I'm considering making the switch to Linux, and I've heard that Linux Mint might be a great option for beginners like me. I know very little about coding, but I'm a bit of a tech nerd overall. I'm mainly looking for something safer and faster than Windows since I'm fed up with how limited I feel with optimizing or controlling the services on it. I've managed to uninstall Windows Defender and Edge, but it seems like every time I turn around, I have to jump through hoops to get rid of other apps or run simple commands in CMD.
I'm curious about the pros and cons of using Linux, especially regarding compatibility with .exe files, emulators, and games. I do play single-player games and RTS with no anti-cheat involved. Given my experience with Windows, would you suggest I try Linux, or is it better for me to stick with Windows? Also, are there any particular Linux distros that are newbie-friendly? I use OBS and game quite a bit, study as well, so I want to make sure I'd still be able to do all that.
5 Answers
Switching to Linux can be a bit of a learning curve, but many newcomers find it rewarding in the long run. I started with Fedora, and it's quite stable while also staying current with updates. Learning the command line can be useful, but most tasks can be managed with a GUI. Just give yourself some time to adjust, and don’t hesitate to dive into forums for support. And yes, keep in mind that depending on your gaming habits, you'll want to look into Steam for Linux applications and how well your favorite titles run on it!
Yeah, it really depends on the games you play. Some run great while others... not so much.
I recommend creating a LiveUSB to test different distros like Ubuntu and Linux Mint before committing. It lets you explore without making permanent changes to your system, which is awesome for beginners. Just unplug your Windows drive to keep everything safe. This way, you can try different flavors and see which one feels right for your setup. Remember, your changes won't save on a LiveUSB, but you'll get a good idea of how things work. Plus, there are tons of tutorials and communities to help you out!
Exactly! It's a great way to test them out risk-free!
So, I can just explore these systems without installing them? That sounds perfect!
Starting with Linux Mint is a solid choice for a newbie! It's user-friendly and doesn't require coding knowledge, so you'll be able to dive right in. You can also try running many Windows applications using tools like WINE or Proton, especially for games, but compatibility can vary depending on the app. Just a heads up, .exe files won't run natively, so you'll need these emulators to use them. If you're into gaming or emulation, there are great tools available like RetroArch for retro games.
Kubuntu is another great choice — it's solid for new users as well. Linux Mint is commonly favored among beginners, but I've found Kubuntu to be quite user-friendly. Either way, you want to choose a distribution that's well-supported and easy to navigate. Just remember, the jump to Linux might be daunting at first, but you'll feel empowered as you learn!
Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll check out both distributions!
I think I'll stick with Mint, but I'll keep that in mind!
I've been using Linux Mint as my main OS for a while now, and I love it! The customization options, easy software management, and freedom from Windows updates are huge pluses. Just be prepared for a bit more patience while you learn how to navigate everything, but don't worry! You'll get used to it. If you're looking for a smooth transition, Mint is designed for users like you.
Thanks for the tip about Steam! I've heard mixed reviews about gaming on Linux.