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 don't know anything about Linux and the idea of installing it frightens me. Where do I start? (self.linux)

submitted 6 months ago by ComicalMayhem to c/[email protected]

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I bought a laptop yesterday, it came pre-installed with Windows 11. I hate win 11 so I switched it down to Windows 10, but then started considering using Linux for total control over the laptop, but here's the thing: I keep seeing memes about how complicated or fucky wucky Linux is to install and run. I love the idea of open source software and an operating system without any of the bullshit that comes with Windows, but most of the open source stuff I have is on my android and fairly easy to install. Installing and using Linux just feels like it'll be a whole different beast that'll eat up most of my time and I'm kind of intimidated by it.

TL;DR Linux scawy, how does a barely computer literate scrub like me who's used nothing but windows since the dawn of their life get started with Linux?

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[–] shigutso 3 points 6 months ago

You are not "barely computer literate". Most people have no idea how to put a OS installer on a flash drive and boot from it. If you know how to format your laptop and reinstall Windows, you know how to install Linux. Install any beginner distro (Ubuntu, Linux Mint, etc) and have fun. Google is your friend if you find any issues. There are a lot of resources online to help you.

If you want to play games or use any specific Windows-only software you may have to do some research, but if just for browsing the web you will most probably have a good time. Don't be afraid to try and learn.

[–] spicytuna62 3 points 6 months ago

Mint and Kubuntu are great for newbies. Ubuntu is also great, but the community hates Ubuntu these days so be ready to get replies criticizing Ubuntu or your choice to use it. It still makes a lot of shit really easy.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago

Installing linux is actually very easy and painless depending on your distro choice. What do you need your computer to do? Your choice of distro would depend on the answer to that question so we cant advise any further.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago

An excellent place to start is https://linuxjourney.com/ to get you started!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 months ago

Download Mint
Download VirtualBox
Setup a Mint VM
Get used to it (this is a long step, you're free to try other distros, take your time)
Download Rufus, install a Linux ISO of your choice to the USB
Shrink Windows' partition
Turn off Secure Boot and RAID in your BIOS (steps vary by laptop/motherboard manufacterer)
Boot your USB (try booting it in EFI mode instead of BIOS mode first, if you can)
Follow the install instructions to install it alongside Windows

I gave what I think are the easiest and most beginner friendly instructions (Mint over Debian, Endeavour, Fedora or Ubuntu for example). Not all are the best suggestions (I suggested VirtualBox over QEMU and Rufus over Ventoy), I recommended you to go with your own preferences if you have any

If you run into any problems, this Lemmy community, the Ubuntu SO (also for non-Ubuntu questions, everyone is there) and the Mint Forums for Mint related questions are always there for you, don't be afraid to ask and "don't ask to ask" ;-)

Good luck!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago

In my opinion the hardest thing in linux is leave to use propietary or exclusive software for windows, the first think you must do is leave to use propietary software in windows, and when you can live without windows exclusive programs, switch to linux. You can start for ubuntu or other linux friendly distribution, doesn't care, afther the migration you can try other for curiosity without risk

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago)

For me to give better recommendations or help than what other people are saying, I'd need more info, I can help you here, but id rather help you on a chat app, I'm available on matrix, signal and discord.

The extra info I'd need is stuff like whats the model of your PC, what do you use it for, what are your preferences, ect.

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