So, I finally decided, after years of putting it off, to try out Linux, specifically Pop_OS. I was waiting for another SSD so it would live on its own hard drive on my computer. Today it arrives.
I first heard about it from Emily (I hope this doesn’t offend anyone, just adding for clarity in case some aren’t aware, but formerly Anthony before her transition) on Linus Tech Tips a long time ago. It seemed like an interesting OS, but being the hater of change I am (ironic that I just made a huge change dropping Reddit and love it so far), I kept telling myself, “Yeah yeah yeah, I will try Linux at some point.”
So, does anyone else using Pop_OS have any advice for setting it up that isn’t in the online docs?
Learning the specific program you’re looking to troubleshoot will help a ton.
Searching “how to make a bookmark” might show you how to make a bookmark on your browser of choice, but it might also show you how to make a bookmark on a browser you’re not using, or you might even get a tutorial on how to make a real bookmark.
Searching “how to adjust mouse sensitivity in Linux” won’t get you very far. It would be best to search for the desktop environment you’re using.
PopOS uses the gnome desktop environment. A desktop environment is in charge of most settings you’ll want to modify initially. Toolbar, resolution, shortcuts, etc.
Searching for things along those lines, ending the search term with “in gnome” or “in PopOS” will direct you to better results.
Thanks! That does make sense. I consider myself fairly tech savvy-ish, and use several programming languages for work, so this totally makes sense (all day long with the “how to ___ in R/Python/SQL” lol). However, I am sure without this bit of advice I probably would have done exactly that then followed by getting frustrated after the 10th tab I opened didn’t give me the right answer yet.
Might sound dumb but it’s also ok to take it slow and just focus on the gui for a bit too. For general desktop usage you really won’t need the cli at all.
When you get to a point where you want the customization/run into something that really does require it try to look at how each command works. It will help quite a bit to know how those work for future errors or customization. Or you can go somewhat nuts like I did and just start doing everything from cli “because it’s totally faster”
Installing it should be simple, but if you’re not experienced with installing an OS, id highly recommend you disconnect any drives you currently have while you put in the new one, just until you’re done installing. Then feel free to (power off and) reconnect them. Just to save yourself the possiblity of overwriting or erasing and data. You’ll feel more confident if there’s no risk.
Other than that just come ask for help when you need it and try to be specific.
I switched right before Windows 11 released after using it on and off in either VMs or on my laptop (that I rarely used). What really helped was all the Proton stuff that Valve was doing, which meant that one of my only excuses for not just getting a second drive to put linux on as primary boot was gone. Been great since then! Enjoy the new experience and once you get past the “how do I do [windows thing] in linux” phase make sure you explore all the cool new stuff you can do in linux that isn’t easy in Windows (like package management for installs and upgrades)!
That is one of the reasons I am making the jump. With them closing out support for 21H2, even though I am on 22H2, it’s only a matter of time before they pull the sneaky, “Oh, we updated this for you! You are so very welcome! Enjoy Windows 11 against your will!” like they have in the past. So, best to see if I prefer linux long term.
When you run into problems and google for answers and they’re all on locked reddits ask here so we can start to rebuild that knowledge base.
I used PopOS for quite a while and really liked it. It’s a functional and stable system, although their custom theme has bugs sometimes.
No special advice, just good luck amd have fun.
