Hey everyone! I've been contemplating a switch to Linux for quite a while now, and after watching PewDiePie's recent video, I've finally decided to make the jump. Before I dive in, I have a few questions and concerns to address.
Here's a bit about my current setup:
- Operating System: Windows 11
- Usage: Studying, browsing the web, gaming, and video recording/editing
- Key Programs: IDM, Bandicam, OBS, Camtasia, NohBoard
- Games: Mostly indie games with no launchers, pirated Steam games, and emulators (living on a budget, so bear with me!)
I'm motivated to switch for several reasons:
- Increased privacy
- More customization and control over my device
- Better performance and storage efficiency
However, I'm worried about a few things:
- Compatibility with the programs and games I currently use
- The absence of a built-in antivirus in Linux (any recommendations for a decent free one would be appreciated since my younger siblings use the PC too)
- The installation process itself
Here are my specific questions:
1. Can I still run Windows in a virtual machine, and will I be able to access programs that aren't compatible with Linux?
2. Which Linux distro should I choose? I'm looking for something beginner-friendly, modern, and compatible with the above-mentioned software.
Thanks for any help you can provide!
4 Answers
To find the best Linux distro for you, I recommend trying out a few different ones. There's a good article that lists distros optimized for gaming and general tasks. If you can, install the distro on a separate drive to avoid any complications down the line. Good luck!
If you have the ability to, consider installing Ubuntu LTS on a spare drive and give it a try. It’s user-friendly and a great starting point!
If you're using a desktop tower, adding another SSD for Mint Cinnamon is a fantastic plan; you can dual boot between Mint and Windows. If that's not possible, you can try installing Mint on a USB drive and boot from it to give the live version a test run. It's a solid choice for beginners!
Check out the resources page in the Linux community wiki, it has a lot of useful stuff! And remember to back up regularly and experiment in a virtual machine if you're unsure. Take your time to learn each command before using it!
What about using a virtual box instead?