So Iāve been thinking about Linux recently, and Iām told this is where the Linux experts hang out. I have a lot of questions that I can barely articulate, so Iām just hoping someone gets where Iām coming from.
I always knew there were more than two operating systems, but the closest I got to open-source software was dabbling with Firefox and OpenOffice in college. Iām an engineer, and trying to stay compatible with all the engineering programs means youāre probably going to use Windows whether you like it or not, so I never seriously considered another OS until now. Iām proud of being good at Windows, but also bitter about itā¦ I canāt shake the nagging feeling that Iāve been missing out.
So I started looking up guides on Linux, and I have so many questions.
Iām astonished by how many distros there are. Itās not just Ubuntu, we have Mint and Zorin and MX and enough options to make my head spin. So how do you choose a distro? Do you just know, or do you have to try them all? Trying one is daunting enough. Iām afraid people might lose respect for me and the open-source software movement if I change my mind. Is there some place where you can try distros on for size without the trouble and risk of migrating multiple times?
How do I know if Linux is right for me? How do I know Windows is wrong? If I loathe my user experience with Windows, is that the fault of Windows or just me? If Linux starts feeling comfortable, how do I know itās because Iāve made the right choice and itās not just inertia setting in? Does that even matter?
Iām at least good with Windows, but I lack the intuition of the average Linux user. Could I really master Linux the way I have Windows, or would my awkward personality relegate me to being a permanent tourist?
Is my hardware too old to start tinkering with OSs?
I know your choice of OS should take priority over your programs, as long as those programs arenāt vital, but I have a full Steam library and donāt look forward to losing any old friends. Can I partition my drive? Is that worth the trouble, switching from OS to OS depending on circumstances? I hear some distros these days can run some windows programs, and that you donāt have to leave your old programs behind the way you used to, but can I count on that trend continuing?
Will losing touch with the Windows environment make it more difficult for me to succeed in a Windows-dominated career?
Sorry for the ramble. Iām probably overthinking this. I overthink everything. But I also grew up in a time and place where changing OSs meant you risked losing everything.
EDIT: The post title has been updated from āNeed help with Linuxā to āeggš§irlā to meet local standards. This post happened because I was writing a post for a tech forum, but had other things on my mind, things which Iāve yet to find the courage to verbalize directly. I appreciate the advice and encouragement, both about migrating to Linux, andā¦ yaknowā¦ āmigrating to Linux.ā
Itās normal to feel these things when thinking about a new OS, it can be quite a big change. You can always dual-boot, at least at first. Anyone telling you that you need to fully wipe your drive and immediately start from scratch is being silly.
Part of the fun of exploring new OSes and Linux distros is experimenting with new things! You donāt have to commit to a distros immediately, no one will judge you for distro-hopping! Even if you do eventually choose to go back to Windows, thatās okay! And just because youāre on Windows doesnāt mean you canāt use open-source software! Just because your OS is proprietary doesnāt make using FOSS any less valid.
No one is born with intrinsic knowledge of Linux, and no one should loathe their user experience of their OS. Are you made to be a Linux user, or do you just need to tinker with your Windows install? Only you can tell, but you sound like youād regret not at least trying out a LiveUSB of some beginner-friendly distros.
Your hardware isnāt too old, in fact a new OS can often help old hardware run a lot better. Proton and WINE have made running games and Windows software on Linux easier than ever before.
Feel free to post here if you have any more questions about your potential transition š
Thank you so much for the uplifting words.
Iāve had a lot on my mind that I just canāt find the courage to verbalize directly, but for whatever reason I feel like I can ask it this way without making it feel so terrifyingly real. So Iām deeply grateful for your understanding.
I think maybe I need to get into the spirit of experimentation and exploration. Your OS can grow with you. It should grow with you. All the same, thereās no hurry to choose a distro and stick with it.
Your OS can grow with you. It should grow with you. All the same, thereās no hurry to choose a distro and stick with it.
Couldnāt have said it better myself! š You clearly have a way with words, I very much enjoyed your post.
EDIT: Iād like to add, I know people who donāt even have a main OS, theyāre just constantly distro-hopping, and thatās valid too. Sure, maybe some people would say theyāre needlessly complicating their workflow with constant re-installs, but who cares if thatās what they like?
This is one hell of a metaphor, well done.
OMG!! This is seriously the best and funniest egg_irl post Iāve ever seen! I was laughing so much while reading it! And itās even funnier seeing how many people didnāt get it. Incredible post!
Seeing someone newly and genuinely interested in Linux brings me so much joy. Welcome friend, I hope you enjoy your journey.
This was so well written, I am not equipped to even respond to all of your questions as Iām new to Linux myself.
Just experiment and try different distros out as you go. You also have the option to dual boot š
