Switching to Linux: What Distro Should I Choose and How to Keep My Files?

I’ve been using Linux Mint for a bit and I totally support your move! It’s great for newbies. While Linux can handle many dev tasks smoothly, keep in mind that some proprietary software (like SolidWorks and NX) is Windows-heavy. MATLAB runs well on Linux, though! Mint has the Cinnamon desktop interface, which makes it super accessible. Depending on your needs, you might also want to consider how each distro aligns with your workflow; it really is a personal choice!

You might want to check out the migration page on the wiki for some solid advice! Transferring to Linux can be tricky if you want to ditch Windows completely, as some programs don’t have direct Linux alternatives, especially if they're proprietary engineering tools. My suggestion is to create a separate partition to store your essential files, then install Linux on another. That way, you’re less likely to lose anything critical. For your OneDrive, you can download files from the cloud onto Linux, but you might need to look into that separately. Mint is a good choice for your distro if you're looking for something easy to set up!

If you're leaning towards Linux Mint, consider LMDE (Linux Mint Debian Edition) for access to updated packages from Debian Backports. The regular version may not provide the latest bug fixes—just security updates. Fedora could also be a good option, especially if you're looking for a more cutting-edge experience. Just take your time to find what feels right for you!

I’d recommend starting with Linux Mint! It’s pretty user-friendly and has a great balance between ease of use and functionality. Plus, you can dual boot to keep Windows and access everything there while you transition. Always remember to back up your important files beforehand—human error can happen! As for OneDrive, there’s integration with various file managers in Mint, so you can test that out without installing it fully. You can actually run Mint from a USB before making the switch to check how everything works for you! Check out the installation guide on Mint’s website when you're ready. Cheers!

Mint is a solid recommendation since it’s known for its ease of use, especially for those transitioning from Windows. If you're tired of command line interactions, I'd steer clear of Arch for now. On the flip side, gaming on Linux is pretty seamless nowadays, so you should be good there! Just ensure you backup everything that's important before you switch to avoid any surprises. Good luck!