I'm looking to make the switch to Linux mainly to avoid Windows 11. I have a few questions about this transition. First off, which Linux distribution do you think would be best for someone like me? I'm pretty tech-savvy and I'm heading into computer science with a focus on IT, so I'm not starting from scratch. I've dabbled a little with Linux on my Steam Deck in desktop mode. I'm considering Ubuntu since a lot of folks recommend it, but I'm curious if it's similar to that experience or more like Windows. Ideally, I want a setup that I can comfortably use every day without too much hassle. Secondly, I want to set up a dual boot with Windows for those rare occasions I might need it. I've read a bit about it, but I'm not clear on the process. Any advice or tips on these topics would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
Regarding dual-booting, it's generally easiest to have Windows and Linux on separate drives. That way, you minimize issues with the bootloader and partitioning. You could also consider running Windows in a virtual machine if that's an option for you, as it allows you to use both systems simultaneously without the hassle of booting back and forth.
If you're looking for a user interface that's similar to Windows 7, I recommend trying Linux Mint. It comes with the Cinnamon desktop environment, which many find more familiar compared to others. Plus, Mint has some great configurations that help with hardware compatibility, especially if you have an older device like a ThinkPad. It really depends on how much troubleshooting you're ready to handle after the installation; if you want a mostly plug-and-play experience, Mint is a solid choice.
Ultimately, it comes down to your needs and preferences. If you're aiming for stability, you might prefer Debian. For the latest hardware support, check out Cachyos. Ubuntu is good if you want a wider array of apps available from the start. If you enjoy a familiar taskbar, check out Linux Mint or even Pop!_OS, which is straightforward and has ready-to-go setups for NVIDIA graphics.
Linux Mint really is the most Windows-like distro, which makes it a good place to start. A lot of us tend to try out different distros over time too, since the Linux community is all about experimenting! If your Steam Deck uses the KDE Plasma desktop, you'll find Ubuntu's GNOME environment a bit different, but it's nice to explore.
I would have suggested Ubuntu in the past, but they've been leaning heavily on Snap packages lately. So, I'd recommend giving Fedora a try! It's a great starting point for anyone getting into IT and has solid support from the community. Just bear in mind, your hardware setup can really influence how well everything runs.
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