because the feeling of power and control it gives is like no other. I feel confident on a linux system, in a way I never felt on windows.

Other than that, the Window Management on Linux, particular with a Tiling WM is very nice, and I miss it every time I go back to Windows.

It doesnt really matter really. I started with Mint so thats what I’d reccomend. People start with Fedora, openSUSE, or even Arch. You can always move later. I use Arch these days.

Just pick something and fix as you go. I’d just reccomend getting yourself a “mentor”, a linux elder who’s using the same thing you’re using and that you can ask for help when you need it.

Yes, but the catch is that you also have to switch from all your Windows apps to Linux versions. There’s nothing inherently harder about Linux, people (rightly) expect that all their hardware and software that just works on Windows should also work on Linux. I’d reccomend first changing all your Windows exclusive applications to ones that work on Linux before you actually install Linux.

And once you do install linux, do it on another drive so that you can slowly move your work onto there. What I did is install one application I used on Windows to Linux. And then I uninstalled it from Windows. That way you have to go on to Linux to use it. Over time, most of your stuff will move over because of sheer laziness and not wanting to reboot. Thats what worked for me, but it might be different for you.

Also, Gaming. Much better than before, still needs work. No game with anticheat works, sorry. Stuff like Rainbow 6 Siege, League Of Legends, Valorant etc doesnt work on linux or in a VM by design. Singleplayer games work great though, with exceptions. This stuff has to be researched on a game by game basis.

You can call it elitism or neurodivergence, whatever it is, the Linux community has very little patience for helping you. Read Smart Questions and your experience will be much nicer (although not by a lot).

Also certain usecases are completely impossible on Linux. VR is one. Its another case of having to do your research.

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I am not a Linux user however one of the YouTubers I watch, Dank Pods, is making the switch to Linux and I thought he did a pretty good video on what someone new to that system would be experiencing.

It’s Time for a Change - It’s Time for Linux

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I’m a new Linux user. I switched from Windows to Linux this past June.

I’d been weary of Windows for a while. This past year, they had an update that used AI. There was no simple option to turn it off. I looked it up, and I had to go into the registry to uninstall it. Not a huge deal I guess, but I feel like I shouldn’t have to fiddle that deep into the OS just to turn off a feature that literally wasn’t there a day ago. :roll_eyes:

Then, they came up with Copilot. I was already done with Windows, but that gave me the push I needed to switch over. I did my research and realized there’s not much I did on Windows that I can’t do on Linux. Once I had some free time, I made the switch.

On a more positive, non-Windows-hating note, I also think Linux is cool when you learn more about it. Customizing your computer helps you appreciate it more, and it’s cool to see all the distributions and open-source software that people make for Linux out of passion instead of greed.

I am a beginner, and I started by finding beginner-friendly distros which seemed appealing and useful to me. I’ve used both Zorin and Mint. I find them both effective and easy to use.

I found it easy, but that’s because I had a bit of time off from work, where I could spend time getting used to it. It takes some research, and over time, you should familiarize yourself with some terminal commands, because eventually you will probably need to use it.

The only disadvantage, for me, is not having found high quality alternatives to some proprietary software, such as Adobe Acrobat. This doesn’t bother me in my day to day life though.

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I started using it very recently! For about two months now ^^ I did it because I was tired of all the shit windows has running in the background, mainly their updater and virus defender or whatever they call it, my computer is very cheap and can’t do much at the same time. I’m also tired of the assumption by most modern software and devices that I have unlimited internet access when infact I don’t. Why did my windows computer eat so much more of my mobile data than doing the same exact thing on my phone?

Anyways, it wasn’t too difficult of a switch (wouldn’t have been able to do it if it was), I carefully followed a guide and was successful! The version I am using is very comfortable to me as a long term windows user. I haven’t delved to much into the command line yet, but its GUI is fully functional regardless. I do eventually want to become comfortable using the terminal though.

The version I am using is Mint Mate. Mint comes in three versions, Cinnamon is the most “modern” iteration, Mate is in the middle, and Xfce is generally used for slow/small/old computers that need something light weight. Heres a guide :3

It seems like most major disadvantage is gaming, since not a lot of games run on linux without some work arounds, but I’m not a gamer so I’m not too encumbered. Similarly some other software just isn’t available, since most are catered towards windows. This is particularly true if you just want to play around with some small largely unknown program. On the bright side however, you can search for compatible programs directly from your computer and do a quick easy download from there.

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i’ll be devil’s advocate and say that if you ever switch to Mac, the experience between that and Linux is a lot closer than Windows and Linux.

I realize that macbooks cost an arm and a leg, but if you ever work for a company that gives you a computer and the choice between Windows and Mac, choosing Mac would give you a nice out-of-the-box OS, while still being able to run UNIX commands on your machine.

Personally, I like spinning up Linux servers when I host things online, but at home I only use my macbook, and very often can you google “How do I do X in Linux” and the command will be able to be run on your Macbook just fine

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My own feeling is that these things are “just” operating systems, but you should definitely give Linux a go, you might even find it nicer to use than Windows.

I say “just” because I use whatever looks interesting or what has been given to me to handle at work. All the computers at home are using either Windows 10 or 11, but over the years I’ve used DOS, Sun Sparcstations, every version of Windows since 2, most Macs from System 5 to the end of OSX, and Linux Lindows, Fedora and Ubuntu.

For a beginner I’d use Debian or Ubuntu. Mint is very popular for beginners but I’ve never used it. Personally I like Fedora. I’ve seen Fedora described as cutting edge, while Arch which is bleeding edge.

The biggest difference between Windows and Linux is that you’ll probably be spending more time at a command line than in Windows. You’ll soon learn the common commands you use and there’s plenty of help for the ones you don’t.

For those that don’t remember Lindows here’s another little bit of brisray’s history.

In June 2002, Walmart starting selling PCs with Lindows preinstalled. Later that year Microsoft sued Linspire who made Lindows over the trademark. Walmart didn’t want to be involved in that and around mid-2003 started selling off brand new PCs with Lindows installed. They were so cheap I had an idea about what I could do with them so I bought a dozen of them.

Friends and family had been coming to me for years to keep their ancient computers going and I never liked telling them they were going to have to eventually buy a new one.

Some people I thought were never going to get used to Linux so I put Windows on some of the computers, the others I simply updated and installed more software. That Christmas, all the PCs were given away as presents. Still one of the best gift ideas I ever had.

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Try buying a refurbished model, instead. They’re usually a bit cheaper.

Houses, cars, and computers are generally better bought used. Let somebody else pay for the privilege of breaking them in.

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What an awesome gift! That is very generous of you…Wow, it has been awhile since I last heard of Lindows…It does remind me though, if anyone wants the “feel” of old Windows on Linux, there is also the Chicago95 Linux theme for Debian.

I second this. Although, how is the market on refurbished macs with the way that they are built?

For those that absolutely need Apple, you could always go “hackintosh”…or maybe even some flavor of FreeBSD (like helloSystem).

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I’m not an active Linux user, I switch around between Mac and Windows [and I really want Windows bc I still play videogames], but I have some experience with it.

  • Why did you start using it? Why do you keep using it?

I mostly tried doing it for fun, then got kinda stuck having fun.

  • Where do you recommend a beginner starts?

Cliché picks such as Ubuntu. My advice is to go in without an expectation that you will stay on your first distro, as imo distrohopping is an inevitable step in the journey of a Linux user. You will find your way later on as you get more experience using it [I eventually settled on Arch-based distros such as EndeavourOS because I highly value getting the latest software as soon as possible, but I am currently eyeing NixOS because of how arcane and yet really neat it looks]

  • Do you think it’s relatively easy to switch from Windows to Linux?

Medium difficulty. It’s not as hard as it may seem, but getting used to a terminal is a learning curve. That said, I highly recommend going through that path as terminal is really efficient at managing the system, and this is one surprising bit of knowledge that I managed to successfully transfer back to Windows, where I feel somewhat more comfortable dabbling in PowerShell, primarily to navigate around folders, open code editors and manage packages via Scoop, not to mention the prospect of using WSL for development. It made my user experience much better across all the operating systems I use.

  • What are the main disadvantages to be wary of, in your opinion?

Lack of proprietary software that everyone else uses, and a disappointing amount of necessarily adequate alternatives on Linux. FOSS advocates on the Internet will lie directly to your face about something like video editing software having an adequate open source alternative on Linux [the reality is that most people who are serious about video editing on Linux use DaVinci Resolve], and it caused me lots of frustration and loss of enthusiasm in making YouTube videos, as Kdenlive proved to be an unreliable piece of junk that lagged and crashed any time I did something I would consider to be a no-brainer in Resolve or Vegas Pro. Creative fields are one of the niche cases that Linux is kind of poor at covering, but I guess it kind of counteracts by being a haven for programmers. [edit: there are exceptions tbf, I believe it’s possible to do gamedev on Linux with the maturity of tools like Godot, Blender, Krita maybe. you can totally draw, do 3D modeling, and i s2g GIMP is quite okay at supplanting Photoshop, hence why I think “disappointing” is a more accurate way to describe the situation rather than totally hopeless]

Gaming is also something to be wary of, as while things have been getting better with time, it’s still a generally more taxing experience that tends to require a more capable hardware that one would need to run those same games on Windows.

[reposted bc i accidentally replied to someone even though i did not intend to]

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