Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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I've finally started transitioning to Linux from windows (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 1 day ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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That's pretty much it, after several months, maybe even a year of wanting to take the leap, a couple days ago I finally did it. I just wanted to share this cuz I think it's an absolute win, and I guess just see if anyone has any general advice to keep in mind during the process. I ended up choosing Fedora, right now I'm dual booting while I'm still in the process of finding software alternatives and getting everything set up, but trying to minimize my use of windows as much as possible, and so far I've been loving it. I love this community and I just wanted to thank everyone that has given any advice or suggestions in the past, i'm really excited about this and grateful that I could get to this point.

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

Lessons learned when switching:

Some things I didn't expect just work differently on Linux and it took time to figure out those differences. For instance, a change to a network interface config on Windows usually takes effect when you hit the "OK" button. Linux requires toggling the interface for that change to take effect. That one took me a couple of frustrating hours to figure out. There are lots of other examples like this so keep it in mind if things aren't working as you expect.

Trying to do absolutely everything on Linux right away was a mistake. I started switching back to Windows for quick tasks and then learning how to do those tasks on Linux when I could spend a few minutes figuring them out. Over time I spent more and more time running Linux and one day realized I hadn't started Windows in months.

In addition to (or instead of) dual booting, create a virtual machine to allow you to use what you need in either OS without rebooting.

Lastly, if you find that you're spending a lot of time fixing OS problems don't be afraid to try something else. Haven't spent much time with Fedora, but I use Mint daily because I don't have to fuss with the OS much. Others in my household have more problems with Windows 11.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 day ago (1 children)

For instance, a change to a network interface config on Windows usually takes effect when you hit the “OK” button. Linux requires toggling the interface for that change to take effect.

That’s not a Linux thing so much as a your particular Linux distribution thing. Different Linuxes can have vastly different user interfaces for various things. Some distributions even go out of their way to be more similar to Windows.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 day ago

Hmm, every distro I've tried (and I've tried a few) required a interface bounce. Maybe I just missed the ones that don't.