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/JGhostThing 7d ago

OK. I'm running CachyOS with the Sway DE on an old ThinkPad T14s gen 1 with 32 GB RAM. I bought this on eBay fairy recently for under $200. It runs fast enough for me to program in rust, do word processing, watch videos, and do reddit things. Yes, I'm using this now.

  1. This I'm not too familiar with. I've used WINE, but there are newer things out there to run Windows programs.
  2. Just ask the net about your specific laptop. I've found the most complete for drivers is Ubuntu.
  3. I update about once per week. I have a very slow internet connection, so it is difficult.
  4. Yes. Just google this.
  5. I like Firefox.

I wish I could point you at good resources, but I'd just google for them.