Starting with Linux: Where Do I Begin?

I switched to Linux recently, and I think dual booting is a solid choice for you. If you want to try it out without committing too much, you could always try a virtual machine or the WSL option. Just don’t rush the learning process! Take your time understanding the basics first.

Focus on mastering the fundamentals first. Start with obtaining your Net+ cert and get comfortable with basic networking. Then, you can dabble in Linux using a virtual machine or WSL while keeping your Windows system intact. You can slowly dive into security distros once you feel more confident.

No one starts as an expert, so don’t stress about knowing everything right away. Your learning will come with practice. Dual booting could work well, or you might want to start on a second-hand computer just to try things out. Remember, hands-on experience is key!

Don't let the fear of getting things right on the first try hold you back. Linux has a full graphical user interface, just like Windows, so it’s not all command line. Use the software store in your Linux distro, and you'll find it’s quite similar to the Microsoft Store. If you're into gaming, Linux can support games via Steam, so choose a distro that supports your needs best! Mint and Ubuntu are excellent beginner options, and you'll be fine whatever you pick!

If you're new to Linux, I recommend dual booting with a beginner-friendly distro like Ubuntu or Linux Mint. They're pretty user-friendly, and you'll find you can do most tasks you did on Windows. Just a tip: it’s best to have Linux installed on a separate drive rather than just a partition to avoid boot issues. If dual booting doesn't sound good, you could also consider using a virtual machine or Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to practice.