You can create a bootable USB stick (so-called “Live USB”, which is the same thing you can later use to install the OS). Then you can test file compatibility and whatever else you want, while booted into that, without committing to the install.
File compatibility wouldn’t really be a problem, just make sure not to nuke any partition. If you’re using ntfs you might need to install the drivers, but it’s pretty straightforward
You’re right! End of this month then!
The only thing stopping me is losing all my photos and music saved to hard drives, I worry about file compatibility.
You can create a bootable USB stick (so-called “Live USB”, which is the same thing you can later use to install the OS). Then you can test file compatibility and whatever else you want, while booted into that, without committing to the install.
Photo and music file types should be fully compatible.
I’d recommend though snagging an extra hard-drive to back up your files even if you don’t switch.
If you’ve got your files in only one location you have them in no locations.
File compatibility wouldn’t really be a problem, just make sure not to nuke any partition. If you’re using ntfs you might need to install the drivers, but it’s pretty straightforward
If you move them off your boot drive, you should be fine. Linux has support for windows file systems.
Good to know, been eyeing up mint for a little while