Hey everyone! I'm looking to install Linux on my Windows laptop, specifically a Surface Laptop 5 for Business. I'm not very tech-savvy, so I'm a bit worried about finding the right drivers for my hardware and whether they're even compatible with Linux. My main reasons for switching over are gaming, video editing, and maybe using Microsoft Teams. Any guidance would be appreciated!
5 Answers
You might want to try out Fedora or Knoppix. Both are user-friendly and can be set up on a USB flash drive for an easy install.
Regarding drivers, most Linux kernels include drivers for common hardware, so you might not have to hunt for them. But sometimes manufacturers don't provide Linux drivers, especially for things like Wi-Fi adapters and NVIDIA graphics cards. You can check if everything works during a Live session before fully installing. When it comes to gaming, Linux has come a long way, especially on Steam, so check out ProtonDB for game compatibility. Also, look at WINE or Lutris for running non-Steam games!
There's a dedicated community for running Linux on Surface devices, so it's definitely worth checking out! Just remember that Linux drivers are usually included with the default install, so you often don't need to find them separately. However, do keep in mind that some hardware may require extra drivers, especially if it's less common. Good luck!
Honestly, if you're feeling overwhelmed and think you’re not cut out for this, maybe reconsider. Just don't worry about having low tech skills! It’s all about learning, and the Linux community is here to help new users!
If this is your only working computer, I suggest giving Linux a test run in a virtual machine or using a Live-USB first. This way, you can get a feel for the system without fully committing right away. Feel free to ask if you have any questions!
Exactly! We all start somewhere, and the goal is to support newcomers. Linux can be a great experience if you give it a chance.