Hey everyone! I'm tired of constant Microsoft surveillance, especially after my struggles to uninstall Edge, so I'm looking into switching to Linux. The catch is, I've never used Linux before and I'm pretty much a complete beginner. I usually need tutorials for everything, except coding, which I admit I wouldn't even attempt no matter how many guides I had.
I also have a lot of games and files on my current setup, and I'm worried about losing anything important, especially since I've paid for games like Minecraft.
I've checked out some options using distro chooser sites, and I'm currently considering a few distros: Zorin, Bazzite, Mint, PCLinuxOS, Artix, Lubuntu, Solus, ElementaryOS, Pop!_OS, Kubuntu, and Xubuntu. I'm open to other suggestions too, but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and would really appreciate some guidance!
3 Answers
Linux Mint is pretty much the gold standard for ease of use and 'just works' reliability. Make sure you check your specs to avoid hardware compatibility issues. You can test out any distro before installing by creating a bootable USB with something like Rufus. For your games, keep an eye on ProtonDB to see which ones are compatible with Linux. Java games like Minecraft work great! Just remember, Linux is a bit different, so some research and adjustment will be necessary to get comfortable.
If you're leaning towards gaming, consider Zorin for a more Mac-like experience or Pop!_OS for simplicity and speed. If you want something that’s more gaming-centric, Bazzite could be interesting. Just remember to check compatibility with your games, especially with Steam - ProtonDB is a great resource for that.
I’d be cautious about Bazzite for everyday use, but for gaming, it might have potential. Just do some research before jumping in.
Migrating from Windows to Linux can be a big change, but it sounds like you're ready! A lot of newcomers find Linux Mint to be an excellent choice since it's user-friendly, stable, and well-supported by a community. It’s designed for users who are more used to Windows, so it should help ease your transition. Other friendly options include Pop!_OS and Ubuntu if you want to explore. Just keep in mind that not all Windows applications are available on Linux, so be prepared to find alternatives.
I've heard great things about Mint too, especially from non-techy folks who've made the switch. Seems like a solid choice!
Thanks! That’s super helpful. I'll definitely look into using Rufus to create a bootable USB!