Linux installation

Winsage
October 28, 2025
Nearly 90% of Windows games are now compatible with Linux systems, according to recent statistics from ProtonDB. Gamers face varying levels of compatibility when trying to run their favorite titles on different Linux distributions. Challenges remain, particularly with anti-cheat technology, which some developers are hesitant to support for non-Windows gamers. Community-driven resources can help improve the gaming experience on Linux.
Winsage
August 27, 2025
The author has used both Windows and Linux for two decades, with Windows as the primary operating system and Linux for experimentation. The introduction of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) has eliminated the need for dual-booting and virtual machines, allowing the author to use Linux apps and commands directly within Windows. WSL simplifies file sharing between Windows and Linux, making it easy to access documents and directories across both systems. The transition from WSL on Windows 10 to WSL2 on Windows 11 has further improved file management. WSL functions as a lightweight alternative to resource-heavy virtual machines, offering quick boot-up times and efficient performance. The author can install and run multiple WSL distributions, primarily using Ubuntu but also keeping an Arch installation for experimentation.
Winsage
July 15, 2025
A growing number of users are exploring alternative operating systems as support for Windows 10 concludes, with Linux being a popular choice due to its user-friendly and free modern distributions. Many users start with little experience, and dual-booting allows them to run both Windows and Linux on a single machine, enabling them to select between the two at startup. This setup requires careful installation to ensure both operating systems coexist. Users can access files on Windows partitions from within Linux. To set up dual-booting, it's advisable to test on a spare machine and back up important files. The general steps include creating a bootable ISO for the Linux distribution, inserting the USB drive, and selecting the option to install alongside the current OS. After installation, users can choose between Linux and Windows upon reboot. Caution is advised to avoid losing data on the Windows partition.
Winsage
June 25, 2025
The CachyOS installer offers an aesthetically pleasing yet somewhat confusing installation experience, particularly regarding the Bootloader selection, where the default is Systemd-boot instead of the more familiar Grub. Additionally, the additional package installer lacks sufficient context, which may confuse users. The installation process has become more streamlined compared to the past, where users had to deal with multiple ISO images and CDs. Now, one can easily create a Live USB using software like Rufus, Raspberry Pi Imager, or Balena Etcher. A Live USB allows users to test the operating system before installation and serves various purposes such as troubleshooting and data recovery. The author is installing CachyOS on a Lenovo X390 laptop with 8GB of RAM and an Intel Core i5-8265U.
Winsage
May 13, 2025
- Support for Windows 10 will cease on October 14, 2025. - Microsoft is encouraging users to purchase new computers. - Linux is presented as a faster, more secure alternative to Windows. - The End of 10 campaign provides resources and support for users transitioning to Linux. - The campaign includes links to PC shops and user groups worldwide. - It offers a guide for installing Linux and lists benefits such as lower costs, no ads or data tracking, environmental friendliness, community support, and enhanced user control. - The campaign organizes events for Linux installation assistance in various countries. - The initiative is a collaboration among several individuals from different organizations. - End of 10 maintains public channels on Matrix and a mailing list, and is present on the Fediverse for outreach.
Winsage
May 7, 2025
Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning users will no longer receive feature updates or security patches. A grassroots movement called "End of 10" is advocating for users to switch to Linux instead of upgrading to Windows 11, which has stringent hardware requirements that many older PCs do not meet. The movement highlights the benefits of Linux, such as operating without ads or telemetry, reducing e-waste, and being a free, open-source alternative. There are 240 million PCs that may not be able to upgrade to Windows 11. The End of 10 movement provides resources and support for users interested in transitioning to Linux, with a directory of shops and tech collectives primarily located in Germany.
Winsage
May 2, 2025
The process of installing Linux has evolved from text-based installers in the late 1990s to user-friendly graphical installers in distributions like Ubuntu and OpenSUSE. Users can start with a single-board computer like the Raspberry Pi or set up a dual-boot configuration with Windows and Linux using a custom boot menu called GRUB. It is advisable to back up the drive before installation to prevent data loss. To create a Linux Install USB, users need to download an ISO image of the Linux distribution and use Rufus to write it onto a USB drive of at least 8GB. The steps include selecting the USB drive, choosing the Linux OS, selecting the GPT partition scheme, and writing the OS in ISO image mode. For dual-boot installation, users should insert the USB drive, boot from it, and select “Try or Install Ubuntu” from the GRUB menu. After testing hardware functionality, the installation process involves selecting language, configuring accessibility, choosing keyboard layout, connecting to the Internet, and selecting installation options. Users must choose “Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager” and allocate space for each operating system. After installation, users need to adjust BIOS settings to ensure the system boots from the Linux installation. This includes selecting the Boot menu, setting the Linux install as Boot Option 1, and saving the changes. Upon rebooting, users can select their Linux OS from the GRUB menu and verify the functionality of both operating systems.
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