Linux has at all times carried a sure status. Most individuals nonetheless affiliate it with builders, command strains, and limitless compatibility points, sufficient to scare away the common consumer earlier than they even attempt it. As a lifelong Home windows consumer, I prevented it for that precise picture.
However in spite of everything these “simply change to Linux” feedback below virtually each Home windows article I wrote, I lastly gave in. As an entire newbie, I picked probably the most user-friendly distros I may discover: Linux Mint. And truthfully, after spending per week, I noticed many of the causes I had prevented Linux had been both exaggerated or fully outdated.
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You should utilize Linux with out the terminal
I barely touched the command line
One of many greatest issues that saved me from attempting Linux was the Terminal. As a lifelong Home windows consumer, I’ve at all times most popular clicking by way of menus over typing instructions in a black field. And each Linux meme, tutorial, or discussion board submit I ever got here throughout appeared to revolve across the terminal, so I at all times assumed it was one thing you had to make use of on a regular basis.
However that’s not the case anymore. Most Linux distributions are surprisingly user-friendly. On one thing like Linux Mint, every part from putting in apps and managing settings to transferring information round might be executed by way of graphical menus. Even system updates and managing drivers might be executed with out the terminal. Anybody who has ever used a Home windows PC or a Mac earlier than will really feel proper at house with distros like Linux Mint.
After all, the Terminal continues to be there, and Linux lovers find it irresistible for a motive. It’s typically quicker and extra highly effective than digging by way of menus. However should you’ve been fearing Linux since you’ll should run instructions to do every part, it’s not true.
Linux doesn’t look complicated or outdated anymore
Not the nerdy desktop you keep in mind
In case your psychological picture of a typical Linux desktop comes up with a clunky interface with tiny icons and grey home windows, I had the very same impression. And it’s fully improper at this time.
Distros like Linux Mint, Ubuntu, and Zorin OS look nothing like that as a result of they’re designed with on a regular basis customers in thoughts, not simply builders or hobbyists. All the pieces feels acquainted instantly. You get a taskbar (referred to as Panel right here), a begin menu-style launcher, system tray icons, and all the usual stuff.
Extra importantly, every part is customizable. On Linux Mint, for example, I used to be capable of dive into System Settings and alter the theme, tweak results, customise the taskbar, and change screensavers. And sure, it offers you way more choices than Home windows out of the field. I may make the desktop look minimal, colourful, fashionable, and even an identical to Home windows. What I like probably the most is that you simply don’t want third-party apps to vary primary components of the interface.
Linux gaming is best than most individuals understand
I lastly perceive the Linux gaming hype
Screenshot by Raghav – NAR
Gaming has at all times been Linux’s weak hyperlink, however issues are a lot better than earlier than. And a giant motive for that’s Valve’s Proton compatibility layer constructed into Steam. Proton basically permits many Home windows video games to run on Linux with little to no effort. Video games like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, Grand Theft Auto V, and Hades all run fairly properly on Linux.
One other factor that works in Linux’s favor is that the OS itself is light-weight and environment friendly. This implies the sport you’re operating will get extra assets, which is at all times helpful for gaming on older {hardware}.
After all, gaming on Linux continues to be not good. Particularly, many multiplayer video games that depend on kernel-level anti-cheat software program don’t work on Linux. Titles like Valorant, Fortnite, Name of Obligation, and Apex Legends nonetheless don’t work on Linux or require workarounds. However general, the hole between Linux and Home windows gaming isn’t wherever close to as huge because it was once.
App availability is now not an issue
Linux isn’t ravenous for software program anymore
Afam Onyimadu / MUO
Very similar to gaming, app help is one more reason I stayed away from Linux all these years. And whereas that concern continues to be partly legitimate at this time, it’s not as large a deal as most individuals assume. Linux distros have huge software program libraries, and putting in apps is simpler than ever.
Certain, not each app helps Linux natively. Fashionable apps like Steam, Discord, Spotify, and Slack are nonetheless lacking. However truthfully, the rise of browser-first apps makes this much less of an issue than it could’ve been just a few years in the past. I can open most of those providers immediately in a browser with out feeling like I’m lacking a lot.
For the occasional app you completely can’t reside with out, there’s additionally Wine, which helps you to run Home windows apps on Linux. It’s not supreme, positive, nevertheless it will get the job executed. And for anybody who enjoys open-source software program, Linux has some nice options. You’ve choices for every part from picture modifying and workplace work to note-taking.
Once I first put in Linux, I anticipated to be taught every part about it from scratch. However it wasn’t practically as intimidating as I’d imagined. After all, Linux isn’t an ideal OS. There are nonetheless quirks, however they aren’t large enough to dismiss it with out even attempting it.
OS
Linux
Minimal CPU Specs
64-bit Single-core
Minimal RAM Specs
1.5 GB
6/10
Working System
Home windows 11
CPU
Intel Core Extremely 7 355
GPU
Intel Arc Xe3
RAM
32GB LPDDR5X
