this post was submitted on 24 Apr 2025
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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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I have used Windows all my life, and I have some questions. (lemmy.world)
submitted 1 day ago by ArchmageAzor@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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Basically the forced shift to the enshittified Windows 11 in october has me eyeing the fence a lot. But all I know about Linux is 1: it's a cantankerous beast that can smell your fear and lack of computer skills and 2: that's apparently not true any more? Making the change has slowly become a more real possibility for me, though I'm pretty much a fairly casual PC-user, I don't do much more than play games. So I wrote down some questions I had about Linux.

Will my ability to play games be significantly affected compared to Windows?

Can I mod games as freely and as easily as I do on Windows?

If a program has no Linux version, is it unusable, or are there workarounds?

Can Linux run programs that rely on frameworks like .NET or other Windows-specific libraries?

How do OS updates work in Linux? Is there a "Linux Update" program like what Windows has?

How does digital security work on Linux? Is it more vulnerable due to being open source? Is there integrated antivirus software, or will I have to source that myself?

Are GPU drivers reliable on Linux?

Can Linux (in the case of a misconfiguration or serious failure) potentially damage hardware?

And also, what distro might be best for me?

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[–] kittenzrulz123@lemmy.blahaj.zone 5 points 10 hours ago

I have used Windows all my life, and I have some questions

This is a great place to ask

But all I know about Linux is 1: it's a cantankerous beast that can smell your fear and lack of computer skills and 2: that's apparently not true any more?

Yes and no, the primary skill that you will be tested when using Linux is the ability to learn new things and adapt to changes. People misinterpret this as being complicated when in many cases its simpler but different.

I'm pretty much a fairly casual PC-user, I don't do much more than play games. So I wrote down some questions I had about Linux.Will my ability to play games be significantly affected compared to Windows?

Depends, if you mostly play single player games then most likley not. If you play online games than maybe not also maybe not.

Can I mod games as freely and as easily as I do on Windows?If a program has no Linux version, is it unusable, or are there workarounds?

Depends on the game, for something like Minecraft or Doom youll be fine but games with less support may not have good Linux support.

Can Linux run programs that rely on frameworks like .NET or other Windows-specific libraries?

Yes, Wine has alternative frameworks and libraries

How do OS updates work in Linux? Is there a "Linux Update" program like what Windows has?

OS updates can either be done through the package manager or your distributions GUI software center

How does digital security work on Linux? Is it more vulnerable due to being open source?

On the surface it may seem so because more CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exploits) are found on Linux but they're also patched faster than Windows and mostly before they find their way into the wild. In addition Linux is designed more securely such as, using repos (so software can be verified as legitimate), not allowing user mode software to run in kernel mode (so no anticheat), and having more eyes on the code.

Is there integrated antivirus software, or will I have to source that myself?

Not really and nobody uses it, it's like MacOS in that regard

Are GPU drivers reliable on Linux?Can Linux (in the case of a misconfiguration or serious failure) potentially damage hardware?

For the most part yes but keep in mind there are new drivers that arent ready to be used, as long as you stay on stable drivers you'll be fine. Also hardware damage will most likley only occur if you do heavy overclocking and. Ignore temps.

And also, what distro might be best for me? Pop_OS