What you should not expect when switching to Linux

DarkDuck ^ | 17 September 2015 | Dmitry (Darkduck)

[ShadowAce]

Linux is a great operating system. Nobody in the Linux camp will argue about that. There are many articles on the Internet convincing you to try and to switch to Linux. There are also many articles that attempt to show you why you should not switch.

Let's look at this question from a slightly different viewpoint today. Say, you are now convinced that you want to switch to Linux. What you should NOT expect from this switch?

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1. Linux works much faster than Windows

This isn't too far from the truth. Generally speaking, Linux OS is less resource-hungry than Windows. However, it all depends on two factors:

• Desktop environment

There are several desktop environments and window managers available for the Linux operating systems. Some of them specifically target low-end hardware, so they work much faster than the default Windows interface. LXDE, Xfce, Openbox are good examples here. On the other hand, some desktop environments don't put speed of operation as the top priority.

You may experience approximately the same speed of operation compared to Windows if you use the Unity, GNOME 3, or KDE 4 or 5 desktop environments.

• Applications

Linux won't work wonders if you try to run many resource-hungry applications on a low-end hardware platform. Generally speaking, memory and CPU are managed very well by the Linux kernel, and resource use by the operating system itself is generally lower for Linux. But Linux cannot increase your physical memory size or reduce the amount of memory required by the application.

2. I will do everything from the graphical interface only

Again, this is not very far from the truth. Many desktop environments are now very well-designed. You won't need to enter the command line interface (CLI) to do most of the configuration or routine steps. However, there may be an occasion or two when you need to revert to CLI. Maybe because it is the only way to do something in your operating system. Maybe because it is quicker and easier to do something via CLI than via graphical interface.

Also, the entire CLI is unified across the Linux operating systems. It means that the same command is very likely to work the same way in many Linux distributions. That's why many how-to's refer to CLI when they describe system- or version-independent steps.

3. I will immediately start using Linux graphical interface like a Pro

Linux operating systems allow you to use many graphical interfaces, or Desktop Environments (DE). Many of them are so flexible that you won't be able to tell which DE it is when running the default set up of various distributions.

Some of the DEs are very similar to Windows, moreover they are aimed at Windows migrants:

• GNOME 3 in Zorin OS is configured to look exactly like Windows 7 by default, but allows you to switch to other themes too.
• Cinnamon and Plasma (KDE 4 or 5) interfaces are designed to be very similar to Windows 7.
• Xfce and LXDE desktop environments have a default layout similar to Windows XP.

Other desktop environments have a very different concept of desktop organisation and use. You will inevitably have a learning curve when starting to use MATE, Unity or GNOME 3.

4. I will immediately have all the software I need

Although there is a way to run Windows applications in Linux, it is not a good idea to always follow that route. Additionally, not all the Windows software is possible to run this way.

However, have a look at alternatives. Do you really need Windows Media Player, Microsoft Office or Adobe Photoshop? Or would VLC, LibreOffice and GIMP do the job for you?

One good thing is that many of these free software tools are available as Windows applications too. You can install and try them on your Windows system even before you install Linux on your machine. You will dip your feet into the Open Source world, along with trying the features and interface of your future tools.

Also, not all the distributions have the same default set of applications. You may have to install something specific you need from the repositories. Different distributions have different approaches here. I would distinguish three of them:

1. Barebones. You have the core system only, and then add the software yourself. Not very convenient for the beginning user, because you may not know the name of the application you need. Good examples here are Bodhi or SLAX.
2. Full-blown. You have many applications for the same task. It is sometimes very confusing, but it allows you to try different applications before you make a choice. Also, this is good if your Internet connection is limited. Good examples here are Zorin OS Ultimate, Emmabuntus or Knoppix.
3. Mid-range. Most of the distributions fit this category. You have default applications for most of the common tasks. If you don't like the default application, or something is missing, the repository is right at your fingertips.

All the above does not mean to stop you from switching to Linux. Just manage your expectations, and you'll be more ready to enjoy the new world!

[angryoldfatman]

Simple answer: You download it off of the Internet, then burn it onto a DVD.

There are a huge number of different “versions” (i.e., “distributions” or “distros”) of Linux. There are also different graphic user interfaces (GUIs) that can be used inside these “versions”.

In comparison, there are only 3 viable versions of Windows (7, 8.x, and 10), and only one GUI per version.

If you’re wanting something close to Windows, I suggest going here:

http://www.linuxmint.com

If you’re unfamiliar with burning disk images (ISO files) onto DVDs, then you can actually order pre-made DVDs straight from the website:

https://www.osdisc.com/products/linux/linuxmint?affiliate=linuxmint

All you need is the Install DVD, everything else can be downloaded from a program that operates like Google Play or the iStore.

[Bikkuri]

I am running from an Android.. I am still trying to figure out how to run Mint :/
(am actually in an internet cafe, atm..) grr.. can’t install from USB, like I did on PC :p

Any advice?

[Bikkuri]

Have you checked out Blender? It’s 100% frr... not same as CAD, but much more flexible..

[ShadowAce]

I'm not familiar with tablets, so I have no advice on that front--sorry!

The good news is that Android is actually a version of Linux, so there really is no need to install a full distro on it, I would think.

[Stanwood_Dave]

I'm a former RedHat user (mid to late 1990's, if I remember correctly) my problem then was the word processor, I'll call WordPerfect look alike, which I found to be very lacking compared to the original WordPerfect. I'd guess you could say that I'm an advanced user of WordPerfect-7 and the options that you can use.

Just wondering out loud, if things have changed, ref: WordPerfect & Linux. Maybe just run Linux with a virtual windows program, similar to Windows-7 / virtual machine?

[ShadowAce]

Check out LibreOffice. Version 5 is very good. I use it exclusively, and my MS Office-using co-workers don't know the difference.

[aquila48]

Bookmark

[Bikkuri]

Been on PCs since 1980... Am DOS fan ;)
Hated Win (and Apple) when they came out :p.. HAD to adapt to Winblows in the early 90s.. Hacked about everything they put out (including the “necessary IR, which I succesfully wiped from my system without negatives, back in the ‘90s.. was a Netscape junkie)..

About 2000, I tried out Linux.. hated it.. (and about every 2 years after).. 2008, I found Mint, and loved it; dropped WinBlows.. assisted a few friends in crossing over from Mac and Win ;^)

NEVER had a prob with format/install.. until now... the micro USB whatever it’s called is NOT friendly :/ (Unix based OS, but not user friendly) :p ... someone needs to make a guide... and we open source ‘ottaku’ (geeks) can add on as it ages :p

[ducttape45]

I tried 3 different Linux OS's last week. None of them worked very well with my wireless mouse or keyboard, and only one of them gave me the ability to utilize all three of my monitors. The other two just cloned the main display.

Linux Mint, Ubuntu and PCLinuxOS were the ones I tried. Not impressed with any of them. I decided to reformat the spare drive and put Windows XP on it instead.

[Bikkuri]

BTW, I think I mentioned several years ago about a friend (about 2 decades older than me, and I was only about 18yo or so.. He could type ANYTHING in DOS, and screw up his whole system.. no kidding ;^)..).

He once asked me if it was ok to move his Tower (not even sure if they’re called that anymore).. He was scared the bits on the HD would fall to one side!! (I am 100% serious) ;)

Man, times have changed :p I loved it when only a few could work the PC... now it is all point and click, and most format their HD without knowing what they have done :/

I say, make Linux/Unix Mandatory so they don’t screw more up :p

[rdb3]

It’s cool that most things can now be done graphically, but I guess I’m just old school with *nix. CLI for me!

[Bikkuri]

btw, trying to figure out how to DL unetbootin and Mint to USB in net cafe.. hard with all of this Kanji >.<

[Bikkuri]

Java is a virus/trojan waiting to happen.. :/

[Bikkuri]

I got Photoshop to run on Linux through WINE.

[Stanwood_Dave]

I'm very impressed with what I see at, http://www.libreoffice.org/discover/libreoffice/

Thanks. I miss the option(s) ref: 8 (eight) different Desktop(s), each with a different wallpaper / background. If I recall, I had used the KDE Kernel, time to try again.

Again, thank you very much. :-)

[Bikkuri]

Man, I miss WordPerfect.. best there was, at the time.. (late 80s, early 90s)..

[Bikkuri]

Goback to Mint and use KDE.. I had NO problems with 3 monotors (remember to choose the nVid drivers instead of the installed).. You will have full control of your PC, but, remember, you will have to know HOW to control ;^)

[Arthur McGowan]

My computer is running Vista. I keep all my data on outboard HD’s. If I install Linux, does that wipe out all my applications?

[minnesota_bound]

I use CorelDraw myself. Mostly the Paint program. I have never come close to being a master of it. I have tried Photoshop but find Corel easier to use thought there are more how to’s for Photoshop. They can translate over to Corel.

GIMP is free and there are many video help how to’s to look at. Many at youtube.
GIMP 2.8 Tutorial Part 1 - The Basics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W88LB8clHrs

[minnesota_bound]

#14 Someone in a past posted this past month recommended LibreOffice. https://www.libreoffice.org/download/libreoffice-fresh/

I tried their Word version and it was identical as far as output with Word 2013 when I created a test file using tables, paragraphs, different fonts and sizes etc. then saved it as a Word doc. I would edit the doc in both programs and it looked identical and printed the same.

Tables are clumsy in LibreOffice (you gotta use a frame around a table). Much help found at youtube.