I'm looking to move away from big tech and switch to Linux since I'm an engineering student. However, I still need to run certain programs that only work on Windows, so I'll likely set up a dual-boot configuration. I'd like to use Linux for everything else like streaming, web browsing, and programming. I don't have much data to transfer, just a few PDFs. Additionally, I want to clean reinstall Windows to keep it bloat-free; is this a good idea? My laptop only has 512GB of storage, so how much space should I allocate for Linux? Lastly, what beginner-friendly apps or programs do you recommend? I've limited experience with the command line, so I'd prefer an easy-to-use distro that can also handle more advanced tasks when needed.
5 Answers
Streaming content should be straightforward, depending on your setup. For browsing, I'd suggest a Firefox-based browser. For programming, check out apps like VSCode or IntelliJ, both available on Linux. Make sure to partition your storage wisely, something like 50/50 or even 75/25 might work depending on your Windows usage. Go with Mint; it handles most situations without needing the command line.
Linux Mint is a great option for new users and has a solid community support. I've been using it for years, and honestly, I rarely need the terminal. Just keep things simple—a no-fuss option that's perfect for anyone starting out.
I recommend going with Linux Mint. It's stable, beginner-friendly, and you can customize it quite a bit. The only downside is that it uses an older kernel version, which might affect newer hardware. But for most tasks, it's perfect and you really don’t have to use the terminal much, although knowing a few basic commands can help in troubleshooting down the line.
Ubuntu is another solid choice. It has a wealth of tutorials and community support. Most software packages are well-supported on Ubuntu. Just keep in mind that you'll find lots of help online, which can ease your transition.
Linux Mint with the Cinnamon desktop is my go-to for new users. It just works without constantly needing the terminal, and for storage, I suggest allocating at least 60GB for a smooth experience. You can install programs just like on Windows using .deb files or through the software manager. Just make sure to check out Flatpaks too; they run in isolated environments for better security. If you need to run Windows programs, look into Bottles for that!
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