this post was submitted on 01 Jun 2024
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Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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I'm considering switching to linux but I'm not a computer savvy person, so I wanted to have the option to switch back to windows if unforeseen complications (I only have 1 pc). Is it just a download on usb and install? And what ways can I get the product key or "cleaner" debloated versions.

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[–] grue 5 points 6 months ago

Just run Linux straight off the installation media in what's usually called something similar to a "live environment" until you're sure it works.

Otherwise, installing Windows is somewhat more difficult than installing an "easy" Linux distro (e.g. Mint) because you'll have to deal with "activation" bullshit and updated/manufacturer-provided drivers. Unless your computer comes with a computer-specific recovery disk or recovery partition (that you didn't delete when installing Linux), in which case it's easier.