Getting Started with Linux: What Do I Need After Installing Ubuntu?

Don't sweat it! Once you've installed Ubuntu, the best first step is to install Flatpak and then get Steam through it. Flatpak handles all the setup for you, including Proton, so you won’t have to worry about anything else for gaming. Plus, nearly every distro today has its own app store where you can search for software easily. Some great apps you might want to consider include: Krita for drawing, GIMP for image editing, VLC as a media player, and Audacity for audio editing. Also, don't forget about Firefox as a web browser!

Sure! Ubuntu is solid, but you might find Linux Mint easier to transition to since it can feel more familiar if you're coming from Windows. You won't run into as much confusion during the switch, which can be a big plus.

I haven't personally used Ubuntu much, but it should come with a Software Manager for app installations. For those who play games on Steam, you can use the Linux version, which makes setting up Proton a breeze. Just head into Steam's settings, enable the Steam Play feature, and you're good to go. If you're buying games from places like GOG, check out the Heroic Games Launcher—it's great for managing those and works seamlessly with Proton.

If you're up for it, a fantastic way to explore Linux is by trying out different desktop environments on various distros without affecting your current system. You can use Virtual Machines or create Live-USBs to play around. That way, you can test everything out and find your favorite setup without any risk! Check out links for LiveUSB setups—they'll give you the freedom to experiment.