OS Dilemma
OS Dilemma
I am finishing a new build and am deliberating between going with Windows 10 (I've grown up using Windows, so way more familiar with it.) or Pop_OS (After watching some videos on various Linux OS/Distros and narrowing the choice down to one that felt like a better fit for me based off what I found.). The PC will mainly be for gaming, watching videos/YouTube, and being on the net. Is there a way to decide between the two OS? I shy away from going with Windows due to everything that seems to be happening with updates recently. Is that really a concern? Would it be easier to stick with a more familiar OS? (Though I am ready to branch out and try a new OS and become more knowledgeable with other aspects of technology. [In this case, namely new OS's.])
Use Windows with a virtual machine to experiment with any distribution you wish.
Gaming presents challenges outside standard Windows environments. For STeam, Proton provides significant assistance in enabling Windows games on Linux, though results vary. Platforms like Epic Store offer alternatives, but you may need to try different options. What kinds of games do you enjoy?
ES5 Skyrim; HoMM 3, 5; Zoo Tycoon; Roller Coaster Tycoon; Settlers 3, 5, 6; … I’m sure there are more. Haha. I also have a Steam account. (Not up to date with the Epic Store or the Humble Bundle.)
If those titles aren't installed via Steam (meaning you purchased them separately), you could potentially use WINE or Lutris, though their performance has been poor. I think you might be able to launch a game from Steam that wasn't originally bought there, especially on Proton, but I can't verify this since I'm not a big gamer. For Pop_OS, dual booting is an option, but running it in a virtual machine won't provide a great gaming experience.
You can explore this platform to understand how your games function with proton and the steps others took to launch them. https://www.protondb.com/ For solo play, Linux performs well, though multiplayer features often face challenges from anti-cheat tools and digital rights management. I recommend starting with Linux—it’s free and offers a risk-free trial. If you’re dissatisfied, revert to Windows. Should you encounter issues with the desktop environment or other aspects of POP OS, consider tweaking it before moving to another distribution. This approach helps you grasp more about Linux capabilities and avoids missing essential features your setup lacks. The Linux community tends to be supportive, especially if you search for solutions first. Additional helpful links include the Ubuntu community, various Linux forums, and tutorial resources for beginners.
I concur with Worstcater, consider PopOS, and revert to Windows if it doesn't suit you. For Linux enthusiasts, dual booting is an option—see this helpful guide: https://support.system76.com/articles/dual-booting/. It lets you choose your setup each time you boot, which can be more efficient than virtualization, especially with SSDs. Linux does require some adaptation, just like PopOS, so take your time to understand the differences.
You're already comfortable with Windows, so proceed accordingly.
If you're not really familiar with linux already I would avoid going with it on your main device. Gaming on linux, even with Proton, isn't quite there. It's GREAT and better than ever. But still not there. Go with Windows if you game and that's what you're familiar with. There have been some weird things happening occasionally with Windows 10 updates but I've never run into them, no one I know has run into them, and I've never run into them at work. That's completely anecdotal but I feel like it's enough to show that it's not a big deal. If you want to get into linux more just download VirtualBox and import a distro into there. It's a really easy way to familiarize yourself with it and maybe by the time you're proficient with linux, gaming will be a much better experience.