I'm considering making the switch from Windows to Linux but I don't have any experience with Linux at all. Do I need to know how to read or write code? I've heard that I can dual boot, which would let me switch between Windows and Linux. Are there any advantages or disadvantages to dual booting? What Linux distributions would you recommend for a newbie? Also, is gaming on Linux viable?
4 Answers
No, you definitely don’t need to understand code to get started with Linux! Sure, you might have to type some commands into the terminal at times, but that’s not the same as coding. Just take your time to learn what those commands do, especially if you find them on the internet. Regarding dual booting, it has its perks since you get the benefits of both operating systems, but be cautious. Sometimes things can go wrong, especially after a Windows update that might mess with your boot loader. If you really need to use Windows for something, dual booting can work, but make sure you're okay with managing both systems!
I'm also transitioning to Linux and have heard good things about Linux Mint, Kubuntu, and Fedora. Some people mentioned Cachy OS, but that's a bit more complex as it's based on Arch Linux. It really comes down to what you're comfortable with and the type of interface you prefer.
I game on Linux without any problems. There are only a few titles that don’t work, but you can use Proton DB to check compatibility. I personally use Linux Mint and have had a smooth experience!
For useful guides, check out 'Explaining Computers' on YouTube, particularly their video on switching to Linux. It covers a lot of essential info that could be really helpful for you!

I can back this up! But I’d advise against dual booting as it can cause issues down the line. Windows has a habit of overwriting boot information, which might make your Linux installation unbootable. It’s safer to use a separate drive for Linux; you can always use an external drive if that's more practical!