You can dual-boot if you want to try out a particular distro or two and you could still switch back to Windows if you later decide, but yes, backup everything in either case.
Not for a very long time. If there is specialized software like Photoshop that you may need there might be some issues with something like that but there's almost always a workaround for that.
If you want something for everyday use that simple easy to pick up works right out of the box automatically finds and installs the proper drivers for your hardware that I really recommend Linux mint I've been using it for probably 10 years now.
It used to be true that it was a big difference between Windows to Linux and what you could do and the ease of doing it but anymore it has become so advanced that I even have my 60-year-old father on Linux on his laptop and he's about as computer illiterate as it gets and he has no trouble whatsoever.
Libre office replaces MS Orifice. GIMP replaces Photoshop. MPV Player (VLC available too) replaces windows Media Player. I have 5 internet browsers - Firefox, Palemoon, Librewolf, Basilisk and Icecat. Mail handled by Thunderbird mail. File transfers LFTP (command line) and Filezilla (FTP). Torrenting handled by Transmission (although I use a seed box).
You name it there is normally a solution except for some specialist hardware that may not be supported yet.
Synaptic Package Manager - Handle packages (programs) like a pro who is lazy and wants the power of APT in an awesome GUI with all dependencies easily enumerated. After you get to know your packages this and terminal are the best installers. The "shops" like Kde Plasma store etc are good for pretty pictures of the packages but that is about all they are really good at. (see recent disaster on Linux Tech tips installing steam on Pop OS!) -
If I'm not lazy, I will answer whatever questions you have. I did my first linux installation using a root and boot disk (slackware) in 1996, downloading files during the install over the internet. This is common today, but unheard of in 1996.
Unless you have some really obscure hardware, or want to do some off the wall crazy things just pick Debian/Ubuntu or a derivative and you should have relatively few problems. Or if you like more of a challenge there's a million and one different distros, something is sure to suit you.
I tried Arch once, because it's a meme. Too fiddly. The process of constructing my system from the ground up was fun though. Like Legos, but with software.
Let's see... download iso, burn to disc/write to flash drive... configure BIOS to boot from DVD/USB? If you're a crayon eater you probably have something prebuilt, and probably Dell. Having installed Linux on a few more recent Dells it can certainly be a pain in the ass. You have to disable secure boot, enable booting from USB, yada yada... I can try to help with it if that's what you're stuck on.
You'll need a blank or otherwise unimportant USB drive that's about 8GB in size minimum, and a program that can write ISOs to USB flashdrives. There's a list, the only ones I have tried and will vouch for are the Universal USB Installer and Win32 Disk Imager.
Vulkan changed things pretty significantly. WINE and it's derivatives can now translate DirectX calls to vulkan ones and a lot of games run. Quite a few even run well, like you'd never even know the difference. Steam developed their own wrapper for this called Proton and it makes me happy.
Here's ProtonDB, which gives a relative compatibility gauge for games. If you play things from something that isn't Steam you'll want to look into Lutris. So far it's the easiest most convenient way to get non-Steam games up and running that I've experienced.
Make sure you do this right. Do not abandon or wipe your old system yet.
Write a live version of whatever distro you choose (I recommend Linux Mint) to a USB stick and boot from that so that you have time to adjust to the learning curve.
You can use an external hard drive to do this as well. That way you can go back to Windows etc if you need to for a specific reason whilst you are learning about how much better Linux is.
A bootable USB is easy but persistence (retains changes after reboot) is a bit more complicated.
You will need two USB sticks to do this, but it is worth the fucking around. (One to burn a live version without persistence, then to install MK-USB on and then use that to install a live version with persistence to the other USB.)
Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu and this method will work for Mint. Do not use Ubuntu as their company has been subverted.
This OS works so well off the USB stick I am able to use a 12 year old PC as a home entertainment system that runs 4k video like charm (with RX 570 video upgrade).
You can just totally leave windows where it is for now and dip your toes risk free.
I was about to write a new top-level comment about Live CDs/bootable USBs, but then I found this comment. I would absolutely recommend going this route, as you can really experiment with a distro until you feel comfortable or try out several different distros until you find one you like.
Another great use for Live CDs/bootable USBs is to load some with an assortment of tools for diagnostics/recovery, or if you want to be able to borrow nearly any computer from a friend or family member and have a consistent desktop experience and be less worried about any malware that might have been installed on their system.
Yeah, that is true. System recovery is another good use for these live installations, I have one myself with a desktop and system recovery and partitioning tools etc.
I went through a 3 year period back in 2015ish where I used gnome. It was easy to install and use. Never had a problem with it and then my computer died. The new one had windows on it and I was too lazy to mess with it. I am by no means an expert. I used to build gaming computers 20 or so years ago but if you are somewhat skilled enough to add hardware and drivers it should be a breeze. Its easier than that.
The names of a lot of components and the pros VS cons of each and their alternatives fade into the background now for new users, and thats fine. There is no need to know everything down to the nuts and bolts for anyone starting out, and they can pick that stuff up if interested. Or stay purely in the 'I dont need to care about that' column and instead learn the ins and outs of the apps most relevant to their daily usage.
For email, web browsing, watching videos and the like, its easy as. For stuff like image or video editing, coding and the like, you probably need to learn how the different editors work but otherwise the same set of functions will be present just as if you were working on windows or a mac.
Install the OS, install your apps(if they are not already present, browsers will be part of essentially all desktop-type installs), work out how to do updates, and thats everything you need to start with.
Post a thread, DM me or others here, roll up your sleeves and get started. A couple more USB keys is not a bad thing to keep handy, you will want to copy off photos or docs you want to transport over.. even browser history and bookmarks you can likely also capture and move over, depending on the browser you like to use.
Thank you. Yeah, my needs are pretty basic, so if it's as easy as you say, I shouldn't have any problems at all. Thanks for the info and I'll keep this post in case I do need to ask you something. Appreciate your help.
One other thought, if 'secure boot' is a thing on your hardware, which likely will be on anything made in the last 5 years, then you will likely need to disable this in the bios before linux will boot on it, once you've installed it.
Its a little trap that microsoft arranged with computer makers essentially, that make their stuff run but not others. Turn it off, and things are back to normal. All the more reason to justify getting rid of the Beast from Redmond.
So, work out how to get into the bios of your PC now, and where the secure boot setting is and how to switch it off. Normally, its by pressing ESC or F1 or holding down CRTL or ALT or something like that at power on.. it will be in the motherboard manual, and you can surely search online how to do it for your part as well.
xubuntu is a more lightweight and simple version of ubuntu which uses the xfce window manager instead of the default ubuntu one . The window manager is your user interface to the operating system and they can be simpler and do less or more complicated and have more effects and integration.
There are another two distros available. kubuntu with KDE window manager and lubunto with LXDE windows manager.
to a question
Approximately
Ubuntu is the heaviest and most feature rich followed by
kubuntu,
xubuntu and
lubuntu which is the simplest.
Possible advantages of xubuntu over Mint:
It has a simple interface not unlike win XP.
It's reasonably quick on old hardware.
It has a basic set of installed software like Firefox, Thunderbird mail, GIMP (like photshop), parole media player - I install vlc as well.
It sounds like Mint is a little bit more user friendly for installing codecs etc.
I'd only go for xubuntu if you find some features of mint too integrated or intrusive and you can't turn them off.
If you download an .iso image and make a bootable USB drive, you can try any of these without installing them and without disturbing your system.
I was just saying that if you choose xubuntu, I might know the answer to any question you might have.
The problem with Etcher is it does not do persistence on the USB so it will forget any changes you make to the operating system. (This arrangement is only really useful as an installation medium or as a TAILS like, amnesic operating system)
See my other post.
1.Start with etcher, make a bootable Linux Mint USB. (It must be based on Ubuntu for this to work)
Boot into Linux Mint on the USB by changing BIOS to boot form USB
Install MK-USB on Linux Mint on the non persistent stick you have just burnt.
Use MK-USB to make a bootable, persistent USB on the second USB stick.
Shutdown.
Remove Etcher burnt USB
Boot the MK-USB burnt Linux Mint stick
Enjoy your new portable computer. (You can remove the stick and plug it into any computer and it will be your files and OS)
Edit:- I prefer the KDE Plasma desktop environment to the default Cinnamon and have changed this, after market, to my preference. Ubuntu's GNOME desktop environment sucks literal ass.
The first thing to do is to get an external USB hard drive. Put all your important stuff on it from the system that you're going to be installing Linux on. Then follow the prompts for an install of Linux Mint. You can do a dual boot install of Linux and Windows from your computer. I did the same thing with my system and I've never looked back. Very seldom do I ever bring up the Windows side unless I have to do my taxes! H&R Block doesn't have a Linux install! Everything I do now on a computer is on the Linux Mint side and I love it. Keep in mind that I'm a Retired Computer Guy and was in the business for at least 25 years and it was all Windows brainwashing! Remember all the Linux updates are absolutely free of any charge and If you upgrade your Linux Mint it doesn't cost a thing. You'll be Blessed and Happy! Take it from Computerguyks!
I'm gonna try Clear Linux next. I'd try Ubuntu or Mint if I were you. Back up your stuff and give it a go. Try it from a live USB first, but it is pretty slow like that.
Wiping your HDD and starting fresh is easier, but it'll dual boot with window$ fine, usually. I'd say 99% of the time.
Let us know if you have problems, I'll keep and eye on your user account.
DO IT!!! 99% of the worlds super computers run Linux for a reason.
It has decent read/write speeds for price point and the metal frame dissipates heat well as the thing will be getting used constantly. I have one OS (Ubuntu) that was used on one of these USB sticks for 3+ years as a daily driver. Slowdown became evident after 3 years or so. It still works though.
When setting persistence on MK-USB go larger rather than smaller as this will be the size of your hard drive on the new computer. The remainder of the USB stick will function normally for saving files. I use external hard drives for all movies and media. The reason I have never installed Linux on the hard drive is that the PC is 12 years old and the HD died. I get such a good experience off the stick I am not going to replace it.
Some very good information in this thread already. If you want to try some of the default distributions check out
Distrotest.net any browser should work.
Much of the decision(s) do come down to personal preference. If you separate the home partition you can install and try every distro you want without losing data as well.
Hey Rooftop, how is your life with Linux doing, 10 months later? I just looked up this old thread and am curious how you are getting along. It's been over 2 1/2 years for me since I ditched Windows for Linux Mint and I don't regret it.
just be sure to backup EVERYTHING you want to keep before attempting first install.
linux uses different filesystem than windows and in most cases install will wipe your hard drive.
You can dual-boot if you want to try out a particular distro or two and you could still switch back to Windows if you later decide, but yes, backup everything in either case.
https://linuxmint.com/
I've been using this forever and been on Linux exclusively now for 20 years. I highly recommend Mint.
I second Mint. Ubuntu has been okay, but more and more I find myself rethinking it due to how subject it is to the whims of Canonical.
Third. I got my dad to switch to it too and even he likes it.
Not for a very long time. If there is specialized software like Photoshop that you may need there might be some issues with something like that but there's almost always a workaround for that.
If you want something for everyday use that simple easy to pick up works right out of the box automatically finds and installs the proper drivers for your hardware that I really recommend Linux mint I've been using it for probably 10 years now.
It used to be true that it was a big difference between Windows to Linux and what you could do and the ease of doing it but anymore it has become so advanced that I even have my 60-year-old father on Linux on his laptop and he's about as computer illiterate as it gets and he has no trouble whatsoever.
Libre office replaces MS Orifice. GIMP replaces Photoshop. MPV Player (VLC available too) replaces windows Media Player. I have 5 internet browsers - Firefox, Palemoon, Librewolf, Basilisk and Icecat. Mail handled by Thunderbird mail. File transfers LFTP (command line) and Filezilla (FTP). Torrenting handled by Transmission (although I use a seed box).
You name it there is normally a solution except for some specialist hardware that may not be supported yet.
Edit:- Other software of note -
QMMP - Literally WinAmp because modern music players suck. It even uses winamp skins and has a visualizer (ProjectM) that makes milkdrop look positively retro.- https://buyurindir.net/uploads/posts/2019-02/1550426634_qmmp-2.jpg
Synaptic Package Manager - Handle packages (programs) like a pro who is lazy and wants the power of APT in an awesome GUI with all dependencies easily enumerated. After you get to know your packages this and terminal are the best installers. The "shops" like Kde Plasma store etc are good for pretty pictures of the packages but that is about all they are really good at. (see recent disaster on Linux Tech tips installing steam on Pop OS!) -
Synaptic pic - http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kouOOuas7lc/Tc_V-xlIryI/AAAAAAAAAI4/eX-POv47al4/s1600/Synaptic+Package+Manager+_014.png
Conky (Named after Conky from the trailer park boys) is a system monitor that can display anything on your desktop - (Use Conky Manager 2 to configure it). - https://www.linuxbabe.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/install-conky-manager-ubuntu.png
UGet - If you need a download manager.
FBReader for ebooks.
GParted - Great partition manager.
Please keep us updated. I want to dump Apple OS for Linux.
If I'm not lazy, I will answer whatever questions you have. I did my first linux installation using a root and boot disk (slackware) in 1996, downloading files during the install over the internet. This is common today, but unheard of in 1996.
Unless you have some really obscure hardware, or want to do some off the wall crazy things just pick Debian/Ubuntu or a derivative and you should have relatively few problems. Or if you like more of a challenge there's a million and one different distros, something is sure to suit you.
I tried Arch once, because it's a meme. Too fiddly. The process of constructing my system from the ground up was fun though. Like Legos, but with software.
Let's see... download iso, burn to disc/write to flash drive... configure BIOS to boot from DVD/USB? If you're a crayon eater you probably have something prebuilt, and probably Dell. Having installed Linux on a few more recent Dells it can certainly be a pain in the ass. You have to disable secure boot, enable booting from USB, yada yada... I can try to help with it if that's what you're stuck on.
You'll need a blank or otherwise unimportant USB drive that's about 8GB in size minimum, and a program that can write ISOs to USB flashdrives. There's a list, the only ones I have tried and will vouch for are the Universal USB Installer and Win32 Disk Imager.
This will make the whole downloading and flashing to usb super easy, like you're used to. uunetbootin. https://unetbootin.github.io/
That will definitely help, completely slipped my mind. Glad you're here!
Happy to help. I eagerly await the day that everyone detaches themselves from Windows :).
🐸👌
Vulkan changed things pretty significantly. WINE and it's derivatives can now translate DirectX calls to vulkan ones and a lot of games run. Quite a few even run well, like you'd never even know the difference. Steam developed their own wrapper for this called Proton and it makes me happy.
Here's ProtonDB, which gives a relative compatibility gauge for games. If you play things from something that isn't Steam you'll want to look into Lutris. So far it's the easiest most convenient way to get non-Steam games up and running that I've experienced.
I think there's a Linux Fakebook group <grin, duck and run>
Possibly a forum or two dedicated to Linux.
https://www.qwant.com/?q=linux+forum
I installed it on a burner laptop and messed with it until i figured it...
Make sure you do this right. Do not abandon or wipe your old system yet. Write a live version of whatever distro you choose (I recommend Linux Mint) to a USB stick and boot from that so that you have time to adjust to the learning curve.
You can use an external hard drive to do this as well. That way you can go back to Windows etc if you need to for a specific reason whilst you are learning about how much better Linux is.
A bootable USB is easy but persistence (retains changes after reboot) is a bit more complicated.
You could do this the hard way:- https://learnlinuxandlibreoffice.org/2-linux-to-the-rescue/2-3-create-a-usb-stick-with-persistent-storage
Or you could just use a linux program called MK-USB which will do it all for you.
https://www.linuxfordevices.com/tutorials/ubuntu/ubuntu-persistence-mkusb
You will need two USB sticks to do this, but it is worth the fucking around. (One to burn a live version without persistence, then to install MK-USB on and then use that to install a live version with persistence to the other USB.)
Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu and this method will work for Mint. Do not use Ubuntu as their company has been subverted.
This OS works so well off the USB stick I am able to use a 12 year old PC as a home entertainment system that runs 4k video like charm (with RX 570 video upgrade).
You can just totally leave windows where it is for now and dip your toes risk free.
I was about to write a new top-level comment about Live CDs/bootable USBs, but then I found this comment. I would absolutely recommend going this route, as you can really experiment with a distro until you feel comfortable or try out several different distros until you find one you like.
Another great use for Live CDs/bootable USBs is to load some with an assortment of tools for diagnostics/recovery, or if you want to be able to borrow nearly any computer from a friend or family member and have a consistent desktop experience and be less worried about any malware that might have been installed on their system.
Yeah, that is true. System recovery is another good use for these live installations, I have one myself with a desktop and system recovery and partitioning tools etc.
I went through a 3 year period back in 2015ish where I used gnome. It was easy to install and use. Never had a problem with it and then my computer died. The new one had windows on it and I was too lazy to mess with it. I am by no means an expert. I used to build gaming computers 20 or so years ago but if you are somewhat skilled enough to add hardware and drivers it should be a breeze. Its easier than that.
Never heard of gnome. Thanks for mentioning that.
The names of a lot of components and the pros VS cons of each and their alternatives fade into the background now for new users, and thats fine. There is no need to know everything down to the nuts and bolts for anyone starting out, and they can pick that stuff up if interested. Or stay purely in the 'I dont need to care about that' column and instead learn the ins and outs of the apps most relevant to their daily usage.
For email, web browsing, watching videos and the like, its easy as. For stuff like image or video editing, coding and the like, you probably need to learn how the different editors work but otherwise the same set of functions will be present just as if you were working on windows or a mac.
Install the OS, install your apps(if they are not already present, browsers will be part of essentially all desktop-type installs), work out how to do updates, and thats everything you need to start with.
Post a thread, DM me or others here, roll up your sleeves and get started. A couple more USB keys is not a bad thing to keep handy, you will want to copy off photos or docs you want to transport over.. even browser history and bookmarks you can likely also capture and move over, depending on the browser you like to use.
Thank you. Yeah, my needs are pretty basic, so if it's as easy as you say, I shouldn't have any problems at all. Thanks for the info and I'll keep this post in case I do need to ask you something. Appreciate your help.
One other thought, if 'secure boot' is a thing on your hardware, which likely will be on anything made in the last 5 years, then you will likely need to disable this in the bios before linux will boot on it, once you've installed it.
Its a little trap that microsoft arranged with computer makers essentially, that make their stuff run but not others. Turn it off, and things are back to normal. All the more reason to justify getting rid of the Beast from Redmond.
So, work out how to get into the bios of your PC now, and where the secure boot setting is and how to switch it off. Normally, its by pressing ESC or F1 or holding down CRTL or ALT or something like that at power on.. it will be in the motherboard manual, and you can surely search online how to do it for your part as well.
Alright, thanks for the extra info.
I've been using it for a while, but I don't understand it. If you find a sempai, maybe they'll have mercy on me too.
I use xubuntu. It's a lightweight version (distro) of Ubuntu using the xfce window manager.
If you have any questions regarding this distro, I might be able to help.
https://xubuntu.org/
It doesn't have social media integration by default, but that's how I like it.
xubuntu is a more lightweight and simple version of ubuntu which uses the xfce window manager instead of the default ubuntu one . The window manager is your user interface to the operating system and they can be simpler and do less or more complicated and have more effects and integration.
There are another two distros available. kubuntu with KDE window manager and lubunto with LXDE windows manager. to a question Approximately
Ubuntu is the heaviest and most feature rich followed by kubuntu, xubuntu and lubuntu which is the simplest.
Possible advantages of xubuntu over Mint:
It has a simple interface not unlike win XP. It's reasonably quick on old hardware. It has a basic set of installed software like Firefox, Thunderbird mail, GIMP (like photshop), parole media player - I install vlc as well.
It sounds like Mint is a little bit more user friendly for installing codecs etc.
I'd only go for xubuntu if you find some features of mint too integrated or intrusive and you can't turn them off.
If you download an .iso image and make a bootable USB drive, you can try any of these without installing them and without disturbing your system.
I was just saying that if you choose xubuntu, I might know the answer to any question you might have.
YW.
Interesting.... I find https://zorin.com pretty good and this other one that's okay https://apricityos.com
Might also want to search for: Solus OS
Windows sucks and Win11 is filled with spyware!
https://linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/
Here's simple instructions.
It's really easy tbh, just point and click and it handles it itself.
To make your bootable USB I recommend Etcher for it's ease of use and it verifies the USB all in one step
The problem with Etcher is it does not do persistence on the USB so it will forget any changes you make to the operating system. (This arrangement is only really useful as an installation medium or as a TAILS like, amnesic operating system)
See my other post.
1.Start with etcher, make a bootable Linux Mint USB. (It must be based on Ubuntu for this to work)
Boot into Linux Mint on the USB by changing BIOS to boot form USB
Install MK-USB on Linux Mint on the non persistent stick you have just burnt.
Use MK-USB to make a bootable, persistent USB on the second USB stick.
Shutdown.
Remove Etcher burnt USB
Boot the MK-USB burnt Linux Mint stick
Enjoy your new portable computer. (You can remove the stick and plug it into any computer and it will be your files and OS)
Edit:- I prefer the KDE Plasma desktop environment to the default Cinnamon and have changed this, after market, to my preference. Ubuntu's GNOME desktop environment sucks literal ass.
Me
u/gobby I dunno if I could be of much help but I am posting from linux and have some experience using it if I could answer particular questions
c/technology c/privacy
good luck fren
The first thing to do is to get an external USB hard drive. Put all your important stuff on it from the system that you're going to be installing Linux on. Then follow the prompts for an install of Linux Mint. You can do a dual boot install of Linux and Windows from your computer. I did the same thing with my system and I've never looked back. Very seldom do I ever bring up the Windows side unless I have to do my taxes! H&R Block doesn't have a Linux install! Everything I do now on a computer is on the Linux Mint side and I love it. Keep in mind that I'm a Retired Computer Guy and was in the business for at least 25 years and it was all Windows brainwashing! Remember all the Linux updates are absolutely free of any charge and If you upgrade your Linux Mint it doesn't cost a thing. You'll be Blessed and Happy! Take it from Computerguyks!
You'll be fine rooftoptendie-san.
I'm gonna try Clear Linux next. I'd try Ubuntu or Mint if I were you. Back up your stuff and give it a go. Try it from a live USB first, but it is pretty slow like that.
Wiping your HDD and starting fresh is easier, but it'll dual boot with window$ fine, usually. I'd say 99% of the time.
Let us know if you have problems, I'll keep and eye on your user account.
DO IT!!! 99% of the worlds super computers run Linux for a reason.
"As a meme farmer, this makes life hard." Kek. No doubt. Linux won't upgrade your hardware but you may be surprised how well it uses what it has.
There are lighter OS's for older hardware, probably lighter apps for photo editing too, I use gimp for photos and kdenlive for video. FYI.
Yes, old folks love linux, can confirm. I have peeps in their 70's using it.
I think Mint is sleeker looking. Both have improved significantly since the penguin desktop days.
Good Luck!
I just get this feeling windows is causing ALL my problems
Trust your feelings rooftoptendie-san.
Just some follow up for you:-
I have had a great experience running OS's from the following USB stick:-
https://tuanphong.vn/pictures/full/2018/07/1530605536-300-usb-64gb-samsung-bar-plus-silver-1.jpg
It has decent read/write speeds for price point and the metal frame dissipates heat well as the thing will be getting used constantly. I have one OS (Ubuntu) that was used on one of these USB sticks for 3+ years as a daily driver. Slowdown became evident after 3 years or so. It still works though.
When setting persistence on MK-USB go larger rather than smaller as this will be the size of your hard drive on the new computer. The remainder of the USB stick will function normally for saving files. I use external hard drives for all movies and media. The reason I have never installed Linux on the hard drive is that the PC is 12 years old and the HD died. I get such a good experience off the stick I am not going to replace it.
Fucken enjoy!
Have a look in Yoo Toobe for Nixie Pixel, she knows Linux and explains it clearly.
fedora with xfce is always my personal preference.
Some very good information in this thread already. If you want to try some of the default distributions check out Distrotest.net any browser should work. Much of the decision(s) do come down to personal preference. If you separate the home partition you can install and try every distro you want without losing data as well.
Hey Rooftop, how is your life with Linux doing, 10 months later? I just looked up this old thread and am curious how you are getting along. It's been over 2 1/2 years for me since I ditched Windows for Linux Mint and I don't regret it.