I'm planning to switch to Linux in a few weeks and have some questions to help me prepare. I'm currently using an RTX 2070 but I'm waiting to get an AMD GPU, and I've decided on Arch Linux as my distribution.
1. I've heard it's better to reinstall software instead of transferring it over during the switch. Is that true? Does this apply to certain software more than others? Are there any exceptions where transferring is okay?
2. For the files and software I want to transfer, can I just copy them to an external hard drive and then back to my new setup? Do I need to format the drive in a specific way? Are there any types of files that might not work?
3. If I'm thinking about transferring a full backup of my computer, how can I make sure I don't accidentally include any Windows files?
4. For my USB drive to boot and install Arch, will a 32-64GB USB 3.0 be sufficient?
Any additional advice would be appreciated. I'm trying to learn as I go and I want to make sure I do everything right to avoid as many headaches as possible!
2 Answers
I recommend checking out some migration resources online before you make the switch. There are guides out there that can help you with this process. For your files, you can copy them to an external hard drive, but make sure it's formatted in a compatible way like NTFS or ExFAT, so they're accessible on Linux. For that USB, 32GB should be sufficient! Good luck on your journey to Linux!
Hey there! Honestly, jumping straight into Arch might not be the best move if you're completely new to Linux. It could be really frustrating since Arch is quite advanced. You might want to start with something more beginner-friendly like Linux Mint or Zorin OS, and then transition to Arch when you're more comfortable. As for reinstalling software, yes, it's generally better to reinstall instead of transferring. Some software might not work well if you just copy them over since Linux and Windows handle installations quite differently.
For your backup, it's best to just avoid the Windows files by using specific backup tools that can exclude them. And yes, a 32-64GB USB should be plenty for testing and installing Arch!
I totally agree with checking migration tips first! They can save you a lot of trouble. And don't forget to verify your ISO checksums after downloading to make sure they’re not corrupted!