I'm thinking about trying Linux for the first time but I'm really nervous that it might mess up my laptop. Specifically, will it affect my downloads, like the games I've installed? I'm worried about potentially causing permanent damage, which I know might sound silly, but it's a real concern for me.
3 Answers
If you burn a Linux ISO to a USB drive, you can run it in a "live" mode that won’t touch your existing system. Just make sure you don't click to install unless you’re ready—you could lose stuff then! And if your games are from Steam, you can easily reinstall them anyway after the switch.
When you install Linux, make sure to back your data up first as there is a risk of losing things like downloads. It's usually safe, but if you're careful, you could dual boot instead of wiping your current OS. This way, you can keep both Windows and Linux on your laptop.
It's great that you're exploring Linux! First off, you can't permanently damage your laptop by just installing software. However, you should definitely back up your important files first because installing Linux can sometimes erase data if you're not careful with partitions. A good way to start is by testing Linux in a virtual machine. This way, you can experience it without risking your current setup. You won't lose any current files this way!
Absolutely! Using a virtual machine is a smart way to get familiar without any risks. I've done it and it's totally worth it.
Yes, live USBs are super useful! You can try Linux out without any commitment.