this post was submitted on 30 Oct 2025
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Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Finally, after some time I made the switch to #Linux !

🧵1/2

Here is my experience and the hiccups I found :
- It was hell to find how to boot on the USB drive. You needed to disable secure boot and it didn't tell you that anywhere, as far as I can tell
- It was easy enough to set up, connect to wifi etc
- Strangely Firefox has a bigger top app bar, instead of all the icons and tabs being on a single row, there are 2 rows (one with the tab name, and another one with the actual tabs
- The fingerprint reader could be set up, but when trying to log in it always says fingerprint not recognized
- Keyboard shortcuts changed, for example screenshots can't be done using Win Shift S, the clipboard history doesn't work by default etc
- The key to mute my mic doesn't work, and is not recognized as a key. The other keys like disabling the trackpad work fine.
- I like how typing the name of software from windows like paint and notepad gives the linux equivalent
@linux

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[–] FreddiesLantern@leminal.space 9 points 1 week ago (2 children)

Welcome!

Mint is an awesome choice to start. It’s got a nice balance between slim and enough features to get you going.

Keep in mind at all times: at some point you’re gonna need that one piece of external hardware to play nice with Linux or maybe that one piece of software ain’t doing it like you’re used to.=> there is a way or an alternative. Always keep calm, research the topic, and follow instructions carefully and thoughtfully when you find a tutorial.

That aside enjoy it, a little slice of freedom away from big tech awaits.

[–] helloyanis@furries.club 3 points 1 week ago

@FreddiesLantern Aside from the hiccups I mentionned, it works great! I was surprised my backlit keyboard even works, but I think that's managed by my bios.

I'll keep on using it, but I'm trying to document my struggles because if Linux is aiming to be a good alternative to Windows computers getting to end of life, then some set up wouldn't be done by most people and just assume it's broken and maybe switch back to Windows where it "Just works".

Maybe this can help with the onboarding experience!

[–] Redex68@lemmy.world 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

There isn't unfortunately always an alternative, e.g. you can't control Logitech devices without dual booting (maybe you can do it in a VM as well, but I haven't tried to).

[–] FreddiesLantern@leminal.space 1 points 1 week ago

It works great for me. I control a multifx through VM. I don’t see why it wouldn’t work on other hardware (perhaps the off chance it’s very peculiar about online connectivity or such but I haven’t encountered it)

Ok maybe “always” is a bit strong but let’s say 9 out of 10.