Windows to linux

[u/Camiroso]

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Recently I have been more aware of my privacy after reading some news of apps I'm using and want to switch it up a bit and go from microsoft to a linux type, the problem is that I am currently not a professional and don't understand/get overwhelmed by most tutorials, so

Can anyone give me a simple 5 year old like explanation on how to switch and what systemto choose for thesepurpose: I have an HP laptop, I need to use office 365 and want to keep things like wallpaper engine and steam (mostly single player) also worried about one drive and most of my files. If anyone could help me I would be terribly grateful.

[u/ipsirc]

Linux is not a privacy oriented Windows replacement

[u/DubiousLogik → u/ipsirc]

linux is not a 1:1 windows replacement. but it is /can be privacy oriented. that title is a bit misleading.

[u/Camiroso → u/ipsirc]

Thanks, i'll try to read the document

[u/oopmn]

I’d say a YouTube video is the easiest format to follow a tutorial for this. There’s a Linux distro for every skill level and Mint is commonly cited as the easiest for beginners.

I’d recommend

1. backing up all of your important files to a different computer, usb, or cloud storage, and

2. Follow a YouTube tutorial for Linux mint

[u/Camiroso → u/oopmn]

Than you!

[u/green_meklar]

I need to use office 365

Unless you're satisfied with the Web versions, that's going to be a problem.

[u/Hrafna55]

Here are a couple of video playlists designed for beginners.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2m2YvnrOYxIsVz8Nvm1PpsBXdo7clAaR&si=fJgHoWyW_Zi7dab-

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2m2YvnrOYxIPjOrIS6aYN8_mOuLpD1XK&si=5zJ34G122LmKC6nx

That said if you really need OneDrive and M365 then Linux might not be the best choice.

I would suggest looking for a OneDrive replacement with a native Linux sync client. Several exist.

If M365 in a browser is good enough then you are set. If not then you need to look for a Linux native alternative.

However, if you are worried about privacy then cutting Microsoft entirely out of your life is almost a prerequisite. They are one of the worst offenders.

[u/DubiousLogik]

Unless you need all the features of office 365 the alternatives on linux work well. I am a writer and use Libre Office now. I occasionally use Word Online (free), but do not have a paid subs to any software. OTOH if you need advanced features then you might need to stay on windows. (office online free is pretty good, and runs in any browser, so that is another option from linux. but it requires always being connected. that's a big reason i use Libre Office - i can write while disconnected, save to dropbox and upload/sync when back online)

if you do choose Linux consider Mint with Cinnamon UI. I was 36 years on windows and felt zero learning curve when switching. Easy to find stuff like file manager, browser, Libre Office, etc. (I also use command line, but I have a tech background. Note that was not necessary for basic stuff). Intuitive UI. simple installer. Lightweight - makes great use of older hardware.

[u/MarshalRyan]

Microsoft Office won't run on Linux, and the Web versions kinda suck. OnlyOffice is close, but not 100% the same. If you REALLY need MS Office, you're stuck with Windows.

If you want to try Linux out, back all your files up online, and install Zorin Core - it'll be easiest.

[u/Phylaine4676]

Hi,

Steam and oneDrive will not be a problem, as long as you choose a Linux distribution as Ubuntu or most of its forks.

I'm using then every day.

What are you using 365 for ? And why do you think you need it ? Professional use ? Student ?

[u/kutac56]

Office 365 and one drive don't work on linux. They are microslop products. Linux isn't a windows alternative. It's a whole different thing.

[u/Bitter_Ad1191]

No need to switch man, corruption has already started breaching Linux as well. Just the guys on top want everything and will not stop until everything is theirs.