Thinking About Switching to Linux: What Should I Know First?

It really depends on which games you play. As I mentioned, games with strict anti-cheat measures aren’t going to work on Linux. Linux Mint is solid for beginners because of its stability and friendly UI. If you're looking to learn, consider using a virtual machine to test different distros without losing anything from your main system.

If you want to try out Linux without fully committing, install it on an external USB hard drive. This gives you a backup option and allows you to experiment with the OS. When you feel confident, you can always switch entirely. Just remember, some applications like Adobe don’t work on Linux, so it might be good to hang onto your Windows setup.

Before you make the switch, definitely check out ProtonDB to see how well your favorite games run on Linux. Not all games are compatible, especially those with anti-cheat systems. For coding, you'll find it straightforward—IntelliJ IDEA is great for Java and Kotlin, or you can use VSCodium or VSCode for other languages. I recommend starting with Linux Mint Cinnamon; it's user-friendly and perfect for beginners!

Starting with Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) can also be a good idea. This way, you can get familiar with Linux environments without leaving Windows. Just keep in mind that while most programming tools work, some games won’t run due to compatibility issues. Also, take the time to learn about different distros and desktop environments; it can really enhance your experience.