A transition from Windows to Linux has proven less daunting than expected for one user who exclusively ran Linux for five months. Initially motivated by curiosity after seeing popular content creator PewDiePie experiment with Linux Mint, the user discovered that many of their concerns about leaving Windows behind were unfounded.
Starting with Linux Mint, the user found that most of their beloved applications were available on Linux. This was a pleasant surprise, as they had anticipated significant obstacles in transferring their workflow. Many of the tools they relied on, including Discord and Google Chrome, were easily accessible through the Linux software repository. Even Shadow, a cloud PC service not initially available in the repository, provided a manual download for Linux users.
Adapting to New Tools
Despite the seamless transition for most applications, the user did face challenges with specific software. Two notable exceptions were Paint.net and ShareX. While Paint.net served as a straightforward image editor, the user found a suitable alternative in Pinta. For screenshot needs, they replaced ShareX with Spectacle, the default screenshot tool in Fedora KDE Plasma. Although Spectacle does not offer all the features of ShareX, it met the user’s requirements effectively.
The initial anxiety about the complexity of Linux dissipated over time. Unlike Windows, which is designed for user convenience, Linux requires a more hands-on approach. While the user initially struggled with using the Terminal for certain tasks, they adapted quickly. “I learned a lot about Terminal commands and user permissions,” they noted. This experience fostered a deeper understanding of how Linux operates compared to the more passive approach often taken with Windows.
Moving Away from Windows
Five months into this journey, the user has maintained a dual-boot setup with both Fedora KDE Plasma and Windows 10. However, they have booted into Windows only two or three times, highlighting a significant shift in their usage habits. The user expressed that they no longer miss Windows, appreciating the intuitive interface of KDE Plasma and noting that many popular applications are now available for Linux.
The user remarked, “It feels like I took all the positives from Windows while scrapping all the negatives.” They have grown so accustomed to Linux that they occasionally attempt to download Windows-compatible installers out of habit. The transition has been so successful that the user is reconsidering the necessity of maintaining a Windows partition on their hard drive.
While they are not yet ready to remove the Windows 10 partition, the user is contemplating a future without it. They suggest that as support for Windows 10 diminishes or if their PC experiences hardware failures, a complete transition to Linux could be on the horizon.
This exploration into the world of Linux has opened new avenues for productivity and learning, demonstrating that a shift in operating systems can lead to unexpected discoveries and a newfound sense of freedom.
