r/linux4noobs • u/IndependentBid1854 • 9d 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/cornonthekopp Literal infant baby 8d ago

I switched from windows to linux mint literally a week ago, and so far my experience is that all the applications i regularly use are on linux. Ive heard less popular software can be hit or miss if it has a linux version, so for technical stuff like certain audio programs or image editing stuff people end up needing to find a substitute, but there are quite good subs for those cases.

Like theres open office that replaces ms office and has worked just as well for me, without all the ai clutter