I'm currently using Windows 10 and I've been hearing a lot about Linux and its pros and cons. I really have no coding experience, so I'm wondering if Linux would be a better option for me. Specifically, I'm curious about whether Arch Linux is a good starting point or not. Also, I need to know if I can keep my current Windows apps when I switch to Linux. Another thing I'm concerned about is if I can run both Windows and Linux on my laptop since I'm a college student and I need to use Microsoft Office for my business major.
1 Answer
First off, you definitely don't need to know coding to use Linux; that's a common myth. Switching to Linux can be beneficial, depending on what you use your computer for. Just keep in mind that not all Windows programs will run on Linux since they use the .exe format. There are Linux alternatives available, like LibreOffice instead of Microsoft Office, which I’ve been using without issues for years.
As for your question about Arch: I'd advise against starting with Arch. It's designed for advanced users and might feel overwhelming. Instead, consider distros like Mint or Fedora that are more user-friendly and great for newcomers.
Regarding running both systems, yes, you can set up a dual boot. This allows you to have both Linux and Windows installed, so you can choose which one to use when you start your laptop. Just make sure to partition your disks properly. Check out some YouTube tutorials to see how it's done!
Does LibreOffice have all the features that MS Office has? I worry about compatibility with my documents.