I’ve always used Windows and am super comfortable with it. I have set up a dual boot with fedora but don’t use it because I have never identified a need to use it. I see a lot of windows hate, so what does Linux have that I need? What can motivate me to migrate? What is a good Linux to have for a desktop + steam?

  • ForbiddenRootEnglish
    13•10 months ago

    so what does Linux have that I need?

    That should be the other way around, no? What do you need that Linux has (and Windows doesn’t). Otherwise it’s a case of “solution in search of a problem”. You presently do not seem to have a need as you have mentioned, so ideally you should leave it at that and continue using Windows.

    What can motivate me to migrate?

    While as I implied above only you can answer that authoritatively for yourself, a few examples of what other people seem to like about Linux might help perhaps -

    • “Free as in beer”, so not having to spring for another license if you build another rig
    • “Free as in Freedom”, which matters to many but not necessarily everyone
    • Better environment for development
    • Less susceptibility to malware (not necessarily because of inherent security, but also because Linux is not targeted as much)
    • Heavily customizable, at the kernel, desktop environment, other software-level
    • Choice of software update mechanisms as well frequency of updates depending on use-case
    • Reviving of old computers where Windows would typically struggle to run
    • Community participation, though this can be a hit or a miss depending on where you hang out and who you interact with

    … and so on.

    What is a good Linux to have for a desktop + steam?

    There are many, but I generally recommend Linux Mint or Pop! OS for this use-case.

    • kellenoffdagrid❓️
      3•10 months ago

      This is the best reply in this entire post. I personally prefer Linux-based OSes and use them for pretty much everything these days, but if you don’t know what you want or what you’re looking for, I’d feel bad telling someone to jump headfirst into a new world. As much as I hate what the Windows platform is these days (imo, an advertising/data collection platform first, operating system second), I wouldn’t suggest someone change their workflow unless they’re truly interested in learning something new (which, depending on your use cases, could be better).

      If OP really wants to use Linux instead, be it for fun or utility, I agree with a lot of people’s suggestions for Pop!_OS or Linux Mint. I’ll also suggest sticking with Fedora or trying Nobara (a gaming-focused distro based on Fedora). I use Fedora for my daily use and Steam works great for my games. Nvidia drivers are easy to install if you need to.

      Overall, anyone who’s going down the path of replacing Windows with Linux should have two things: patience, and some decent web sleuthing skills. Switching to Linux can be incredibly rewarding, but you have to have patience (especially in the beginning) for learning new things or changing default settings to make your OS work for you. I know this is just another drop in the sea of long-ass rants in this post, but maybe this has some helpful info here.

    • SokathHisEyesOpen
      2•10 months ago

      Less susceptibility to malware (not necessarily because of inherent security, but also because Linux is not targeted as much)

      It is always funny visiting sites that you know are riddled with malware and slipping right past as their scripts attempt to install stuff that isn’t even compatible with your computer.

    • @[email protected]
      1•10 months ago

      personally i prefer mint, in large part because i love the cinnamon desktop and mint seems more stable than pop os in my experience. (and if you have nvidia gpus i know pop os can have it pre installed but getting it installed in mint is the click of a few buttons)

      Edit to add: See what desktop environments you like, than find a distro that ships with that environment, that will tend to lead to great levels of stability for you.