If you are ON Windows right now and are going to switch to Linux because either (or none) of these reasons:
A: Tired of the bloatware and adware
B: Windows hogging your space
C: "better for development"
D: Native Git support
E: Better Terminal
F: Claude Code
You should read this! I am Animesh. I daily drive Linux and I have had experience with using GNU/Linux for two whole years, so I can give an experience on how it feels to work with Linux.
COMPATIBILITY
Often times, if you utilize a Windows-only tool (like Adobe, MS Office), you have no way but to replace it with a FOSS or other native equivalent, like DaVinci Resolve, or LibreOffice or OnlyOffice.
DISTRO-CHOOSING
Linux isn't an operating system. It's a kernel on which most distros and 'OS' are built upon. However, not every distro is the same. Some come with extensive customization, but with a steep learning curve, some come with an easy to use interface. Here are my top contenders for a distribution.
BEGINNERS - "I NEVER TOUCHED A TERMINAL"
If you belong to this category, no problem! Given the mass migration to Linux thanks to Windows being... well we won't talk about that.
- Linux Mint: The Most Familiar UI. Windows-like workflow, built on giants like Debian and Ubuntu.
- Zorin OS: The most polished Windows-like, also built on giants like Debian and Ubuntu. Minimal tweaking out of the box.
- Nobara Linux: Mainly built for gaming, but uses the BORE kernel which pumps out the little bit more of juice out of your computer.
INTERMEDIATE - "HEY, I AM NOT TOO ROUGH"
This category is for people who have had slight experience with Linux Terminal or have used WSL often.
Fedora: This one did not make the Beginners because it has a certain policy which doesn't allow proprietary software, and you have to enable RPMFusion to even install your basic apps (if they are proprietary). Lot of initial setup time.
Debian: The Giant. It is quite a hassle to set up, even in the GUI Mode. Super barebones, you need so much to install before even beginning to use your system. Requires familiarity in nerd speak.
ADVANCED - "RAVAGE ME PLENTY"
This category... why are the advanced people even here? This category of distributions is for the Terminal enthusiasts and absolute top notch nerds. Requires quite a hefty bit of knowledge in system
Arch Linux: "i use arch btw" it's a phrase heard very commonly when you first think of Linux. The users don't lie. It is a soul draining process to install, because you configure your system down to partitioning YOURSELF. No GUI does it for you.
Gentoo: It's not difficult because you get a GUI, it is difficult because YOU (yes, YOU) compile the packages FROM source to even begin installing them. Gentoo is also very barebones, which means a lot of packages need to be built from source. Good Luck taking your time on that.
Well, end of post, folks. I hope this post educated you more and now you are more informed about everyone's favorite penguin operating system.
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