Linux, Windows, and Mac OS are three very different types of operating systems. Some of them might look similar from the outside, but trust me, they could not be any further. Their whole core ideology is different too. Windows is run and managed by a corporation while Linux is free and open-source.
Linux is everywhere in this digital world from servers to smartphones, from washing machines to refrigerators. But most people do not even know of it! Why? Because it is not popular in the desktop world. So let us take a look at Linux and how you, as someone new to Linux, should use it.
Distributions do not matter, Desktop Environment does!
Now, most people make the mistake of getting overwhelmed by too many distributions present in Linux. But let me tell you that distros do not matter that much. They will most likely be wither based on Debian, Arch, or Red Hat. What matters are Desktop Environments (DEs). We have already made a blog on DEs so be sure to check that out if you want by clicking here. You can use Ubuntu as your daily driver, which has GNOME as the DE. Or you can change the whole DE by just a simple command and install the much preferred KDE Plasma Desktop Environment. Ubuntu even has official flavors for different DEs like Kubuntu (Ubuntu with KDE Plasma), Xubuntu (Ubuntu with XFCE), Ubuntu Budgie (Ubuntu with the Budgie DE), etc. So the choices are endless.
Use the live USB
Linux, online Windows, gives you a live version of your OS running directly from the bootable USB. This is a very convenient way to check that everything is functioning properly and that you like the look and feel of the distro. One should always spend some time in the live environment before installing Linux on their main drive. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Learning commands and terminal is not a necessity in Linux!
This one reason plays a major role in keeping many users away from Linux. In the beginning, the thought of the command line scared me too. But the truth is, you do not need to use the terminal for most of the cases in Linux, apart from some Arch-based distros. The Graphical User Interface has gotten so good in Linux that there is a GUI alternative for almost every action out there. But learning about the terminal and the commands in the terminal is always a good thing and helps you know your OS better and make things much easier.
One important thing to keep in mind is that most online Linux tutorials are based on the command line. This is because of too many distros out there with different GUI styles. The command line unifies Linux. A command to copy a file in one Debian-based distro will work in the same way in another Debian or Ubuntu-based distro.
But this has a downside too. Most of the times people do not try to learn about the commands and copy and paste random commands from some tutorials that they found online in their terminal. This can cause serious problems from unwanted PPAs to the complete breaking of your system. So, always remember to know the commands you are typing if you are using the command line.
Linux is not Windows or Mac OS
People often make the mistake of string to install the same programs that they used to use in their previous OS. This can work without a hitch if the program is also made for Linux by the developer. But many programs like the Adobe Suite and MS Office simply do not work on Linux. You can try to make them work inside virtual windows environments or by using emulators like Wine, but it will not be performance-oriented. So what should you do? Well, nowadays most of the major programs also have a native Linux version, apart from the Windows and Mac OS versions. If that is the case, then you can simply use your software center or command line to install them. They will work to their full potential. But for the few programs that are not natively available on Linux, you can always search for alternatives. There are several great alternatives of various programs in Linux, which do the same task as their Windows or Mac OS alternatives, and sometimes, perform even better.
Do not give up on Linux easily
This is the most important thing you have to keep in mind while switching to Linux. You have to be patient. Things might, and most likely will break. Many times you would not know what to do, or you might get overwhelmed. But remember, patience is the key to learning any new thing. Do extensive research, read guides if you face problems. Every Linux distro has its community, which is often very friendly and welcoming to new users. Ask them for help on the forums. In time, you will learn to use Linux just like your other OS!
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