this post was submitted on 09 Aug 2023
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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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Beginner's Guides for Switching to Linux? (lemmy.ml)
submitted 1 year 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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[–] WR5@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 year ago (4 children)

Okay thank you! Do you know of a good list of Linux compatible alternatives to Windows software? I'm sure I can track some down but may want to get familiar before making the jump like you said.

[–] bikesarethefuture@programming.dev 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Tell me a software you use usually, and I'll tell you the Linux equivalent

[–] WR5@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 year ago

Typically I have a browser (Firefox), Blender for some 3D modeling, uTorrent, previously Plex (but wanting to move away from it to something like Jellyfin maybe), Microsoft Offjce products but mostly Word/Excel/PowerPoint, and I have Outlook on my work laptop but am used to using browser for email client as needed so thats not a huge priority if there isnt a good mail application. There are probably others but those are the most often or daily usage!

[–] MazonnaCara89@lemmy.ml 3 points 1 year ago

Dunno any, but if you maybe tell me the software you want to switch I can tell you the alternative available on both Linux and Windows if available.

[–] CafecitoHippo@lemm.ee 2 points 1 year ago

I would check out AlternativeTo. You can search for programs you use (and filter by OS).

[–] TheAnonymouseJoker@lemmy.ml -2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

You have that answer in my guide I sent :D

[–] WR5@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 year ago

Perfect, thank you!