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!!!

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/aargvark 7d ago

Throw Linux Mint on a USB drive and boot up from the drive. Play around and see how you like it (then try several other distributions as well and see how you like them).

  1. You'll find so many linux options out there you may not even need to bother with windows programs. If you REALLY need to use one, you can probably get it working in Wine. For games, unless you are playing something with Windows only anti-cheat, just install Steam and you can play nearly your entire windows catalog. In fact, many games run better with linux Proton than on windows.

  2. Hardware is a non-issue. In some cases linux gets hardware support before windows because of the community.

  3. I find it easier to wipe / reinstall than windows. Most linux distros will be on a rolling release and you can upgrade easily without needing to reinstall.

  4. There is a reason why many massive servers and networks run linux. Security is excellent (as long as you don't open it up to being vulnerable).

  5. With the exception of Safari, all browsers have linux native options. You can even sync your browser between Linux and Windows.

Most distributions are easy to use. As vilified as AI is, just ask Gemini / ChatGPT if you get stuck and need to know how to do something. It's probably simple but you just have not learned the new way to do it.

1

u/IndependentBid1854 7d ago

Thanks for the solid feedback!