Switching to Linux: A Beginner’s Guide

so I use arch BTW

Excellent video. Thanks.

UBUNTU sounds like an OS for African Cannibals 😂

i love your video's. People who watch your videos can definitely install a Linux distro afterwards. Good explanation and clear.

I am wondering how secure are these Linux OSes once Windows 10 get deprecated.

If my Steam games would all run on Lunix I would switch today.

Noobs should use KDE Plasma. It has the most features, settings, it has the most logical layout, they didn't change stuff just for the sake of change, it's closest to Windows. Noobs should use Debian with KDE Plasma or Kubuntu. Noone should use Arch-based distros, they break, always.

Here is another reason: You tried a Chromebook and you like the simplicity of it (no need to run anti-virus programs, and no need to do any software 'maintenance' on it), and while it does have support for some Linux APPS, you would prefer to run a bit more full-fledged programs than just simple apps. If you are one of these people, then Linux Mint might just be for you.

You may as well throw your PC in the garbage. With Linux it will be useless.

Looking more and more like if you want a free of tracking and spying operating system you may need to switch. Soon as a person can play old games off DVD on it the sooner majority of us will switch.

I am going down the path that Chris described and I find that the Linux world is like Windows 3 running on top of DOS. There is a shiny interface and a lot of programs you can run. But sooner or later you have to go to the command line to do something and that is where migration becomes challenging. Also, there is the Geek culture mindset to overcome. So many of the forums aren't friendly to newbies like me. I am an old dog and I am trying to learn the new tricks in Linux. My goal is to be off Windows by the end of this year so I have plenty or time to learn.

The only hindrance to people moving to Linux is that most people aren't computer savvy and purchase a pc with Windows preinstalled and have the attitude, it ain't broke don't fix it. I've been using Linux for 15 years and can't convince family members to switch despite the fact they only internet browse and check email.

And here we have some delicious food for the algorithm ;-)

all I really need is a voice activated keyboard and I'd be fine. Bit like gboard on android.

Linux runs Microsoft Edge, I should know, I have Microsoft Edge running on my Debian system. Microsoft even have a DEB and RPM file available for download on the Microsoft Edge download page. It's been there for about a year now.

Consider calling the operating system "GNU+Linux"

The reasoning is that it is the combination of the GNU operating system started in the 1980's by Richard Stallman, and the Linux kernel, to form a complete GNU operating system distribution out of it. Including "Linux" in the "GNU+Linux" name at all is done to respect the kernel's importance to the system, but it is the GNU operating system, just using Linux as it's kernel. Linux itself is not an operating system, a kernel is a component of an operating system.

Arch, Debian, Fedora, Gentoo, OpenSUSE, Slackware, etc. each are a distribution of the GNU operating system, using Linux as their kernel.

The GNU project hands out the software to make a GNU operating system, then people take that software and make a complete usable system distribution out of it, those are the distros. So they form a distribution of the GNU operating system with the use of Linux. A "GNU+Linux" distribution is therefore a specific kind of a GNU operating system. Each of those distributions I listed are both distributions of a GNU operating system and a GNU+Linux distribution. All GNU+Linux systems are GNU operating systems, but not all GNU operating systems are GNU+Linux. So of course the GNU project itself is not an operating system, the distributions made from their software are the ones that are.

Also even if in a modern GNU+Linux distro there is lot's of other software not from the GNU project, GNU remains the name because GNU is the origin and the foundation of the operating system. Started in the 80's by Richard Stallman, there is a continuous line of succession since then to the modern systems we have now. Modern distros are therefore descendants of GNU. The name is inherited. The only thing that should be called Linux in the system is the kernel. Also it's not just only about giving credit to the GNU project for starting it, no single name can give credit to all the software in the system, but since GNU is where it all started, that's the most appropriate choice for the name.

Does anyone know if msfs2020 will run on Linux?

I distro-hopped a bit while running a dual-boot system with Windows 11 and a Linux distro.
I tested tonnes of weird options quickly, but more in-depth I used Zorin OS, Fedora, and Ubuntu. Since I stuck with them I can confidently say all three are excellent and stable.
However I encountered by far the fewest issues using Zorin OS.

Often Ubuntu is recommended to new users who don't know what they want. I think that's a bad thing, as Ubuntu has many issues and little bugs getting in the way of a casual user who doesn't want to mess with the Terminal to get basics running.
I've had much smoother experiences with Zorin.
Even Fedora, despite the lesser software support, I found smoother. Because the only software options are community made ports (like flatpaks), and I find they seem to be tested and made for Fedora users.

I am now on Ubuntu exclusively, no dual-boot anymore. I use it just to avoid compatibility issues when I dip into software development work. But for regular users, gaming, and even tinkerers, Zorin is by far the best distro.
Pop OS is also okay, but has obstacles that I wouldn't want to give to new users. Also I use PopOS at work, and I find it to slightly get in the way of professional development.

At some moment on 2015 I switched to Linux mint because the laptop I had was struggling with windows, it was very slow, and I was ok with the new OS but my family when they needed to use my laptop to print or anything they were angry but it was my laptop and the only computer on the house, Linux mint it's very easy to use and a good alternative for old computers

nice presentation.

speech at each video end makes me having more and more goosebumps 😂

This is great stuff and hopefully encourages many more people to give Linux a try. For me, the fact that my PC is a family resource for other non technical users is a powerful reason not to switch. For me personally, I enjoy some gaming which could be problematic, plus I have Outlook 2010 set up with myriad folders and rules, which I'm not sure can be migrated to Tbird for example. Having said all that, I still dislike Windows intensely in its current form.

Very interesting video Chris, possibly the best one yet.

Great explanation on Zorin thanks

speak of the devil, I was just thinking about switching to linux.

NUMBER ONE REASON TO SWITCH GET OFF SPYWARE /HACKERWARE TREADMILL

Thanks for the unbiased recommendation why and how to switch to Linux. By also mentioning Linux might not be suitable for everyone. Plus the mentioning about Virtual Machines.

For the distributions, Mint, Zorin and Ubuntu are in my opinion good examples for someone, wants who try first Linux steps all alone. But the "best" Linux distribution in my opinion is drumroll the one your friend or co-worker uses. Because if you run into trouble it's best to have someone who know your Linux already.

Another thing I always wanted to mention is that you show adding a password for the new created user account. Sure it's good from the security aspect (have it this way myself).

But when a Windows user sees you (happened in one of your previous Linux video a lot!) entering a password again and again s/he might decide Linux is too complicated. Because in Windows you usually don't use passwords (although you can, and should). Thus I would suggest not use a password in your videos targeting Linux newbies. BUT also mention people should better set one otherwise, for security reasons.

A dual boot system should allow running Linux and Windows. Yes? I'm running Windows 7 and refuse to upgrade into Microsoft's zone of tyranny. IMO, Win2000 and XP marked the end of actual of improvement.

You gotta forget foss quite quick if you use it like windows or it is really restricted and bad experience :P Your wifi doesnt even work at all in some cases if you go all in foss

Trying Mint at the moment, not going well. Logitech mouse won't work properly and Dell printer won't work at all 🙄

Hello, you recently did a review on KDE Plasma latest release. I am considering buying a computer with this OS already installed. However I liked the idea of doing a test run. Can i do the same thing with the KDE software on an old computer that you did with Mint. I have to agree with another comment, that you do help simplify things and make them doable. You are appreciated.

Christopher, thank you very much for the video, especially I found Ventoy tool very helpful. I didn't knew that is in general possible to put multiple distros on a single USB drive. Just today i tried out the Ventoy tool and it is amazing. I even could put windows and couple of linux isos on the same USB drive, problem with free USB drives solved! Thank you!

Hi Chris, great Video, thanks for the Tutorial I learned a lot. I have been thinking of using Linux for a while because Win 10 will be subscription based come next year and I don't want to pay Micro-Sh*te any more than I have too.

One question, what about Computer & File Security when using Unix, especially when on-line? (No mention of it in the Video)
Thanks again M8.🙂

Linux needs a universal PR person. I've distro surfed and had a good time, but wow. I love Debian and use it so I'll pick on them, but they're not alone: bland text web pages and 14 pages of setup isn't going to help sell it. Fedora, Zorin, Mint, and others get their first impressions and first steps pretty right, just like this video. Get ISo, get Rufus (or BE), do the thing. Folks can terminal and build arch later....get them in the door first! Thanks for this!

This is a video i was thinking of glad to see it! 🎉 😊

Even when Windows change version you loose many things or things change place...

Hi Mr. thanks for the video.
Just a correction, you can install MS Edge on Linux, because a couple years ago, they (MS) move to be base on chromium, which made easy to install in all OS. Of course it is up to the user if want to keep use it. ;)
Final note: for better security, i recommend install a firewall like GUFW (which is graphical version of UFW) ;)

Slowly but surely we are switching our w10, before Oct.2025 happens. Already 2pcs. Running ubuntu 24.04. So far so good. Not gonna spend more just so I could upgrade to w11, no way m$.

+1 for Ventoy, whatever operating system you use! It makes it trivial to boot into a live environment to perform rescue operations, or to simply have a way to use your computer in an emergency when its installed OS isn't working.

last time i use linux was so wrong and have many problems with black screen or crash the systems and i have a new laptop i prefer to use windows cuz it s works same as linux like same faster same easy for youtobe and some documents it s same

Linux - brilliant, if you can find drivers for your hardware! Good luck.

Awesome work to introduce the uninitiated to alternatives. I made the switch on the desktop many years ago, and never looked back. I can only recommend this video for anyone wanting to give it a go.

A small point but worth considering is to do an immediate linux update as a lot of the software will be out of date. This is could be lengthyfgirst time round and is due to the distro making its ISO image somewhat infrequently. From then on update frequency is no worse than Windows and at least it won't take over your machine but politely seek permission,

I am a seasoned Linux user…
Can you please go back to your sandbox and play with the other kids on the block

I have had a different use case : setting up a cheap shared PC for a local association, with users coming mostly from a Windows background. I was advised to try Fedora 40 Workstation. It offers a tablet style presentation, and indeed, it has been accepted by all users. There are very little evidences of the presence of Linux, but still all the facilites are available. IT wise, I used a Ventoy key with both Mint and Fedora, (and windows 10), it's a very simple option for this kind of setup ! Thank you Christopher for your excellent videos !

Right there you skipped such an important thing that for new people definitely need to explain! Because all "flathubs" are a real mess and people from windows need to know why the flathub newer version of the app is not always better than that system one. And not always work as intended....

You should make a video, how to dual boot with other Linux distro.