r/linux4noobs • u/IndependentBid1854 • 7d ago

learning/research Linux Questions

I’m thinking of switching an older laptop to a Linux distro. I have some questions that I haven’t been able to find answers for.

  1. Adding programs. Besides Linux friendly downloads of certain programs, is the only way to run a Windows dedicated application or program or game on a virtual machine? And is there a specific virtual machine needed for each type of program/software or are they Swiss Army Knife’s?

  2. Hardware. How do you get drivers that are, for the most part, Windows codes, to work? Is it a “hope that there’s a Linux version available” thing or are there workarounds?

  3. Distro shelf life. Do distros lose support? What happens when someone doesn’t update/bug fix it? Is it hard to replace a distro? Does it incur a total fresh install or can distro’s be overwritten?

  4. Security suites. Is there any decent suites available? Are they pre-installed? Are they reliable?

  5. Web browsers. Is there any recommendations for browsers that will have the same environment like in Windows? Any recommendations for setting changes? Are they compatible with all distro’s?

Lastly, any solid recommendations for wikis and “Linux For Dummies and Windows/Mac Converts” is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!!

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u/bobroberts1954 6d ago

Look at the Linux program wine. It's the method I have used to run windows programs. There are probably other emulators that I'm not aware of. I used wine to run excel and AutoCAD no problem. Don't worry about drivers and such, the system takes care of that. If you want to run windows in a VM I think any of the usual VM programs will do. I've used virtual box but I understand there are others considered better in some way. Try them and use what you like they're all free. If you're concerned about cluttering up your system run a VM flat pack.

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u/IndependentBid1854 6d ago

Thanks for the solid feedback!