So you are considering switching to Linux, you should read this first.
BTW: Linux is not Windows
Linux is an open source (community) operating system, where as Windows is an operating system by Microsoft Corporation. Even though they are both Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) and on the surface can look similar, underneath they do work differently. Think of it like gasoline vs. diesel engine in a car, they pretty much do the same thing but differently.
However, switching to Linux is not that difficult of a transition as long as you are not entrenched too deeply in how you use Windows. What I mean is if you are a general Windows user (surf the web, check emails, home/office work, social media, games that don’t require anti-cheat) then Linux likely will not be a problem for you. However, if you are a Windows power user that requires specific software that is only available for Windows, then you are going to have a bit longer path to take.
For regular Windows computer users, there are some Linux distributions (Distros) that are meant for users transitioning from Windows. Now you are starting to think; Distros? Yes, there are many different ‘types’ of Linux out there, but I suggest not getting distracted by this. Different people are going to suggest different Linux to start out with, however, I find most will suggest starting with Linux Mint Cinnamon Edition and I agree. More on this later.
Breaking free of Windows
For the users that are more entrenched in the Windows Eco system, you are likely going to have a certain way you must do things with certain must use software (work flow). If the must have software is not available to Linux (ex: Adobe, Microsoft Office), then you are not ready for Linux just yet. There are, however, alternatives to these ‘must use’ software for example: You can use LibreOffice or OnlyOffice instead of Microsoft Office. If you use Microsoft Office a lot, you will find that LibreOffice/OnlyOffice have different layouts of their tools from Microsoft Office layout and it may disrupt your work flow if you just switch cold turkey. There are a couple of ways to ease yourself into Linux, but it won’t be overnight.
One method to adapting to Linux (which is recommended for everyone) is to find software that is both available to Linux and Windows. You might even find that the software you are already using may be also available in Linux! LibreOffice or OnlyOffice as examples are available for Windows and Linux.
How to get acclimated to Linux:
If you are a Microsoft Office user; install LibreOffice or OnlyOffice in your Windows and gradually start using it more than Microsoft Office. BTW: LibreOffice and OnlyOffice can open/save MS Office format files. Once you are comfortable with using your new office suite and feel you can part ways with Microsoft Office and any other Windows only software you may be using; now you are ready to make the switch to Linux.
FYI: Did you know most (not all) software for Linux is open source. Open source means a few good things, however, right now, the big one is that open source is FREE! You can download and use as much as you want, for as long as you want (no strings attached, no spying or data harvesting). This is awesome for being able to try out the software without spending any money on it ever.
BTW: If you really do like and use an open source program a lot, I recommend (no obligation though) that you support the developers of it. It can be something trivial such as the price of a cup of coffee or some other action that helps support the developers. This encourages the developers to continue working on the software making it even better!
Below is a software list that might help get you started:
✔ = Available for both Windows and Linux
☁ = Available in the cloud via web browser.
| Catigory: | Paid/Proprietary Software: | Free/Open Source Software: |
|---|---|---|
| 3D Renderer | 3ds Max/(Cinema 4D ✔) | Blender/NATRON ✔ |
| Audio Editor/Mixer | Wavosaur/(ocenaudio ✔) | Audacity/Ardour ✔ |
| Communication | Whats App/Messenger ☁ | Telegram/Signal ✔ |
| Computer Aided Design | Auto CAD | Free CAD ✔ |
| Desktop Publishing | Adobe Indesign | Scribus ✔ |
| Digital Notebook | OneNote ☁ | Joplin ✔ |
| Outlook ☁ | Thunderbird/Mailspring ✔ | |
| Financial | Quickbooks ☁ | GnuCash ✔ |
| Gaming | Steam ✔ | Lutris |
| Media Player | Microsoft Media Player | VLC/MPV ✔ |
| Music Library/Player | DJ.Studio | Clementine Music Player ✔ |
| Music Maker | FL Studio | LMMS ✔ |
| Office Suite | Microsoft Office ☁ | LibreOffice/OnlyOffice ✔ |
| Adobe Acrobat | Xpdf ✔/PDFgear ☁ | |
| Photo Editing | Adobe Photo Shop | GIMP/Krita ✔ |
| Photo Management | Excire/ACDSee Photo | digiKam/darktable ✔ |
| Vector Design | Illustrator | Inkscape/LibreOffice Draw |
| Video Editor | Davinci Resolve ✔ | Kdenlive ✔ |
| Web Browser | Edge/Chrome ✔ | LibreWolf/Brave ✔ |
Also, here is a list of more that are ✔both Windows and Linux compatible:
- Discord (Gaming/Social)
- ffmpeg (Multi-media)
- GOG Galaxy (Gaming/Social)
- Handbrake (Multi-media)
- Kodi (Media Player)
- Slack (Collaboration)
- Spotify (Music)
- Sublime Text (Text Editor)
- TeamViewer (Remote Access)
- Zoom (Video Telephony)
Do you know of any other useful software (does not have to be open source) that works on Windows and Linux? If you do, please contact PCsavant so it can be listed on this page.
Now that you are ready to make the switch:
Earlier I mentioned that there are many different Linux Distros, and some are a good starting point for new Linux users.
- Linux Mint – Best overall for anyone (especially people migrating from Windows 10).
- Zorin OS – Good for those that like to customize their desktop.
- MX Linux – Great for people that use a more basic PC.
- elementary OS – Kind of has that macOS feel.
- Puppy Linux – Another lite OS that has many options.
- DSL (Damn Small Linux) – A very light weight OS that can run on older computers (ex: from the Windows 95 era).
Really, distros are just different desktop environments catering to the needs of different people, unlike Windows one size fits all approach. Most Linux software will work on most distros, so you won’t have much worry about software availability.
As I mentioned before, I recommended starting with Linux Mint Cinnamon Edition. Here is the best part of Linux distros that are for transitioning from Windows, most will boot to their desktop right from the USB. What that means to you is that you don’t have to commit (install) the Linux to your computer to try them out. If you find that the Linux you are trying is not for you, then try a different one off of a USB. Because they are booting from the USB, your hard drive and it’s files are untouched. Remove the USB and start your computer as normal, nothing is different. Just note that because it is not writing anything to any storage, any changes to the Linux booted from the USB will not be kept when you shut down the computer.
PCsavant does offer writing Linux to USB (drop off or mail) so that you can try before you commit and/or if you want to install Linux onto your system yourself. If you don’t want to do the install yourself, PCsavant can do the install for you if you are in the Thunder Bay, ON area.