If you find yourself weary of the ongoing complexities associated with Microsoft’s offerings, consider embarking on a new journey with Linux. This operating system has evolved significantly, and with the help of open-source projects like Wine, Vulkan, and Proton, running a wide array of Windows applications and games has become remarkably straightforward.
Linux is not a single entity; rather, it comprises a multitude of distributions, each offering unique graphical user interfaces and tools for essential functions such as system updates. The landscape can be overwhelming, with notable distributions including Arch, Debian, Fedora, Manjaro, Mint, Opensuse, Red Hat, and Ubuntu, among many others. This diversity can often lead to decision fatigue for newcomers, causing some to abandon their Linux aspirations before they even begin.
For those transitioning from Windows and unfamiliar with Linux, Linux Mint is a highly recommended starting point. Its interface closely resembles that of Windows, allowing for a smoother transition without the need for extensive configuration post-installation. Should Mint not meet your expectations, the flexibility to explore other distributions remains open.
1. Download and create installation drive
To begin, download the latest version of Linux Mint from its official website in the form of an .iso file. Next, install the Balena Etcher application. In the first step, select the downloaded .iso file, and in the second step, choose a connected USB stick with a minimum capacity of 4GB (ensure it is free of important files). Click on Flash to authorize the overwriting of the USB stick with the Mint installer.
2. Start the installation
After preparing your installation drive, restart your computer and access the start menu before Windows loads. The key to do this varies by manufacturer, commonly being the Esc key, F2, or F10. Select the USB stick and wait for Mint to boot up.
Once the Mint desktop appears, double-click on the Install Linux Mint icon to launch the installer. Begin by selecting your preferred language, followed by the keyboard layout. In the subsequent step, ensure to check the box for Install multimedia add-ons.
Next, you will format your disk. Choose Erase the disk and install Linux Mint, then proceed to select the appropriate disk for installation. For instance, if your Windows system resides on a 1TB SSD and you are installing Linux on a 512GB SSD, simply select the 512GB drive. Click Install Now and then Continue.
While the installation progresses, you will be prompted to select your time zone and create a username and password. After completing these steps, you can sit back and wait for the installation to finalize.
3. Getting started with Linux Mint
Upon restarting your computer and logging in with your chosen password, you will be welcomed by the Mint desktop, accompanied by a welcome program designed to ease your transition. The First Steps tab offers shortcuts to essential features that you can utilize immediately.
Among these is the Driver Manager, which you should run to check for any missing drivers for your hardware. This is particularly beneficial for users with Nvidia graphics cards, as the proprietary drivers often perform better than their open-source counterparts.
Software installation is typically managed through the Software Manager, while system updates are handled via the Update Manager. For those interested in gaming, it is advisable to visit store.steampowered.com to install Steam directly, as Valve has streamlined the process for running Windows games on Linux.
With a bit of exploration, you will find that much of the Linux Mint experience mirrors that of Windows, making it accessible for the curious user.
If challenges arise, a quick online search often yields solutions, and numerous forums, including those on Reddit, are filled with helpful community members. Remember, since Mint is based on Ubuntu, instructions for Ubuntu can frequently be adapted for Mint.
‘Linux Lite’ with Chrome OS
For those hesitant to dive deep into the Linux ecosystem, Google’s Chrome OS presents a simplified alternative. While fundamentally a Linux-based system, Chrome OS is designed for ease of use, with most interactions occurring through the Chrome browser, making it an attractive option for casual users.
