Been a long time Windows user but with each Windows version, I hate it more. So bloated and locked in. I saw that mint is a good beginner distribution but its not supported by framework. Is Ubuntu really different from Windows with a higher learning curve?
Talk me out of wasting hours to get linux working when Windows works out-of-the-box
I’m in the same boat.
But leaving win for good (no dual boot).
Torn between Fedora vs Garuda atm. (still waiting for my FW)
Install Windows so that you have it and then run WSL2 with Ubuntu to “test the water”.
Most beginner friendly distributions work ootb
Spoiler alert. Linux works out of the box. Even more so than Windows.
Yes, it’s very different. It’s the difference between having a kitchen full of tools to make whatever you want (but you need to learn to cook), versus going to a restaurant where things are made for you, but you can only order what the chef decided to put on the menu (and they secretly spy on everything you do, sell information about you, “reset” your table on their whim, etc.).
A lot of people have put a lot of work into making Linux much more accessible than it used to be, but that’s just a thin veneer over a much more complex machine.
Do you like taking things apart and seeing how they work? Switch to Linux.
Have you ever tried programming? Did you hate it? Stick with windows.
Do you want to spend hours twiddling with your computer, eventually getting it to do exactly what you want, the way you want it? Switch.
Do you want to just learn which button you’re supposed to press to make things run and never have to think about it again? Stick.
I’ve been using Linux for about 25 years. Love it. Highly recommended. But it’s not for everyone.
It depends what software you want to run. Windows, MacOS, and Linux are just operating systems. What you need to run is a big driver. I got my framework to practice CAD. There are some CAD packages that will run on Linux, but not many and not the most available ones in use by industry.
read my username 👍
Do you use Arch btw?
Debian and Ubuntu🗿🗿🗿
What’s your thoughts on PopOS! I quite like it, its simple and easy to get going?
I think its a great choice. You get all the benifits of ubuntu plus a better customized desktop environment.
Don’t switch to Linux if there are a lot of windows based programs that you depend on. Don’t switch to Linux if you like things modern and clean. A lot of programs for Linux feel very old school and clunky. I have a Linux computer but I’m never going to switch from Windows to it because it just can’t do everything I need.
If you’re the type of person who likes simple tech and you live in constant fear of your computer breaking, keep Windows. If you don’t mind tinkering with your OS to see what tricks it can do, give Linux a try.
Mint will work on your framework laptop just fine.
I’d recommend Fedora or Ubuntu instead, Gnome is amazing these days.
Fedora works great and it’ll bring most features as it’s getting updates as soon as they are stable.
You need to know basic knowledge like setting up flatpak for your software, bottles for windows software and knowledge about not being able to use many usb devices that need software.
I’m on Linux for 2 years now because of the same reasons and I’m happier than ever. It can get annoying sometimes but it’s worth it, windows is more annoying.
Get enough storage so you can dual boot. If you’re like most people there will be a piece of software that you can’t get on one os or the other and either don’t want to find an alternative or can’t.
What would you say as a minimum storage for a good dual boot? SSDs are currently on sale, trying to decide on between 1tb or 2tb is enough or would need more
For dual boot install Windows first, its easier that way. Windows install requires around 100GB (based on future needs). On Ubuntu 20GB is fine.
My recommendation:
1.) Get a 2TB Nvme. Divide the drive into 3 partitions. 100GB for Windows, 50GB for Ubuntu, rest for your personal files.
2.) Install windows first on 100GB partition
3.) Install Ubuntu using the advanced installation. Install Ubuntu to use 50GB partition (represented by / symbol), format rest of the space and make it your home partition under Ubuntu (represented by /home)
This way even if you somehow screw your Ubuntu installation your user files are safe on different partition.
If this is too complicated after installing windows just go for install Ubuntu side by side option in the installer.
If you wish I can share a solid article which you can use as a guide.
I TB is definitely sufficient, you can get a lot of linuxing done on just 100GB, but the more the merrier.
The situation may be different with bleeding edge Framework laptops but in my experience installing the mainstream Linux distros (e.g. Ubuntu, Fedora) is in general significantly less work than Windows, assuming you’re on supported hardware. This is because Linux drivers are baked into and distributed with the OS compared to Windows where you have to go find and install them after-the-fact (there are a few notable exceptions to this, mainly Nvidia). So basically your hardware either just works if it’s supported or doesn’t if it’s not.
Linux on the desktop has a bad reputation from earlier years of poor hardware support and general user-unfriendliness. These days though, if you stick to the mainstream distros, the experience imo is almost Mac-like in its simplicity. And if you graduate to wanting a more custom experience there’s a whole world of options to explore later on.
I’ve been using Linux exclusively for over a decade and it’s honestly amazing to see how far it’s come. Join us, you won’t regret it!
Os choice is driven by your needs rather than any ideological mantra.
If your programs run under linux then go for it. I made good experiences with ubuntu. It simply works on my desktop. Gaming works. Most devtools work even better. Browser works too. Streaming is meh. So you can save a buck with the lower bitrate.
Whats holding people back is windows specific software that runs poorly under proton and wine. Like autodesk stuff.
If you figure out your usecases then you can evaluate it its worth switching.
I have had more issues with Linux, but I use it for everything I can. Honestly Windows is just ridiculous sometimes.