Curious about switching to Linux?
Curious about switching to Linux?
It’s a smart choice since you can quickly lose focus when facing difficulties and easily switch back to Windows. However, if you choose this path, aim to practice Linux more often because repeatedly switching between systems won’t help you grasp why things fail or how they function. Dual booting can be frustrating, and based on my experience, I’d prefer sticking with what works rather than constantly restarting.
My experience with dual-booting hasn't been great. There was always something that caused issues for me. I stopped trying it a long time ago. Microsoft's behavior was the main reason I considered switching. Thank them for that—it's a good move. They control Github, which makes me a bit uncomfortable, but I understand open-source development will continue.
It's clear you're facing some challenges setting up Windows games on Linux. Patience is key here. I suggest trying Pop OS, which works well for gaming. I use Steam via Proton and MO2 for mods. Linux's strength is the ability to download almost any distribution from a USB at no cost—just spend time picking the one that suits you. Make sure to visit ProtonDB for launch commands specific to your chosen distro.
I regularly use Linux and made the switch around 4 to 5 years back, so here’s what I think. If you’re new to Linux and don’t have much experience, I’d steer clear of Arch and its variants like EndeavourOS. These are excellent options (EndeavourOS is a top pick for me), but they’re built for users who already know a bit about Linux and are comfortable tweaking settings. EndeavourOS simplifies things by letting you manage apps, updates, and system changes via the terminal. They’re “command-focused,” so you’ll need to get comfortable with that. There’s no app store like on other mainstream distros, so everything stays in the terminal. You can attempt to install an app store, but it’ll require some effort.
If you’re just starting out, I’d prefer distros like Linux Mint, Ubuntu, Kubuntu, or Fedora. They’re more user-friendly because they offer a graphical interface (GUI), which makes things easier for beginners. They also have strong communities that help with troubleshooting. Personally, I use Fedora daily and appreciate its “semi-rolling” release model. It releases every six months, with updates in between, keeping it reasonably current without being a full rolling release like Arch.
Ubuntu and Fedora are also up-to-date, especially with the latest versions available. If you want a desktop environment that feels familiar, consider ones like Linux Mint “Cinnamon,” Kubuntu (KDE Plasma), or Fedora KDE. These provide a Windows-like look and feel, lowering the learning curve.
For hardware testing, try installing a distro in a virtual machine using Virtual Box. This lets you experiment without risking your main system. While it won’t be as fast, it’s a safe way to explore compatibility and functionality.
When choosing, think about your needs: do you play games? If so, be aware that anti-cheat systems can be tricky. For basic tasks, alternatives like LibreOffice or online versions of Microsoft Office work well. Just remember Linux is different from Windows, so some adaptation is inevitable.
It’s normal to feel frustrated during the transition—just like switching from MacOS or Windows. Give it time, and you’ll get used to it. It might not be perfect, but it’s a real option that many find rewarding.
Honestly, the main problem I have with Nvidia Drivers on Linux—especially in Ubuntu—is the server x settings menu that seems hastily assembled and left unattended. There’s also a strange issue where it sometimes disables gsync on compatible monitors. Overall, they’ve been decent over the past few years.