I'm really frustrated with the privacy issues in Windows 11. I'm looking to try out Linux as an alternative but I don't want to buy a new computer since I have a good laptop I share with my kids. I want to set up a dual boot, where I can use Linux for my personal work while leaving Windows for them. My main activities include web browsing, email, and storing documents. I would also like to watch YouTube and perhaps do some art with Affinity Pro Suite, as well as play games like Stardew Valley on Steam. I'm concerned about how to keep things secure, what Linux version to choose, and what resources to use for learning. How much space do I need on my hard drive, how do I back up documents effectively, and how do I ensure I'm not constantly troubleshooting? I'd like advice on getting started and understanding the privacy benefits of using Linux.
3 Answers
Since you're making the switch, check out the Explaining Computers channel on YouTube; he has great tutorials on dual booting! I tried a few distros like Zorin and Kubuntu, and they worked well on my hardware. The first steps involve some setup and getting your peripherals working, which can take some time, but it’s totally manageable. After installation, you can gather your essential software, and most browsers have good Linux support. Also, keep your Linux environment free of bloatware and you should be good to go!
You’re on the right track looking into dual boot for more privacy! Have you checked out Linux Mint? It's great for regular use and has a solid community for support. I switched because Windows had too many data concerns. Mint and Debian are stable and won’t break after updates. You can install Firefox or Brave for browsing, and most software you need has versions for Linux. Listening to tutorials on YouTube can really help, especially for setting things up the way you want. Once you’re all set, things tend to just work; just don’t go for rolling releases like Arch unless you want constant updates to manage.
Great choice going for Linux! For your hard drive, most distros will take up around 10GB, so that's a good starting point. I recommend Linux Mint for beginners; it’s user-friendly and has a similar feel to Windows. You won't need to use the terminal much, but learning some basics can help you down the road. Linux is generally safe from viruses, but it’s also smart to use a simple firewall like UFW. Web browsing is easy; you can use popular browsers like Firefox that come with privacy features built-in. As for dual booting, you can use tools like Rufus to set it up. Just create a partition on your drive for Linux and follow the install instructions! If you’re privacy-focused, Linux is a good move since it’s not bogged down with unwanted software.

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