Linux is very advanced now. You can check it out by making a bootable usb stick. No need to install it. For beginners I usually suggest ubuntu based versions like ubuntu, pop-os or mint.
I’ve been using Linux for years. I’ve just also been using Windows, mostly for games, but given my experience on the Steam Deck I’ll probably be fine switching my desktop over.
My problem was that dual booting kept me from committing. I’d use Linux a bit, go back to Windows to game, then a Windows update would kill grub or whatever it’s called these days and I’d forget about it.
It really does seem like 11 will be the shit-cherry on the shit-cake as far as user-hostile operating systems go. They are literally going to monitor every single thing the user does on their computer and monetize it. while shoving AI garbage down your throat.
Year of the linux desktop might not be a meme anymore, particularly since gaming works really well…
The sad part is that we (Linux users) always thought about “the year of the Linux desktop” as “by then Linux will be amazing”, not as “by then Windows will be awful”.
Personally I would say it is incredible nowadays! Boots up nearly instantly, no bloat, no corporation harvesting your data via telemetry or shoving AI up your ass, infinitely customizable, can run nearly any program, can run on any hardware, there are distros for grandma that are dead simple to use and bleeding edge minimalist distros that you can build from the ground up with innovative environments that can change the way you use your computer. I use arch btw
Linux nowadays is damn great, and it changed positively by a lot from when I started out in the 00s. However I don’t see people considering Linux because of those improvements, it’s mostly to avoid something rotten in Windows - like two of the examples that you mentioned, data harvesting and forcing poorly thought features down your throat.
Yeah I have windows 10 on my PC, always dabbled with Linux and had it as a dual boot but was occasional. But didn’t like what I saw of windows 11 on another device and decided to take the full plunge and only use linux.
I have no regrets - 6 months now, had been on mint before but tried a couple of distros and have been on OpenSuSe tumbleweed since December. I like KDE, I like OpenSuSe and I things like Proton with Steam mean I haven’t used my windows install in months.
I know “year of the linux desktpp” is a meme but i have to say things do feel different now. Gnome and KDE are both slick, graphics drivers are good, Steam Proton and Wine are game changers for gamers, and the aggressive behaviour of MS with Windows (and actually Google with chrome too if you want to broaden to open source) seem to be all converging to make Linux the best option (not just an OK option).
I don’t think most consumers will move but i do think if you have even basic tech savvy now, its never been easier to switch and switch for good.
I’m a Debian adherent, but I’ve been eyeballing openSUSE for Plasma 6 (and just generally not having to wait a year for certain upgrades). What are some, if any, of the gotchas folks should look out for with openSUSE + KDE Plasma?
The more I read about Windows 11 the more I’m convinced Windows 10 will be my last Windows version.
Linux is very advanced now. You can check it out by making a bootable usb stick. No need to install it. For beginners I usually suggest ubuntu based versions like ubuntu, pop-os or mint.
I’ve been using Linux for years. I’ve just also been using Windows, mostly for games, but given my experience on the Steam Deck I’ll probably be fine switching my desktop over.
I suggest dual booting at first, just to have options. Good luck! :)
My problem was that dual booting kept me from committing. I’d use Linux a bit, go back to Windows to game, then a Windows update would kill grub or whatever it’s called these days and I’d forget about it.
Understandable. These days you dont need to go back to game either. The update aspect is really bad though.
It really does seem like 11 will be the shit-cherry on the shit-cake as far as user-hostile operating systems go. They are literally going to monitor every single thing the user does on their computer and monetize it. while shoving AI garbage down your throat.
Year of the linux desktop might not be a meme anymore, particularly since gaming works really well…
The sad part is that we (Linux users) always thought about “the year of the Linux desktop” as “by then Linux will be amazing”, not as “by then Windows will be awful”.
Personally I would say it is incredible nowadays! Boots up nearly instantly, no bloat, no corporation harvesting your data via telemetry or shoving AI up your ass, infinitely customizable, can run nearly any program, can run on any hardware, there are distros for grandma that are dead simple to use and bleeding edge minimalist distros that you can build from the ground up with innovative environments that can change the way you use your computer. I use arch btw
Linux nowadays is damn great, and it changed positively by a lot from when I started out in the 00s. However I don’t see people considering Linux because of those improvements, it’s mostly to avoid something rotten in Windows - like two of the examples that you mentioned, data harvesting and forcing poorly thought features down your throat.
Yeah I have windows 10 on my PC, always dabbled with Linux and had it as a dual boot but was occasional. But didn’t like what I saw of windows 11 on another device and decided to take the full plunge and only use linux.
I have no regrets - 6 months now, had been on mint before but tried a couple of distros and have been on OpenSuSe tumbleweed since December. I like KDE, I like OpenSuSe and I things like Proton with Steam mean I haven’t used my windows install in months.
I know “year of the linux desktpp” is a meme but i have to say things do feel different now. Gnome and KDE are both slick, graphics drivers are good, Steam Proton and Wine are game changers for gamers, and the aggressive behaviour of MS with Windows (and actually Google with chrome too if you want to broaden to open source) seem to be all converging to make Linux the best option (not just an OK option).
I don’t think most consumers will move but i do think if you have even basic tech savvy now, its never been easier to switch and switch for good.
I’m a Debian adherent, but I’ve been eyeballing openSUSE for Plasma 6 (and just generally not having to wait a year for certain upgrades). What are some, if any, of the gotchas folks should look out for with openSUSE + KDE Plasma?