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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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Noob question: what to arrange before switching to linux (self.linux)

submitted 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) by Papanca to c/[email protected]

52 comments fedilink hide all child comments

EDIT: I am thrilled with so many awesome responses! I'm taking notes and looking into all the recommendations. Again, thank you so much for taking the time to help me out (and many others, i'm sure), i'm glad i asked!

Hi,

I'm getting ready to switch to Linux. I'm looking for a kind of checklist of what to do beforehand. When i search online, there is a lot of advice on which distribution to choose and how to set it up, which i already know, but my question is the step before. I made a list of which programs i currently use (almost all have a linux variant or i can use them in the browser) and i am making screenshots of their settings. I have basically everything important backupped, both on my ProtonDrive and on a private server in the house. Is there anything else i need to prepare before switching? I wouldn't want to overlook something.

(I already have the distribution and am trying it out, but my plan is to actually install debian and without dual boot. Also, many, many years ago i already used debian but then i had the luxury of someone who basically arranged everything for me)

Currently, i run windows 10 with Nvidia GeForce. I already am in the process of degoogling and de-microsofting so to speak, so i don't use google drive or onedrive, or MS Office anymore (nor a lot of other things).

Apologies if this is not appropriate for this community. Have a great day :-)

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 11 months ago (1 children)

It sounds like you've taken the appropriate precautions. I'm sure others will have better suggestions, but perhaps you can try running a VM for a week or so as if you've made the switch and take note of anything you feel you may be lacking.

[–] Papanca 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I've been running a live distro and doing exactly that. So far, so good :-)

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

Distro-hopping is a real thing, don't migrate all your stuff until you've tried a few.

Before settling on EndeavourOS, I tried Ubuntu, Mint, Manjaro and stock Arch.

I highly recommend Endeavour, it's essentially Arch with an easy installer, and a couple of neat features like an updater launcher from the start menu (as opposed to typing the command into the terminal manually).

Then you have a choice of desktop environments. I recommend XFCE since it has a very familiar feel to Windows. Alternatively, KDE/Plasma feels similar, but can be a bit overwhelming.

I've now settled on Gnome because I've learned how to use it well. It's a pain in the ass to modify because it comes with very little customisation.