I'm considering making the shift from Windows to Linux but I'm uncertain about which distribution to choose, especially since I plan to use it mainly for gaming. Additionally, I'd appreciate any tips on how to create a USB boot for it without having to install it on my laptop, as my family still uses Windows and I'm not ready to set up dual boot just yet.
5 Answers
Just a heads-up, if you ever decide to dual boot, there are some considerations to keep in mind, like partitioning your hard drive correctly and making sure you understand how GRUB works for boot options. But for now, running from a USB is a great way to start exploring Linux!
CachyOS is specifically designed for gamers, so it could be worth a try if you're really into gaming performance. Just plug in that USB and run it without needing to install anything.
When you're starting out, it's a great idea to 'test-drive' some different Linux distros and desktop environments using a live USB. That way, you can see what fits your needs best without installing anything. Check out sites like DistroSea to explore different options! If you’re looking for good USB creation tools, Ventoy is fantastic for booting multiple ISO files from a USB stick.
Thanks for the advice! Just to clarify, I'm just trying to boot from USB without installing it on my laptop since the family uses Windows.
Haha, love the cookies reference! Great tips, by the way.
If you're focused on gaming, consider Zorin OS or Bazzite, as they are user-friendly and geared towards gamers. Linux Mint is also a solid choice for general usability. As for USB booting, remember that running directly from USB gives you less performance than a full install, but it’s perfect for trying things out.
Ventoy also offers a super easy way to manage your USB installs. You can simply drop your ISO files onto the USB stick and select which one you want to run at boot time!

Absolutely! Dual booting seems a bit daunting right now, but I’ll keep it in mind for the future.