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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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What should I expect upon switching from windows? (lemmy.blahaj.zone)

submitted 19 hours ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

29 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I currently use windows 10 in my daily life. I often play games, use browsers, basic stuff like that. On top of that, I also experiment with different music software, mostly Reaper for now. I edit videos and images at a very basic level as well. Upon switching, what should I expect to change? I'm considering Pop!_OS seeing as its praised for its compatibility and easy switching. What's the situation with gaming look like? I know gaming on Linux has been a HIGHLY discussed topic for a while, is it easy to play any (non triple-A) steam game? I'm nowhere near involved in computer science, I'd just consider myself more stubborn than most end-users so I can persevere through some basic problems.

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[–] [email protected] 49 points 18 hours ago (1 children)

Don't switch based on hype.

Put your chosen distro on a USB pen and boot from that. Try to do the activities you usually do, see if it works for you.

If you feel comfortable, make the switch. If you have any doubts, get a second disk and install Linux in it so you can have a fall back plan.

[–] [email protected] 15 points 18 hours ago

Very based suggestion!

Yes OP, I suggest you do your research before switching your operating system. This is a choice which is going to affect not just gaming but a lot of other aspects of your life including how you open and work with documents, the browser of choice, just using a computer in general.

Ask yourself:

Which software other than games do you use regularly and are they Linux compatible? I know you have listed some, but you have hand-waved off a lot of software as "usual stuff". It's not. For example, I still have to use Microsoft PowerPoint in my Friend's laptop because LibreOffice Impress is s#!t in comparison (but completely beats other MS products like Word or Excel out of the water, BTW!).
Your computer may not be compatible with a lot of distros. The usual start for most people migrating from Windows is Linux Mint or Pop_OS! who make a lot of stuff work out of the box. But my friend could (for some reason) only get An arch-based Endeavor OS to get everything working.
Be prepared to read patiently. ChatGPT or other LLMs are only going to help you so much, but your problem could be unique or more bespoke. For example, my Acer laptop's BIOS was a proper pain in backside and just refused to get things working. I had to manually update it and change settings and only then could I even get the installed OS listed in the GRUB.

The first one month is going to be a bit of a challenge, but is smooth sailing thereafter.