I'm considering replacing Windows with Linux, but I want to avoid making the switch blindly. I've never used a terminal before, so I'd prefer a beginner-friendly system with a familiar graphical interface.
I have a few questions:
1. Which Linux distribution and desktop environment would be simplest for a new user?
2. Will files copied from Windows to an external drive—such as documents, photos, and other personal data—work normally on Linux?
3. I rely on FL Studio and Wondershare Filmora. Can either run on Linux, perhaps through Wine or another compatibility tool?
4. Is it realistic to use Linux without regularly needing the terminal?
I'd also appreciate advice on safely testing Linux before committing to a full installation.
5 Answers
For a Windows-like experience, Linux Mint with Cinnamon or Fedora KDE are both solid beginner choices. KDE is especially configurable and can be made to feel very familiar. You generally won’t need the terminal for everyday desktop use, although learning a few basic commands can make troubleshooting and Wine setup easier later.
Your personal files should transfer fine. Documents, photos, videos, and similar data are generally readable on both systems. The important distinction is that Windows programs themselves won’t become Linux programs just because they’re copied over. For an external drive, exFAT is a convenient choice for sharing files between Windows and Linux; NTFS also works in modern Linux systems.
FL Studio can work through Wine or tools such as Lutris, and some people use it successfully every day. Compatibility can vary, especially with older 32-bit VST plugins and certain audio hardware. Filmora is more questionable: it may run in some configurations, but stability and feature support are not guaranteed. Check current compatibility reports for the exact versions and plugins you use before switching.
No mainstream beginner-focused Linux desktop requires constant terminal use. Mint, Fedora KDE, Ubuntu-based systems, and similar options provide graphical tools for updates, installing software, and configuring the system. Still, Linux has more variation than Windows, so an update or application issue may occasionally require looking up a command or following a guide.
You can try Linux without immediately installing it. Create a bootable USB, start the computer from it, and use the live environment to check your hardware, open sample files, and explore the software manager. For extra safety, you could test it on a spare laptop or set up a dual-boot system while you decide which distribution suits you.
That’s the biggest thing to verify first. If either application is essential for school or work, test it thoroughly rather than assuming a compatibility layer will behave like Windows.