this post was submitted on 17 Aug 2023
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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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I've always used Windows and am super comfortable with it. I have set up a dual boot with fedora but don't use it because I have never identified a need to use it. I see a lot of windows hate, so what does Linux have that I need? What can motivate me to migrate? What is a good Linux to have for a desktop + steam?

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[–] northernnoel@lemmy.sweeney.social 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

As others have said if you're happy with Windows then why change? If you're wanting to then instead of looking at the OS, look at what applications you use and see if there's a Linux version or an alternative you could use.

Personally, I actually support Windows on a day to day basis but use Linux at home. If there's one hate I have for Windows it's their awful update process, making my computer basically crawl until it finally decides it's going to reboot randomly as I've put the update off too long.

Added with the artificial software restrictions put in place for Windows 11, Linux seemed a no brainier.

I've been using Debian for a while. It's not as resource hungry and rock solid. It's survived several OS upgrades and keeps happily ticking along. Where for work I have a Microsoft Surface that the camera driver crashes unless I roll back to a previous version. Every so often Windows will decide that actually I'll want that new driver regardless of what I say. How can a MS OS fail to work with MS hardware?

In terms of recommending an OS, I'd say Linux Mint. It's a great starter OS and as it's popular it's well supported.