I've been considering moving from Windows to Linux for the last couple of months, but I'm still not sure if it's the right choice for me. I have an Asus Zephyrus G15 laptop, and there are a few reasons motivating my interest in Linux:
1. **Ideology**: I'm not a fan of how big tech operates—often, it's not very consumer-friendly.
2. **Privacy**: I'm concerned about the tracking that comes with Windows.
3. **Political Reasons**: I want to limit how much data is accessible to various governments.
4. **Features & Interface**: I've heard Linux can be simpler and more focused on user needs without unnecessary bloat.
I'm not a programmer, but I have basic computer skills—I know how to download drivers and troubleshoot issues. I wonder if that's enough to switch to Linux smoothly.
I'm especially worried about compatibility, like whether my graphics drivers will work and if I'll need to spend too much time troubleshooting hardware like my headset and touchpad. If I find a Linux distro that works well with my laptop, what do you recommend? I've heard good things about Linux Mint, but I've also seen some discussions about other distros being equally or more user-friendly.
I'm looking for a distro that requires minimal maintenance and is straightforward to use, even if it doesn't mimic Windows visually. Any advice?
2 Answers
I switched to Linux Mint a couple of weeks ago, and it's been fantastic! No ads or bloatware, and everything worked right out of the box. If you don’t rely on any Windows-exclusive software, I think Linux could be a good fit for you. Just try dual-booting or live-booting to test it out!
You can try booting from a live USB of different distros to see how things work. For GPU drivers like Nvidia, distros that come with them pre-installed, like Manjaro, can be a good start. Linux Mint is also pretty stable and works well for users transitioning from Windows. With your level of understanding, you should be able to learn Linux without major pain points.
Good idea! I mostly use my PS5 for gaming too, so Windows exclusives aren't a dealbreaker.