Hey everyone! I'm considering making the switch from Windows 11 to Linux and have a few questions. First off, how tough is it to transition? I've heard that learning to code might be necessary, but maybe I misunderstood that part. Also, I've noticed there are multiple Linux distributions out there—any recommendations for a newbie?
I'm curious if switching will help speed up my computer even a little. Should I stick with both Linux and Windows on different partitions, or is it better to go all in with just Linux? Do I need any external USBs or other equipment to set it up? Lastly, will my current applications like Steam, Discord, and my games still work on Linux, or will I have to reinstall them all? I understand that backing up data is a must, but I'm also looking to free up some space, so I'm hoping to figure this out. Thanks for the help!
4 Answers
For a user-friendly experience, Linux Mint is often recommended for newcomers. It’s designed to be easy to use right out of the box! Performance-wise, many users report increased speed on Linux, but it primarily depends on your hardware.
As for your current Windows apps, most will have to be reinstalled on Linux. However, Wine can help with running some Windows applications directly. You just need to figure out what works for you!
You definitely don’t need to learn code for basic use. Just grab a USB stick; that’s all you really need. Just a heads up, you will have to reinstall all your applications in Linux, including Steam and Discord, but plenty of alternatives are available!
Also, you can dual-boot if you want to keep your Windows setup intact, but make sure you back everything up first. A smooth install usually requires that!
Transitioning to Linux isn’t as hard as many think! I’d recommend starting with Linux Mint or Fedora since they’re pretty beginner-friendly. You don’t need to be a coding whiz; most distros come with a GUI that simplifies software installation. Trust me, you’ll likely notice a boost in performance on Linux!
Having both Linux and Windows can be fine, but if you rely on Windows-only software, that might complicate things. Just make sure to back up your stuff because when you install Linux, you'll need to reinstall apps like Steam and your games. It’s best to have a dedicated USB for the Linux installation too!
Switching isn’t as scary as it seems! You’ll need an 8GB USB for the installation process, and while you don’t need extensive coding knowledge, getting comfortable with some basic terminal commands can be handy later on.
Having both OSes can be useful, but diving into Linux fully might give you a better experience. Just remember to back up everything, since any installation generally wipes your drive.
Don't forget about using ProtonDB to check which Steam games run well on Linux! It makes gaming transitions smoother.