Five months ago, I embarked on a journey into the realm of open-source operating systems, initially experimenting with Linux Mint while still holding onto my Windows loyalties. What began as a casual exploration, inspired by a popular YouTuber, quickly transformed into a daily routine. My previous encounters with Linux were marred by frustrations, primarily due to compatibility issues with WINE. However, Linux Mint proved to be a refreshing change, allowing me to discover that many of my favorite applications from Windows had viable counterparts in the open-source world. Fast forward to today, and I find myself fully immersed in Fedora KDE Plasma, realizing that the things I thought I would miss from Windows are far fewer than anticipated.
I don’t miss the apps I had to leave behind
Probably because I didn’t have to leave much behind at all
One of my initial concerns about transitioning to Linux was the potential loss of essential applications. I worried that popular tools like Discord, Google Chrome, and my cloud PC service, Shadow, would be unavailable in Linux versions. To my surprise, I discovered that most of the applications I relied on were readily available in the software repository that comes with the operating system. A simple search and a click to download had me up and running in no time. Even Shadow, which lacked a repository listing, offered a manual download option on its website.
There were only two applications that didn’t have Linux versions: Paint.net and ShareX. Paint.net served as my go-to image editor for quick edits, but with GIMP readily available on Linux, I seamlessly transitioned to using Pinta instead. ShareX, known for its robust screenshot capabilities, was replaced by Fedora’s default tool, Spectacle. While it doesn’t boast all the features of ShareX, it fulfills my needs perfectly.
I don’t miss the ease of use of Windows
In fact, I think I prefer applying the elbow grease
Another aspect that initially concerned me was the perceived lack of user-friendliness in Linux. Windows is designed for convenience, allowing users to navigate with minimal effort. In contrast, the necessity of using Terminal commands for certain tasks felt daunting. However, I gradually adapted to this new approach. In the early days, I often found myself Googling solutions and blindly entering commands from forums, which, while not the most efficient method, significantly enhanced my understanding of the Terminal and Linux’s command structure. This experience has been invaluable, as it has equipped me with knowledge I would have missed had I remained in the familiar, click-and-go environment of Windows.
I don’t miss Windows itself
The biggest surprise I felt
Since my transition, I have maintained a dual-boot setup with Fedora KDE Plasma and Windows 10. However, my visits to Windows have dwindled to just a couple of times. Surprisingly, I no longer feel a sense of longing for the Windows experience. While Windows offers a polished user interface, KDE Plasma provides a similarly appealing environment. Most of the popular applications I once relied on are now accessible on Linux, allowing me to enjoy the benefits of Windows without its drawbacks, such as intrusive updates and advertisements.
My comfort level with Fedora has grown to the point where I occasionally forget about my Windows installation altogether. I find myself unintentionally downloading Windows installers for applications, a testament to how fully I have embraced Fedora’s functionality. While I contemplate the idea of removing the Windows partition entirely, I hesitate, knowing that I might need it for an unexpected application in the future. Nevertheless, as the extended support for Windows 10 approaches its end, I foresee a time when I will fully transition away from Windows, perhaps even exploring additional Linux distributions on my other devices.