Navigating the Leap from Windows to Linux: My Journey
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Chapter 1: The Windows Crash
My experiences with Windows have reached a tipping point. After a frustrating crash, it seemed like a prime time to explore a Linux distribution.
Photo by Tengyart on Unsplash
As someone who prides themselves on being tech-savvy, I typically troubleshoot my computer problems with ease. I’m often the go-to person for my parents when they encounter issues.
Recently, while downloading a hefty game update, I left my laptop running during a shopping trip. Upon returning, I discovered my laptop screen was completely off.
“Did I forget to plug it in?” I pondered.
Nope, the power was intact. I pressed the power button, and the manufacturer's logo flickered on the screen.
“So far, so good,” I thought. But then, the screen went dark again, and I was met with silence.
Photo by ETA+ on Unsplash
I waited, knowing I tend to be impatient, and that sometimes computers take their time. However, after multiple attempts to boot Windows, I was unsuccessful.
Safe Mode? No luck.
System Restore? An error message appeared—my only restore point was from that morning's update.
Command Prompt? It led me nowhere; nothing seemed to work.
Dual Boot? I had previously set up a dual boot to experiment with different Linux distributions. This option had been working well.
Windows Repair? Again, a dead end.
Ultimately, it was clear to me, as it likely is for many of you, that my Windows installation was compromised, possibly due to the recent update.
Broken Windows — Photo by Thomas Dumortier on Unsplash
Frustrated that an update rendered my laptop useless, I decided it was time to transition from Windows to Linux. While I could have reinstalled Windows, the thought of switching to Linux had been lingering in my mind for some time.
Choosing the Right Linux Distro
With a multitude of Linux distributions available, it can be overwhelming. Each distro serves as an operating system tailored to different needs—some are specialized, while others can function as daily drivers, capable of handling everything Windows does.
What’s the Best Linux Distribution for Beginners?
I’m not a complete novice when it comes to Linux, but it’s still quite new for me. To avoid overwhelming myself, I sought a distribution that mirrored my current workflow as closely as possible.
Minimizing drastic changes would be key to alleviating my anxiety. Having used Windows since the days of DOS, any significant shift induces a degree of stress.
I was ready. I have a knack for keeping older computers operational and often salvage parts like “The Borg”—you never know when you might need them!
I had already been experimenting with various distros on an old laptop, so when my main machine failed, I was prepared with a USB drive ready to install Linux Mint.
It might sound like I conducted extensive research to choose my distro, but it ultimately came down to having a USB for Mint at my disposal. If I had another distro ready, I would have opted for that instead.
Surprisingly, my luck was shifting; I couldn’t have picked a better distro if I had tried.
Linux Mint
Photo Credit
I had three desktop environment options, and I chose the MATE edition, which balanced resource use. Although this laptop is the best I own, it’s still not ideal, so I wanted to avoid hogging resources.
It felt like a breath of fresh air for my aging computer. The performance was snappy—perhaps due to the hard drive wipe during the Mint installation, but I’d like to think this version of Linux rejuvenated my machine.
This success was sweet, but lurking in the shadows was a bigger challenge:
“How will I get my printer drivers to work with Linux?”
In my next update, I’ll share how I dealt with printer and scanner compatibility issues, especially for my kids' schoolwork, and whether I still hold on to my "gamer" title now that I’m fully committed to Linux.
-Read Part 2 Here-
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The first video titled "Elite Mom Forced Her Windows Loving Kid to Install Linux" humorously explores the challenges of transitioning from Windows to Linux, providing insights into the experience.
The second video, "I Forced Myself to Use Linux For 30 Days (Linux Challenge)," chronicles one person's commitment to using Linux exclusively for a month, showcasing the hurdles and victories encountered along the way.