Starter guide for Linux

Are you really tired of using Windows? Does your average Windows experience are getting worse and worse every day? Or maybe you are just curious about Linux?
Then this guide is for you!

In this guide I'll tell you how to get started with Linux, what to know before migrating.

Before you migrate to Linux:

  • Not every program you use in Windows will work in Linux. You'll need to find alternatives. Some examples:

    • Photoshop: you can use GIMP or use the web "clone" Photopea but if you search a little you can try to run Photoshop;
    • CapCut: you can try Kdenlive, but there's not a lot of easy-to-use video editor in Linux. Also keep a look on OpenCut, an open-source web version of CapCut that looks promising;
    • AutoCAD: OpenSCAD;
    • If possible, always search for open-source alternatives!

  • The same applies for games. Actually, gaming in Linux has been improved a lot. But the biggest obstacle is anti-cheat and third-party launcher. If you want to see a game is compatible on Linux, you can use ProtonDB, for community's workarounds and performance reviews. For anti-cheat, I recommend Are We Anti-Cheat Yet?. If any of your online games doesn't work on Linux, you can try playing in another platform (XCloud, for instance), if possible, or just... dual-boot (Windows and Linux in separate HDs). Do whatever you want, lol;

  • Linux IS NOT a substitute for Windows. This is important to keep in mind. Linux is just an alternative that doesn't want to mimic Windows. You can try to make your system to look like Windows, but still, you'll need to adapt yourself to a new ecosystem.

Which distro should I use?

If you want a distro to use for studies, work, or general stuff: use Fedora KDE Plasma Desktop. Easy to install, user friendly interface, and has a program (Discover) where you can download and update all your apps.

If you want a distro to use for gaming: Bazzite has pre-installed videocard drivers and Steam, has tools for tinkering games and also features Discover. When downloading, pick KDE as your desktop environment.

What else should I know?

  • Sometimes you'll find native Linux versions of apps as AppImages, they're portable versions of these apps. You can use Gear Lever, to manage all your AppImages;

  • Really, if you have patience and spare time, take some time to learn how to mess with the terminal. Unlike Windows, the terminal is your friend in Linux.

How to install Linux?

You'll need a USB stick with at least 12GB or more. This is important.

We we'll use balenaEtcher to create bootable USB drives to access the distros' images and install the system.

balenaEtcher screenshot. Source: phoenixnap.com

Plug your USB stick. Select the image you downloaded it in "Select image". Next, select your USB stick in "Select drive". Click "Flash!" and wait until its done.

Shutdown your computer, boot again and enter your BIOS/UEFI menu. It heavily depends on which key you use it to enter, but its usually, F2 or F12. If unsure, check it online. Change the boot order (usually located in "Boot", but you maybe need to search for it, depending on your menu) to your USB stick, save and reboot.

Now just follow the installation instructions of your system, and you'll have successfully installed Linux in your computer.

Maintaning your system:

  • Try to install the Flatpak packages via Discover. On Bazzite, Flatpak/Discover are the recommended way to install packages.

  • Always keep your system updated. Check your Discover for updates available.

  • If you're having issues with anything, search on internet, specially Reddit. Be specific: for example, if you have issues with videocard drivers on Fedora, search for "fedora linux videocard drivers not working". Learn how to troubleshoot for yourself.

Final thoughts

If you have any questions or suggestions, contact me by my guestbook and I'll answear it patiently. Many thanks :)

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