Switching to Linux, what do I need to know?

[Nocial]

I've never ever used any kind of Linux based OS and I've been keen on switching from Windows to Linux just for fun's sake.

I've had a small glimpse of the options I can choose from like Ubuntu and Zorin but I'm mostly interested in Mint as it looks sleek and simple.

 

I don't game a lot so if Linux can run CS:GO and a few old emulators I'm cool with it.

I don't know anything about the console commands or what to do when I first setup Mint so hit me with everything you know.

[DaltonM]

Set up like a 50gb partition to use with Linux. If you don't know anything about it, you wont get the most functionality.

 

But I would recommend ubuntu as it's pretty fun to mess around with. With these 50gb partitions you can try every linux distro if you want. 

[manikyath]

prepare to learn how to use google.

 

thats the advice you get from a part time arch linux user

[manikyath]

Set up like a 50gb partition to use with Linux. If you don't know anything about it, you wont get the most functionality.

 

But I would recommend ubuntu as it's pretty fun to mess around with. With these 50gb partitions you can try every linux distro if you want. 

you can squeeze most distros on an 8GB SD card, linux is really small on its install size.

[Nocial]

Set up like a 50gb partition to use with Linux. If you don't know anything about it, you wont get the most functionality.

 

But I would recommend ubuntu as it's pretty fun to mess around with. With these 50gb partitions you can try every linux distro if you want. 

 

Guess I'll see to that as it seems like the best way to experience all the distributions.

[Nocial]

prepare to learn how to use google.

 

thats the advice you get from a part time arch linux user

 

Just looking at this notifies me It's not gonna be easy learning to use that distribution.

https://www.vivaolinux.com.br/imagens/dicas/comunidade/arch-blue.png

[asiancorruption]

Learn how to make partitions and double check them. don't be like me and delete your windows partition

[mikat]

Just looking at this notifies me It's not gonna be easy learning to use that distribution.

https://www.vivaolinux.com.br/imagens/dicas/comunidade/arch-blue.png

it's not as complicated as it looks btw

[manikyath]

Just looking at this notifies me It's not gonna be easy learning to use that distribution.

https://www.vivaolinux.com.br/imagens/dicas/comunidade/arch-blue.png

well, arch linux is the OS equivalent of a pile of un-sorted ikea parts that build an entire living room, but theres no manuals or boxes to look at.

or to put it more harshly: "the install disk comes with a package manager and a text editor, good luck."

[Nocial]

it's not as complicated as it looks btw

 

I guess I can make out most of the stuff, 2 consoles, hardware info widgets, files and folders.

It's just not easy to keep track of though

[Minsekt]

Guess I'll see to that as it seems like the best way to experience all the distributions.

 

oh boy...

 

[Nocial]

well, arch linux is the OS equivalent of a pile of un-sorted ikea parts that build an entire living room, but theres no manuals or boxes to look at.

or to put it more harshly: "the install disk comes with a package manager and a text editor, good luck."

 

I had trouble putting together one small table from Ikea; how in the world am I gonna put together a whole living room that too without instructions...

[Nocial]

oh boy...

[[

 Kill me...

[ADZ_123_!"£]

 Kill me...

If you want the simplest most user friendly experience get Linux Mint.

[Sir Asvald]

oh boy...

 

 

Holy!  

[Nocial]

If you want the simplest most user friendly experience get Linux Mint.

 

I knew Mint was the only one for me, Ubuntu looks cool but I'm really used to having a task bar and never really got a chance to get a Mac experience.

[Nocial]

Holy!

 

Them being all free is a bigger mouth opener.

[ADZ_123_!"£]

I knew Mint was the only one for me, Ubuntu looks cool but I'm really used to having a task bar and never really got a chance to get a Mac experience.

I have most of my family now on Linux Mint and they mostly don't have any complaints about it.

PS: mint is effectively the same as Ubuntu just with a more user friendly gui stuck on it. B)

[Tarzan]

Mint is the most popular linux distribution. It's my favourite as well. http://distrowatch.com/

[.:MARK:.]

well, arch linux is the OS equivalent of a pile of un-sorted ikea parts that build an entire living room, but theres no manuals or boxes to look at.

or to put it more harshly: "the install disk comes with a package manager and a text editor, good luck."

 

The arch wiki is pretty damn good

[Tytan64]

As an experienced linux user I have to warn you about the bad support for AMD graphics cards. If you have a nVidia GPU choose Ubuntu or an Ubuntu based distro and use the xorg-edgers ppa to install the drivers and nvidia-settings easily.

[Burusutazu]

My advice is to look around at a few Ubuntu based distributions (Mint, Xubuntu, Kubuntu, Ubuntu Gnome, Elementary) pick one you like and stick with it. Give it a solid month and if you don't like it try again. Another piece of advice is that using the terminal/command line is not at all necessary with a Ubuntu based distribution, however learning the basics such as installing software and adding repositories will make using it much easier. 

After using Ubuntu and its desktop Unity for years I recently moved to Ubuntu Gnome, trying out the various distributions and seeing the hard work and thought process of the creators is what makes using Linux great (imo). I would personally avoid using a windows clone because I think it goes against the point of trying something new. My personal recommendation would be to try Elementary or Ubuntu Gnome.

[ultimatemythbuster]

I had trouble putting together one small table from Ikea; how in the world am I gonna put together a whole living room that too without instructions...

You could try using the Architect Linux installer.  It's makes installing Arch really easy.

[Azgoth 2]

The best advice is learn how to look up problems/questions/advice with Google.  You'll probably run into a lot of instances when you're starting out where you need to figure out how to do something new or unfamiliar, and chances are someone has already answered that question before.

 

The next best advice is learn to use the command line.  With Mint, you ca do a lot of stuf without touching the command line, but knowing how to use it will make some things a lot faster, and will give you a really powerful tool for just doing daily computer stuff.

[Opask]

Beyond searching for your answers on the internet RTFM First.

Nothing is more annoying then having to answer a question that would have taken you 10 seconds to look up in the manual.