The distro itself, Ubuntu, Mint, Solus, Arch, Gentoo, etc etcĢ. Not sure how much you know about Linux Desktops, but essentially there are two components.ġ. I started out on Ubuntu, then tried a distro called Antergos, now have been fairly settled on Solus, but I'm prone to a little distro hopping just to try out different desktop environments and distros. The reason I'd suggest Ubuntu is just due to it being probably the most popular Linux desktop, so there's a plethora of information available.
Personally I find it easier to use Linux now than Windows 10, and up until a couple of years ago I was a Windows guy for the desktop too, however I was dual booting Ubuntu/Windows for a while until a Windows update hosed my Linux install and in anger and annoyance, along with increasing concerns about the data mining in Windows 10 I formatted my drive and haven't looked back.
In response to would suggest Ubuntu, I'm a full time Linux desktop user and have been now for a couple of years, it's a little difficult initially as like mentioned you do need to find completely new ways to do things, and that does take a bit of getting used to, however, it can be done. Will be interested in what you decide and Sounds like TL:DR "Can't teach an old dog new tricks"
Don't know your reasons for wanting to switch, but certainly worth your time to check out the videos and spend a few evenings creating VMs to get your feet wet, so you'd be in a better position to decide which Linux you like best (or dislike least ) ). I'm older, set in my ways, opinionated, argumentative and particular. Lots of folks have moved to Mint or Ubuntu and are very happy. Even if the Linux UI were awesome, the time to develop the kind of expertise and customizations I have with the programs I know inside out, would have been impossible to learn in Linux in any reasonable timeframe.īut if loading an OS for my kid or wife, who are always running browser apps and writing the occasional letter or resume in a word processor, I'd have few qualms setting them up in Linux.īut don't let my experience and decisions overly influence you. My fingers still remember most of the buttons as I still use it when tinkering on special projects.
I have written dozens of intricate macros, over about a 10 year stint where I was doing heavy software development (over 20 years ago). I also have a text editor that people who have watched me use have said it appears the editor was reading my mind. And not only that, I would have had to give up the apps that I have achieved guru like knowledge, including Word and Excel. I suppose if I felt the Linux UI had significant advantages, I could have persevered, but I felt i was moving sideways and backwards so didn't really feel motivated. In the end I found it an annoying experience. Many of my instincts from running windows for decades were wrong. Was able to at least run a bootable image though a VM that gave full access to the OS features. Had a lot of trouble as I recall getting them to install but I don't remember the details. I started playing with the three OSes you mention to try them out. Simple things like the app list at the bottom of the screen were unattainable or suboptimal in some of the UIs.
I did this a couple years ago and was surprised that some of the most basic things I did in Windows were done quite differently. I would suggest going to YouTube and watching some videos and getting a flavor for which UI seems most natural to you. Some Linux versions support different UIs. I now like it much better than the DOS command line in windows, even if it is more difficult to master.īut the UI of the graphical interface of the different versions can vary to a much larger degree. I'm actually quite adept at the Linux command line. Some versions have access to a wider / different set of apps. Main difference is how you load / install apps, which vary. I would mention that most flavors of Linux are going to be very similar from the command line.