Is there any sort of agreed-upon source that’s a good and full beginners tutorial for Linux? Are there any things that somebody migrating their should expect, such as inability to do certain things, or use certain common software?
Basically, how does it beginner start down that road?
Youtube. Really youtube is the now the ultimate answer to “how do I...” for everything.
Finally, I got around to installing Linux.
Here’s what I learned.
Originally I was going to do a dual boot dual drive system which would require adding another drive to my PC box.
Problem was if was an HP small form factor and it did not have any vacant PCI slots.
I could have worked around that but it would require some cabling that I really did not want to do.
After I thought about it for awhile which was months, I decided to pick up a used PC on Ebay which could not have properly run Windows 11.
Got a Mini form factor Dell Optiplex 7040 for less than 60 bucks with tax and shipping.
That would have been in the neighborhood of what new SSD and cabling would have cost for a dual boot drive system upgrade.
The nice thing about this was there was no risk of messing up my Windows 10 machine and the data on it.
The You Tuber Digital Scriptorium had the best install of Zorin 18 that I have seen.
I did a clean install on the Dell with no problems.
It’s faster and just smoother than my ten year old Windows machine was.
I bought a switch which allows to me to use just one keyboard and mouse for both machines.
Since I have a two monitor set-up I can run both at the same time although you have to switch the mouse and keyboard back and forth.
I was using open source software such as Open Office and Gimp on my windows machine and I don’t think it will be difficult to transfer open office files to Libre whic came installed on Zorin 18 or I could install Open Office.
I was very fond of the music player Music Bee which does not have a Linux version.
I’m using VLC to play a stream from Classic FM UK my favorite internet radio station.
Although I may just keep using my Windows 10 machine offline for a word processor, music player for my digital library, and Microsoft Solitaire.
I’m not sure about Bluetooth as the computer came with a dongle plugged in.
But I really don’t use Bluetooth on my PC.
Mint Linux is the easiest Linux to start with. You can download it, get it onto a bootable flash drive. Then boot into Mint desktop and poke around to see how you like it. Mint is great for web surfing (use Chrome, Edge what have you) and “office” tasks. Other software you might have to install.
NOTE: Booting into Mint with a flash drive does not affect or wipeout the Windows 10 or 11 that is installed on your computer.
I was about 5 years old when the Win 98 landed on Mommy's desk. It was like learning to swim. Jump in first, learn later. I'm doing much the same now with Linux. Explore. Try stuff. You can't hurt it.