So Microsoft has basically set itself on fire. Drifting its users away from their operating system, Windows 11, and getting them to switch to other alternatives. If you are one of those people, I’m here to help you. This post is dedicated to giving you the tips to help you switch away from Windows entirely. In favor of something that will surely make your computer more fun, and gives you full control over your computer once more.
Switching away from Windows
The operating system is the glue that holds everything together. It is the core component of letting your computer “compute” in the first place. Therefore, it is extremely important that you can rely on it at all costs. Especially when your computer is important for whatever work you do. So it always boggles my mind when Microsoft screws up time and time again to make their OS remotely usable.
I have never made it a secret that I hate Microsoft, and that I do not support their company in any way. And I encourage everyone, if they are able to, to take the operating system currently running on their PC, and get rid of it. But I also recognize that you still need an OS of some sort to do what you need to. So what do you use then?
Well, that is going to depend on what kind of user you are. But let’s face it; the average user only cares about browsing the internet, watching online content, streaming movies or tv shows, and maybe writing up some spreadsheets or Word documents. Therefore, Linux is the perfect Windows replacement.
Now that may sound liike a wild statement to make. And frankly, it is. However, there has not been a better time to make the switch than today. Linux is getting easier to use every day, and more and more software are supporting Linux now too. And even when it doesn’t, there are plenty of alternatives that will work just as well, if not better than what you’re used to.
Why Linux?
- Linux gives you full control over your computer;
- Linux is fast, responsive, and will bring new life into your older computer;
- FREEEEEEEDOOOOOOOMMM!!!! – Use your computer how YOU want to;
- You can build your operating system how you like it;
- Use the software you like;
- Build your own, fully custom operating system
And that is just the tip of the iceberg. Linux is this endless rabbithole of all sorts of crazy things to learn, and to explore. Which I know is intimidating to some people, and I recognize that in general Linux takes a bit to get used to. But once you do, it feels freaking awesome, and will give you the greatest feeling you have ever had on a computer.
Now, making the switch to Linux is quite daunting for many people still. So to get you started, I will give you one recommendation for a Linux distro to run. I recommend you try it out, see if you like it. If you do, either install it on a second partition, or remove Windows altogether and just run Linux. Whichever path you follow is your choice.
There’s a ton of different distros to choose from. But as a beginner, picking the right one can be daunting due to the huge amount of options that are available. Therefore, if you’re looking for a good distro to start with, I have one simple piece of advice for you.
Pick the one you like the look of
What is important to keep in mind is that at their core, many distributions are basically the same under the hood. With very minor differences, such as the package manager you use to install programs, or the programs they come with. But the way I see it, none of that matters if you don’t enjoy the look and feel of your desktop.
Everything to do with/on your desktop is gonna completely come down to your own personal preference. There are a ton of distros. Most, if not all of which have their own theming going on, with their own desktop environment. Delivering a completely different experience from one distro to the next. Here’s a few examples;
Linux Mint (The Greatest of All Time)
Ubuntu
Endeavour OS
Zorin OS
Solus Linux
All of the above are distro that I consider some of the best options for most people. They each come with similar programs and features out of the box, and will deliver a very solid experience. However, as stated before, whichever you will enjoy the most is going to depend on which distro you like the look and feel of. Installing the one you like the look of is already gonna help a ton with your overall experience on the desktop.
With all that said, there is one myth that I also have to address. Which is the believe that you have to be a nerd to fully understand, appreciate, and use Linux. Which is just not true. Linux can, and SHOULD be used by anyone, no matter how tech savvy, or nerdy you are.
Linux gives you choice, AND control
Remember how Linux gives you full control? What I mean by that is that Linux does not stop you whatsoever from doing whatever you want. There is no right or wrong way to use it, despite what some elitists want you to believe.
The mountain of distros you can choose from, while daunting, is a perfect example of said control. Giving you plenty of options between different looks and feels to fit your needs, and software packages pre-installed on your system. But there is so much more to it. For example
- Don’t like the default layout? Break it apart, and make your own;
- Change your default apps (i.e. file manager, web browser, office suite);
- Install apps using a GUI (Grapphic environment), or with the command line;
- Change your entire desktop;
- Use the software you want;
- Use your computer how you want it
On Linux, nothing is stopping you from using your own computer how you want to. You don’t have to trick the system into doing what you want it to do, nor will you be stopped at any point. Everything is open for you to configure exactly how you like it. Giving you the freedom to build the perfect system for you. It’s just a matter of knowing how to build your perfect system, and using your imagination.
Your Computer. Your Choices
At the end of the day, after all is said and done, you must always keep one thing in mind. That being to not ever let anyone dictate how you use your computer. I hate Microsoft. But that doesn’t mean you have to yourself.
Everyone is used to different things. And we all use our computers for different purposes. Whether you just browse the web, are into content creation like me, or are a software developer. There is no such thing as a good or bad choice. The only good choices that do exist, are the choices you yourself make with your computer.
What I’m trying to say here is to not ever let anyone tell you how you should use your computer. If you’re already happy with what you’re using and have no desire to switch, keep using what you use. All I’m doing here is giving you alternatives. Whatever you do with all this information is your choice.
What do you think of all this? Are you already using Linux? Or are you considering switching? Let me know in the comments section down below.
Thank you for reading, and stay creative.
Arf!
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