Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Beginner's Guides for Switching to Linux? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 2 years ago by WR5@lemmy.ml to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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Hello!

I'm interested in moving my personal computer to running Linux but I'm not sure where to even begin. As background, I am a casual user and have a desktop with hardware from around 2014 running Windows. I am hoping to setup a NAS drive as a media server in the next year or so, offloading all of the files currently on the Windows desktop and have been interested in open source software such as Jellyfin. I also mostly game on an Xbox and Nintendo Switch, but have used the desktop in the past for gaming such as with an Oculus Rift Headset and some Steam games so not huge on getting games working on the computer. But, I do sometimes torrent using the computer so don't want to lose that capability (especially with upkeep for the media server).

With all of that said, I didn't know how to get started with choosing what Linux OS to use, setting it up, backing up my files to make sure I can use them with the new OS, etc. Making the switch seems to have great options for customization and "choosing a distro that works for you", but I don't know what would work for me or what will be user friendly for a beginner.

Any tips or pointing me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

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[–] RamSwamson@lemmy.sdf.org 3 points 2 years ago (2 children)

So far my main struggle with any flavor of Linux has been battery drain and ram usage. I haven’t been able to get laptops to suspend properly, they only turn the screen off.

[–] WR5@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 years ago

I'm hoping to keep it on desktop (not allowed to edit my work laptop), so hopefully that won't be an issue but will keep it in mind for power usage. Thank you!

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[–] simple@lemm.ee 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

The recommendations here aren't bad but I would highly recommend ZorinOS. It's familiar to Windows and does a lot to be beginner friendly.

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[–] LoveSausage@lemmygrad.ml 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Check out peppermint OS. Runs on most hardware , lightweight and easy. Debian based , stable and got most things you might need. Easy transfer from Windows since a bit prepared for using web-based stuff

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