Technology

For word there's a web client if you need to have word, but there's also FOSS alternatives that aren't word that work just as well.

For Adobe, I'm not sure. Do you need Adobe, or can an alternative work?

Microsoft obviously often only supports Windows, though they do have a decent amount of Linux support too, because their developers use Linux frequently. A lot of other large companies don't support Linux either because they don't see the incentive, or they have another worse reason, such as helping Microsoft maintain market dominance.

Practically, no. If a Linux user need Adobe for her life, then she needs to use it from a Virtual Machine.

Kinda my gaming experience on Linux right now.

For most games, I install them and they just run perfectly fine.

There are a few games that still need tweaks, though, that is true.

I see

While we may sometimes use such terms since Lemmy is populated mostly by tech-savvy people, it's absolutely not required for you to be one to successfully install and operate Linux!

I'll tell you what to do.

But first, a quick explainer on the terms, so you could get savvier too. It is in no way super required for you to be on Linux, but you'll be able to understand talks made here way easier:

1.Mint and Manjaro are so-called distributions of Linux. Unlike Windows, which is a full complete system, Linux is modular and is based on the Linux kernel - basically a core of an operating system doing the most important and complicated things. And then on top of that there is a lot of other code that makes slight changes on how it all works called the distribution. Don't worry - all Linux distribution are good and compatible with each other, so your pick is mostly one of personal liking.

2.VM - virtual machine. Basically software that allows you to launch operating system within an operating system. With virtual machines, you can launch Linux out of Windows, Windows out of Linux, and any other combination with pretty much any operating system you can imagine. VMs are good for checking something out or when you really really need something in another operating system (very advanced stuff). In fact, you can try out Linux using a VM - just load an image (more on that below) into program like VirtualBox and you're all set. Still, VMs are limiting, and for a much better experience I recommend you to go for a Linux install (more on that below).

3.Dualboot - a type of operating system install that lets you choose which operating system to go to when you turn your computer on. For example, I'm on Linux full-time, but if for some reason I'll need to turn on my PC and go to Windows, I can. And so could you.

Now, install!

This part is super easy.

First, you need a USB flash drive (8+GB) and a flashing software like Balena Etcher. Download and install it.

Then, you need to choose system image - basically, what you'll put on your USB stick and what will end up on your computer. Images for Linux Mint are here. They only differ in looks and performance, but if your computer runs modern Windows, you can take anything you like. Cinnamon is the most common. Images for Manjaro are here - if prompted to choose architecture, take x86_64. Choice of image is - again - matter of looks, just don't go i3 or Sway, those are advanced. I recommend going with the most default option - Plasma Desktop, i.e. KDE. Pick just one - either Mint or Manjaro, whatever you'd like, both are excellent choices. Unsure? Mint is most common recommendation, but looks a little Windows 7-ey. Manjaro with Plasma is super sexy and incredibly snappy, but it'd benefit from you learning more basics about Linux. Still, very good as it is.

Then, put your drive in, open Balena Etcher, pick image, pick your USB, flash. After success, reboot your PC and load into flash drive (you might want to press F8 or other button depending on motherboard when computer turns on again so that it doesn't just load into Windows instead). Boom! You're in a live version of Linux. It is very limited, it runs off your flash drive, but you'll already get to see how it looks. Now desktop will have an icon saying "Install ...", press it and install the system. The installation program is super intuitive and tells you everything you need to know. The only dangerous part is partitioning - you should make sure installation program detected Windows and will not overwrite it (assuming you still need it) - it'll remind you of that, don't worry. Ideally, you should install Linux on another physical drive (you'll be able to choose it), but that's not strictly required. Then you wait and...

...BOOM! Now every time you turn your PC on, you can choose whether to use Linux or Windows. If anything is not clear, there's a million of very friendly guides on every aspect of what I just said, including the scariest parts. Go ahead, try it out! You won't regret.

Googling isn't hard these days. Take 15 seconds to find out what those mean and you'll understand it's not difficult.

But, the money isn't there

There are no users on Linux because there are no games!

They don't make games for Linux because there are no users!

Except Valve nullified all those arguments. First with Proton, and then with the Steam Deck.

Companies don't even have to target Linux with dedicated builds anymore. They just need to target Proton, which reduces the work for a Linux version by at least 90%.