How to Move to Linux

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HighLonesome
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How to Move to Linux

Post by HighLonesome »

I dont prefer MS control over my OS. Thinking of moving to a Linux based OS. What will I lose, if anything. I do not do any gaming.

What steps do I take? What version of Linux is recommended?
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Tycoon
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by Tycoon »

There are hundreds of YouTube videos that can guide you on your journey.
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BogleTaxPro
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by BogleTaxPro »

HighLonesome wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 7:35 am I dont prefer MS control over my OS. Thinking of moving to a Linux based OS. What will I lose, if anything. I do not do any gaming.

What steps do I take? What version of Linux is recommended?
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tibbitts
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by tibbitts »

HighLonesome wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 7:35 am I dont prefer MS control over my OS. Thinking of moving to a Linux based OS. What will I lose, if anything. I do not do any gaming.

What steps do I take? What version of Linux is recommended?
My answer to this question is always "if you have to ask, you shouldn't do it" - unless you're just playing around for hobby purposes.

I'm not anti-Linux; my entire career was working with UNIX and then Linux. But I'm typing this on a Windows PC. If you don't like Windows, just get a Mac or Chromebook, unless as I said you want Linux for hobby purposes. As the above post explained, it's a "journey."
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9Iron
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by 9Iron »

I would use Linux Mint.

https://linuxmint.com/

You can run Linux from a USB drive before installing. This will give you an opportunity to learn before wiping your system.
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mrmass
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by mrmass »

HighLonesome wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 7:35 am I dont prefer MS control over my OS. Thinking of moving to a Linux based OS. What will I lose, if anything. I do not do any gaming.

What steps do I take? What version of Linux is recommended?
What will you lose? What do you use? But use Mint. My 92 yo father uses it
RANkiDEr
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by RANkiDEr »

I jumped ship and left Windows when Windows 8 first came out. What a dumpster fire of an operating system!
The easiest way I thought was to buy a laptop from System76 that had Ubuntu Linux installed on it.
There are other ways to go about it. You can find an old laptop or desktop computer and wipe the hard drive and install Linux on it.
Linux is flexible so you have many options. You just need to know what works for you.

Website where I bought computer
https://system76.com/

Best of luck.
leaf_barn
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by leaf_barn »

Linux is very simple - the installers will walk you through the installation. You can wipe the hard drive and install only linux or you can install linux alongside windows. I always find the 'installation alongside windows' a little tricky as the menu/guide to partition the hard drive into 2 parts is not the most intuitive.

The Two Best options:
(1) Ubuntu Desktop (https://ubuntu.com/desktop)
(2) Linux Mint (https://linuxmint.com/)

Linux Mint has more features than Ubuntu and has a more windows type feel - either will work and it's mostly preference. Pretty sure both versions offer a 'trial run' where you run the operating system off a flash drive so you can test it out before installing it fully.

You basically download linux (either ubuntu or mint) and flash the image to a flash drive using (https://etcher.balena.io/). Then stick it in the computer and either select 'live trial' or install it.

It's much easier than one would expect.
pchalt
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by pchalt »

I made the switch to Linux Ubuntu over a year ago. Very easy to do, and I am very happy with the OS. I highly recommend doing it.
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samsoes
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by samsoes »

If I recall correctly, there are no Quicken or Turbo Tax versions which will work on Linux, so there's that.
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Buzzman
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by Buzzman »

I left Windows for my home computer over the crappy Vista version. I tried to move to Linux on my home machine but some of my music software and equipment didn't have good Linux alternatives. If I remember correctly there were also issues with video drivers not being updated in timely manner. It seemed I was always having to tinker with something which can be fun but sometimes you just want to use the computer as a tool. Last time I checked you couldn't get MS Office for Linux. I know there is other software with similar functionality but I have too much muscle memory with MS Office products.

My decision was to move to a Mac. Mac OS has Unix under the hood. You get all the benefits of an easy to maintain and use OS, plenty of applications available, and you also have the ability to drop down into a terminal window with a Command Line Interface if that's what you want. You can also get MS Office and Visual Studio for Mac.
prd1982
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by prd1982 »

Switching to the Linux operating system isn’t the issue; replacing your apps is the problem. For those of you saying the move was easy, what apps are you now using on Linux?
Morris
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by Morris »

I started using Linux in 1996 so I have a long term view of the operating system. The apps are just never going to get there, yes, there are dated looking knockoff versions of most apps you would use but they have always been that way and will always be that way. MacOS is the way to go, it’s polished, has many of the same apps you need, or better versions of them, and there are a lot of Mac only developers that put out amazing products.

Even the base version of the newest Mac mini is an incredibly capable machine and super cheap.
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by Northern Flicker »

HighLonesome wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 7:35 am I dont prefer MS control over my OS. Thinking of moving to a Linux based OS. What will I lose, if anything. I do not do any gaming.

What steps do I take? What version of Linux is recommended?
Learning to employ good system administration discipline is an under-appreciated, but important requirement.
pennsylvania211
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by pennsylvania211 »

Morris wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 8:57 am I started using Linux in 1996 so I have a long term view of the operating system. The apps are just never going to get there, yes, there are dated looking knockoff versions of most apps you would use but they have always been that way and will always be that way. MacOS is the way to go, it’s polished, has many of the same apps you need, or better versions of them, and there are a lot of Mac only developers that put out amazing products.

Even the base version of the newest Mac mini is an incredibly capable machine and super cheap.
+100

OP, you're asking for the equivalent of a 1960s hot-rod, without prior experience in maintaining cars. You could do it, but there will be a steep learning curve. Saying it as someone who has been using linux distros since 1998.
grok87
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by grok87 »

RANkiDEr wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 7:58 am I jumped ship and left Windows when Windows 8 first came out. What a dumpster fire of an operating system!
The easiest way I thought was to buy a laptop from System76 that had Ubuntu Linux installed on it.
There are other ways to go about it. You can find an old laptop or desktop computer and wipe the hard drive and install Linux on it.
Linux is flexible so you have many options. You just need to know what works for you.

Website where I bought computer
https://system76.com/

Best of luck.
those seem kind of pricey. i tried buying a cheap hp laptop and installing linux on it from a flash drive but it failed.
what is the best way to wipe windows and install linux?
cheers,
grok
RIP Mr. Bogle.
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Tycoon
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by Tycoon »

prd1982 wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 8:54 am Switching to the Linux operating system isn’t the issue; replacing your apps is the problem. For those of you saying the move was easy, what apps are you now using on Linux?
Not easy, but rewarding. Windows free since 2009. I haven't had to run Windows to use an "app" since then. If I need to run an "app" I'll emulate android on one of the 9 computers I manage. I haven't had to do that yet.
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tibbitts
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by tibbitts »

grok87 wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 9:26 am
RANkiDEr wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 7:58 am I jumped ship and left Windows when Windows 8 first came out. What a dumpster fire of an operating system!
The easiest way I thought was to buy a laptop from System76 that had Ubuntu Linux installed on it.
There are other ways to go about it. You can find an old laptop or desktop computer and wipe the hard drive and install Linux on it.
Linux is flexible so you have many options. You just need to know what works for you.

Website where I bought computer
https://system76.com/

Best of luck.
those seem kind of pricey. i tried buying a cheap hp laptop and installing linux on it from a flash drive but it failed.
what is the best way to wipe windows and install linux?
cheers,
grok
And that is the reason some people pay extra to buy a computer with Linux pre-installed. Although even that's no guarantee that every component will work properly. Some years ago I evaluated a laptop that came with Linux pre-installed and manufacturer-supported. I observed that the video-out didn't work; the manufacturer replied simply that video-out was not a functionality available on that model under Linux (obviously it worked under Windows.) The argument, of course, is that source code is available so "anyone" can - in theory - fix whatever problems may occur.

If Linux attempts to install from media (flash drive, etc.) but fails it's not likely due to failing to install the "best way." Whether Linux works is generally unrelated to whether you successfully "wipe" Windows or not. Some Linux versions may be capable of running off of media directly, so you can preview functionality with your hardware to some degree.
GeMoney
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by GeMoney »

I highly recommend ZorinOs for beginners migrating to Linux https://zorin.com/os/
It is an Ubuntu variant. I've also tried Linux Mint (also an Ubuntu variant), and although it is more user-friendly than Ubuntu, the interface is much easier for a beginner on Zorinos. The only thing I found that Linux Mint has over ZorinOS is that it can apply the latest version of Ubuntu much more quickly. During the installation, they made it much easier to set up a dual-boot so you can keep both Windows and Linux on the same computer. I had to previously do it manually and you had to go through many steps and muck around with partitions which can be risky if you make a mistake.

I've only found 2 things I can't do in Linux that I must do in Windows:
1) Maintain legacy hardware, such as installing new maps on an old Garmin GPS device or maintaining my universal remote control from Harmony.
2) Syncing with Box.com. There is an app for it but you have to pay for it.
frugaltigris
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by frugaltigris »

HighLonesome wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 7:35 am I dont prefer MS control over my OS. Thinking of moving to a Linux based OS. What will I lose, if anything. I do not do any gaming.

What steps do I take? What version of Linux is recommended?
Long time Linux use here.

Why my pc is a dual boot and not just linux? Because nothing beats MS Office.

You can create a usb with linux (see Ubuntu) and try it. There is a learning curve and you might run into issues if the hardware is bit old or tojazzy, such as camera may not work by default, some special buttons may not have same functionality etc. But all can be fixed.

Most people who hate MS control over their pc but can not get over initial barrier of linux move to Apple. but you pay the premium over something which is free and more versatile with linux.
LoveTheBogle
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by LoveTheBogle »

frugaltigris wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 10:09 am
HighLonesome wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 7:35 am I dont prefer MS control over my OS. Thinking of moving to a Linux based OS. What will I lose, if anything. I do not do any gaming.

What steps do I take? What version of Linux is recommended?
Long time Linux use here.

Why my pc is a dual boot and not just linux? Because nothing beats MS Office.
What specifically do you use in MS Office that Libre Office cannot do (or doesn’t do as well)?
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mrmass
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by mrmass »

LoveTheBogle wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 10:16 am
frugaltigris wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 10:09 am

Long time Linux use here.

Why my pc is a dual boot and not just linux? Because nothing beats MS Office.
What specifically do you use in MS Office that Libre Office cannot do (or doesn’t do as well)?
Likely talking about Excel stuff. VBA or Power Query and Power Pivot
skeptical
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by skeptical »

HighLonesome wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 7:35 am I dont prefer MS control over my OS. Thinking of moving to a Linux based OS. What will I lose, if anything. I do not do any gaming.

What steps do I take? What version of Linux is recommended?
I am assuming you do not have any real Linux experience, or you would not be asking this question on this forum. I would not recommend going this route unless you have a good technical background and are willing to spend a lot of time managing the nuts and bolts of your system.

If you are curious about Linux, the best thing to do is just get a cheap laptop, install some version of Linux, and see how it goes. You will lose anything that you do outside your browser, unless you find Linux equivalents, and are willing/able to install/maintain/use them. Most Linux equivalents are more difficult to use and do not have the bells and whistles of the MAc/Windows versions.

I have extensive experience with Linux, Windows, Mac. When I retired, I went Chrome/Drive. I miss some things, get frustrated with some things, but would not go back.
Morris
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by Morris »

Microsoft access is worlds above Base
THY4373
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by THY4373 »

prd1982 wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 8:54 am Switching to the Linux operating system isn’t the issue; replacing your apps is the problem. For those of you saying the move was easy, what apps are you now using on Linux?
I run mostly Linux at this point and the only areas I am still reliant on Windows for are:

1). BlueIris security camera monitoring software.
2). H&R Block tax software (this might run under WINE but have not tried)
3). Scanner software (scanner works under Linux but the software is way better on Windows).

I keep one Windows machine/VM around to support those three things. For everything else I have zero issues finding perfectly good Linux applications. In fact one of the things I like about Linux is there is usually free decent software to do whatever it is I want I and I don't have to worry about spyware/adware being embedded in said software.

I use mostly Mint at this point.

I will echo the comments of several others though that while Linux has come a long way I am not sure it is the right OS for somebody who isn't somewhat technically knowledgeable or has the support of someone that is.
Last edited by THY4373 on Sat Dec 14, 2024 11:21 am, edited 1 time in total.
MrNarwhal
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by MrNarwhal »

I'm not personally convinced that Canonical or Red Hat control over your operating system is inherently better than Microsoft control. I think you are granting control whenever you use something you don't understand. There are simplicity- and control-oriented Linux distributions, but it would take some effort to learn the new skills to administer one.

Linux was a hobby for me at one time but now I use OpenBSD for my personal laptop.

Hardware support will probably determine whether this experiment is a success for you. Booting from a live USB would be an easy was to test this.
Maxi option: https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/try-ubuntu ... ou-install
Mini option: https://puppylinux-woof-ce.github.io/install.html
grok87
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by grok87 »

tibbitts wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 9:59 am
grok87 wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 9:26 am
those seem kind of pricey. i tried buying a cheap hp laptop and installing linux on it from a flash drive but it failed.
what is the best way to wipe windows and install linux?
cheers,
grok
And that is the reason some people pay extra to buy a computer with Linux pre-installed. Although even that's no guarantee that every component will work properly. Some years ago I evaluated a laptop that came with Linux pre-installed and manufacturer-supported. I observed that the video-out didn't work; the manufacturer replied simply that video-out was not a functionality available on that model under Linux (obviously it worked under Windows.) The argument, of course, is that source code is available so "anyone" can - in theory - fix whatever problems may occur.

If Linux attempts to install from media (flash drive, etc.) but fails it's not likely due to failing to install the "best way." Whether Linux works is generally unrelated to whether you successfully "wipe" Windows or not. Some Linux versions may be capable of running off of media directly, so you can preview functionality with your hardware to some degree.
ok. giving up now. lol
RIP Mr. Bogle.
tibbitts
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by tibbitts »

grok87 wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 11:33 am
tibbitts wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 9:59 am
And that is the reason some people pay extra to buy a computer with Linux pre-installed. Although even that's no guarantee that every component will work properly. Some years ago I evaluated a laptop that came with Linux pre-installed and manufacturer-supported. I observed that the video-out didn't work; the manufacturer replied simply that video-out was not a functionality available on that model under Linux (obviously it worked under Windows.) The argument, of course, is that source code is available so "anyone" can - in theory - fix whatever problems may occur.

If Linux attempts to install from media (flash drive, etc.) but fails it's not likely due to failing to install the "best way." Whether Linux works is generally unrelated to whether you successfully "wipe" Windows or not. Some Linux versions may be capable of running off of media directly, so you can preview functionality with your hardware to some degree.
ok. giving up now. lol
Of course other times, it "just works." It's not predicable until you have experience with a particular distribution on specific hardware. And sometimes it depends on a tolerance for finding workarounds to various problems. It's a hobby for some people and it's easy to understand them taking satisfaction from overcoming limitations.
gavinsiu
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by gavinsiu »

This may not be a popular sentiment, but your best experience will be to buy a computer with linux preinstalled. If you don't you will face drivers compatibility issues. This is not unique to Linux. Ever try to build a Windows PC and install the Windows OS from scratch. Well you have to pray that windows auto-detect gets all of the drivers right just like in Linux. You are better off getting a machine preinstall where the vendor have worked out all of the kinks for you, so you won't have to deal with what I had to go through to get an old box working which is having to spend a month trying to figure how to control the fan through sensors thought a series of shell scripts so my computer don't shutdown from thermal overheat.

What you typically lose is the ability to run Windows program. If you regularly use and must use Adobe or Microsoft products for example, Linux is not for you. If you are ok with a word processor that is not word or a spreadsheet program that is not excel, this is not an issue.

The other issue you will face with linux is that there are many variations of linux. Is it Redhat, Ubuntu, or Arch? It's all the same but also different. I again suggest staying away from distro war and just use it for yourself.

If a linux preinstall is too expensive. Try getting a used machine that has a linux variant and install the same distro there. For example, you may have a lot of luck running linux one Lenovo Thinkpad. You can usually get a used one for cheap that runs linux.
rockstar
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by rockstar »

Get VMWare Player Pro. It's free now for non-commercial use. (It's a pain to find on their site now that Broadcom took over. But it's there.) And install a Linux distro on it and try it out. That's your safest bet without committing completely to it.
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happyisland
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by happyisland »

I totally agree with the OP about not wanting MS to have control over my machine, and that's why I only run Linux Mint. My partner and I are hardly techy types but we have almost no issues, and indeed we have far fewer issues than we did running Windows. I would never switch to Apple for the same reason I try to steer clear of MS: it just feels weird to me that someone else has the 'keys to the car'.

OP: go get a Linux Mint USB set up and give it a try in your current computer. It will most likely work fine, in which case you can just follow the instructions to install it.

Bottom line: it's really very easy. Easier than MS. And you have final control over your own PC!
No tilts.
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Zanmar
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by Zanmar »

What do you use for firewall and antivirus?
tibbitts
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by tibbitts »

rockstar wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 1:18 pm Get VMWare Player Pro. It's free now for non-commercial use. (It's a pain to find on their site now that Broadcom took over. But it's there.) And install a Linux distro on it and try it out. That's your safest bet without committing completely to it.
It won't necessarily help you determine whether your hardware can natively run Linux, so you can't "try it out" in that sense.
abracadabra11
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by abracadabra11 »

Try it in a VM first. If you still like it, then make the jump.
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whodidntante
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by whodidntante »

If you're not tied to Windows-only software, it's a viable option. Your main hurdle will then be hardware compatibility for the features you need and nagging little compatibility problems like some computers not going to sleep correctly or not recovering from sleep. And various little glitches that you notice from time to time, things that are just not quite right, or things that break from updates.

I personally don't find Linux to be as good a user experience as Windows, and I'm very familiar with both. The Linux installed base is small, so consumer hardware vendors don't invest much money in Linux compatibility and functionality. But try it out and see what you think. Most of the people I know who try it switch back. Not all, though.
dcdowden
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by dcdowden »

I installed Linux Mint on an old laptop that could not upgrade to Win 10. It was much easier than I expected. Mint user interface feels very similar to Windows for basic things. It just came up and found my wireless network and even found the printer on the network.
I installed Google Chrome, so I have access to all my familiar browser based stuff like email, tabs for websites, Google documents etc.
I also installed Libre Office, so I have multiple options for Office like applications. I was mostly just exploring what I could do.
My main use for that machine is as a Plex Server. I ripped all my DVD's to that machine using MakeMKV and am able to use a Plex App on my Roku sticks to watch them on my TV.
Only real surprise with Linux Mint is that there seem to be a lot of updates required. There is an update manager to deal with that, but it does surprise me how many there seem to be.
Good Luck
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Tycoon
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by Tycoon »

Zanmar wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 1:57 pm What do you use for firewall and antivirus?
nftables for firewall. No antivirus.
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Nyc10036
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by Nyc10036 »

I have Linux Mint dual-booting with Windows 10 on a Dell Optiplex 3020.

I almost use Linux Mint exclusively.

I have another desktop running Windows 10 on which I have installed H&R Block tax software.

What I would do is remove the SSD and replace it with a brand new SSD and install Linux on it.
This way if the install goes awry, you have Windows to fall back on.
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oneleaf
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by oneleaf »

Been on Linux exclusively (other than work) since about 2005. Always Ubuntu and Debian-based distros.

The best way to start is with an old PC or laptop that is sitting in the closet unused. Or ask around to see if anyone has one. Even ones from the mid-2000's will work and allow you to poke around.
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telemark
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by telemark »

About a dozen years ago I ordered a PC with Linux Mint preinstalled, but when it arrived the hard drive was blank. Customer service offered to send a replacement PC but also gave me a link where I could download the installer, so I tried that first and everything went perfectly easily. Since then I just do my own installations. If you have an older computer lying around that can't make the move to Windows 11, putting Mint on it is a good way to get started.

If you are concerned about particular Microsoft software, the open source alternatives usually have Windows versions, so you could try them out on Windows first to see if they work for you. Microsoft Edge already runs on Linux, along with Chrome and Firefox.

Apple is somewhat less controlling than Microsoft, but if you buy a Mac you have a limited number of years before Apple decides not to support it any more.
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telemark
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by telemark »

grok87 wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 9:26 am those seem kind of pricey. i tried buying a cheap hp laptop and installing linux on it from a flash drive but it failed.
what is the best way to wipe windows and install linux?
cheers,
grok
It's hard to diagnose from a distance, but it might be an issue with Secure Boot. You might need to go into the BIOS or UEFI settings to disable that. Or it might be simpler, just setting the laptop to try booting from the flash drive before going to the hard drive.
roamingzebra
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by roamingzebra »

dcdowden wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 2:54 pm Only real surprise with Linux Mint is that there seem to be a lot of updates required. There is an update manager to deal with that, but it does surprise me how many there seem to be.
I use a different distro than Mint, but it used to be that with Mint you could separate out the security updates from the "feature"or system updates. I usually turn down the feature and system updates since I'm happy with the system the way it is (and I hated how Microsoft force-fed junk I didn't want), but I always install the security updates. On most distros, there is an option to automatically install security updates (called unattended updates, I think).
DivesEtPauper
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by DivesEtPauper »

I posted this in response to another post. I'll repeat some of it here.
HighLonesome wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 7:35 am What version of Linux is recommended?
Like some others have posted here, I'm also using Linux Mint. (I'm not using the latest version just because I'm lazy about updating, but you would just want to use the latest version - 22, I think.)
HighLonesome wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 7:35 am What steps do I take?
There are different ways to approach this. Here's what I did:

Coming from Windows, I first made a list of the applications that I wanted to use. Some programs have Linux versions (Firefox) while others involved finding a decent alternative. You may not know for sure which application you like best until you actually install and try it, but it's helpful to have an idea.

I also spent some time learning about some of the common (or not-so-common) tasks that I might need to perform, like finding my IP address or checking my CPU/RAM use. I'm a nerdy guy, so I mostly enjoy learning how these tasks are handled differently on Linux compared to Windows.

I bought a barely-used laptop from B&H Photo for less than $300. It came with an SSD that had Windows 11 pre-installed. Before I even powered up the machine a single time, I removed that SSD, and installed a new, unformatted SSD. Following the Linux Mint installation instructions, I installed Linux on the laptop.

That was about two years ago, and since then (*knocks wood*) I've had no regrets. A few annoyances for sure, but they are far fewer and less significant than whatever nonsense Microsoft is doing with Windows these days. Count me as a very happy Linux user. (I use Windows at work, so I have some comparison.)
dcdowden
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by dcdowden »

roamingzebra wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 4:20 pm
dcdowden wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 2:54 pm Only real surprise with Linux Mint is that there seem to be a lot of updates required. There is an update manager to deal with that, but it does surprise me how many there seem to be.
I use a different distro than Mint, but it used to be that with Mint you could separate out the security updates from the "feature"or system updates. I usually turn down the feature and system updates since I'm happy with the system the way it is (and I hated how Microsoft force-fed junk I didn't want), but I always install the security updates. On most distros, there is an option to automatically install security updates (called unattended updates, I think).
Thanks for the suggestion. I mostly just want the security updates.
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tuningfork
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by tuningfork »

HighLonesome wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 7:35 am I dont prefer MS control over my OS. Thinking of moving to a Linux based OS. What will I lose, if anything. I do not do any gaming.

What steps do I take? What version of Linux is recommended?
What will you lose? You'll need to note all the software you use, including ones that you purchased or downloaded that are not part of Windows, and research to see what comparable programs are available on Linux. There are usually similar programs available for Linux that may or may not have the features you want or the usability or quality you're used to. You'll need to either research them all and decide if the Linux equivalents are truly equivalent for your usage, or just install Linux in a virtual machine or spare computer and try them out before deciding to move full time to Linux.

Same for any devices you use. Printers, drawing tablets, webcams, audio interfaces, scanners, etc. They may or may not work on Linux, or may work with reduced functionality. Gaming mice and keyboards with the fancy LED lights may not be so fancy on Linux.

I currently use Windows for most of my work, and I run Ubuntu Linux in a Virtual Box virtual machine for those times I want to do something in Linux. In the past I did it the other way around: Linux as the main OS with Windows running in a Virtual Box virtual machine for the times I needed to run a Windows program. Either way works depending on which OS you spend the most time in.

With Linux you'll probably need to go into the command line to do certain things much more often than you would on Windows, especially administrative tasks and troubleshooting when something breaks. Fine if you're a power user or want to learn, not so fine if you just want your off-brand webcam or drawing tablet to work.

If you're simply wanting to get away from Microsoft, maybe a Mac would be more suitable. Or if everything you do is in a browser, a Chromebook might work.
RANkiDEr
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by RANkiDEr »

This is what I chose, which might not be right for everyone. Obviously there's more than one way to handle the switch to Linux.
Years later, I also bought a used Lenovo W540 developer laptop from my work for $150 and installed Linux. Best money I've ever spent. That laptop lasted for a long time.
grok87 wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 9:26 am
RANkiDEr wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 7:58 am I jumped ship and left Windows when Windows 8 first came out. What a dumpster fire of an operating system!
The easiest way I thought was to buy a laptop from System76 that had Ubuntu Linux installed on it.
There are other ways to go about it. You can find an old laptop or desktop computer and wipe the hard drive and install Linux on it.
Linux is flexible so you have many options. You just need to know what works for you.

Website where I bought computer
https://system76.com/

Best of luck.
those seem kind of pricey. i tried buying a cheap hp laptop and installing linux on it from a flash drive but it failed.
what is the best way to wipe windows and install linux?
cheers,
grok
p1db
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by p1db »

I have a 2015 MacBook Pro which was too old for latest macOS updates. I then installed Linux on it. Now it works great, very zippy! I can use my iCloud and Apple apps like Numbers, Pages, Keynote on the web browser.
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telemark
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by telemark »

RANkiDEr wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 7:48 pm This is what I chose, which might not be right for everyone. Obviously there's more than one way to handle the switch to Linux.
Years later, I also bought a used Lenovo W540 developer laptop from my work for $150 and installed Linux. Best money I've ever spent. That laptop lasted for a long time.
grok87 wrote: Sat Dec 14, 2024 9:26 am
those seem kind of pricey. i tried buying a cheap hp laptop and installing linux on it from a flash drive but it failed.
what is the best way to wipe windows and install linux?
cheers,
grok
For a cheaper alternative, I can report from personal experience that the Beelink S12 Pro Mini PC runs Linux very capably. I'm typing this on it now.
LoveTheBogle
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by LoveTheBogle »

I have a 10 year old Dell computer that the kids used to do homework that ran Windows 10. It got to the point where it would take forever to do basic tasks like opening up Word or Firefox. I ended up deciding to install Linux on the machine and it is now super snappy. The exact same tasks the kids do can be done (Writer instead of Word) but now it boots up quick and opening applications takes only a split second. I would highly recommend atleast trying it and get away from Microsoft and Apple.
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telemark
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Re: How to Move to Linux

Post by telemark »

And on the list of things you will lose, Vudu (or Fandango At Home as they now call themselves) refuses to stream to Linux systems, no matter what browser you try. YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime all work so it is not a technical issue but a choice they've made. I have a few purchases I made there so I have to boot up my ancient Mac Mini when I want to watch them.
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