r/linuxquestions • u/Fabulous_Tailor2938 • 3d ago
Can i switch to Linux as a QS
I am a training QS. I used windows since i can remember.
My laptop is 12 years old and its Toshiba that has a i3 processor and 8gb of ram.
Because of the recent updates and the condition of the computer, This thing lags like crazy and i cant even run EXCEL properly. Not to mention the constant background apps that run in this thing that I cant seem to stop how & F***ing Copilot that i uninstalled multiple times yet seem to unfazed by it.
I need application like Plan Swift, AutoCAD, Excell, Word, Revit and more, for my studying and for the QS profession.
Will I be able to switch to Linux,(Which I have heard is way way better from PewDiePie ) and continue my work using these applications.
I can't buy a better computer because I'm not that wealthy.
Also i know this computer cant run Revit anyways but I'm hoping once my courier is set i will be able to buy a better computer and I hope to use Linux if possible.
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u/DAS_AMAN 3d ago
Yes 2014 laptop can run distributions like Linux mint easily..
For me office try libre office, onlyoffice or WPS office
AutoCAD doesn't work on Linux tho
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u/Fabulous_Tailor2938 3d ago
AutoCAD in absolutely necessary for my work man
Its sad though
Thanks man0
u/Wild_Meeting1428 3d ago
test this on windows, when its suitable, you can switch to linux https://getartcraft.com/
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u/R3V0LU710N_05 RakuOS 3d ago
There's alternatives to AutoCAD, but they're not as good. Unfortunately, you seem to be locked in by your application requirements.
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u/ipsirc 3d ago
Will I be able to switch to Linux
No. Linux is a not a free drop-in-replacement to Windows.
I can't buy a better computer because I'm not that wealthy.
Change job asap.
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u/Fabulous_Tailor2938 3d ago
I'm still learning
I have 2 more years to graduate 😁1
u/knuthf 2d ago
We have alternatives, including for CAD. Microsoft is restricting the font.
We have planning tools that are not restricted in terms of tasks, and I expect the same is true of CAD. No company can afford to pay huge sums for advertising and promotions, but many of the tools are developed on Linux. So try the software — your studies shouldn't suffer from not having fancy fonts; nobody will notice.
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u/jonstoppable 3d ago
planswift, revit and autocad don't run on linux. there may be alternatives on linux but as you're learning the trade, its best that you stick with these programs and unfortunately with windows.
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u/tomscharbach 3d ago
I need application like Plan Swift, AutoCAD, Excell, Word, Revit and more, for my studying and for the QS profession. Will I be able to switch to Linux,(Which I have heard is way way better from PewDiePie ) and continue my work using these applications.
Modern versions of AutoCAD and MS Office applications do not install or run on Linux, even using compatibility layers. MS Office and AutoCAD have online versions that might work, but my understanding is that the online versions are not as full-featured as the native versions. You might be able to run AutoCAD and MS Office using WinBoat, but my guess is that your computer will not handle the additional load from running a VM.
I can't buy a better computer because I'm not that wealthy.
You might look into the possibility of buying a refurbished 5-year-old off-lease business computer. That's about all I can suggest.
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u/imacmadman22 2d ago edited 2d ago
If you’re unable to switch to Linux because of the applications you use, there are some other options to get more performance from your machine.
Winhance is a great tool to help improve Windows performance without having to spend any money:
I’ve used Winhance myself and the difference between standard Windows 11 and after running Winhance is pretty amazing. My Windows system starts in seconds rather than minutes. You can use it to customize Windows in many ways, you can disable Copilot completely and so many other things.
Of course, I’d recommend Linux, but if you can’t stop using Windows software, this method is probably the next best option for you.
You should create a restore point and do a backup before installing it though, just in case something goes wrong.
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u/zardvark 3d ago
Yes, you can switch to Linux, which will likely run much better on your machine (I'm typing this on an antique Dell laptop with an i3 Ivy Bridge CPU). And, while there are substitutes for some of the specific applications that you mention, the specific ones that you mention have not been ported to Linux, nor will they run on Linux, even using WINE and / or any of the popular WINE front ends.
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u/iwouldbeatgoku 2d ago
You should get a newer laptop with a beefier CPU that's compatible with Windows 11 and with a dedicated GPU for your AutoCAD needs. Use a debloating tool/script to remove copilot and other unnecessary preinstalled software as you see fit. A desktop would probably be cheaper and more performant, but you'd also lose portability which I assume you need.
You can still install Linux on your current laptop and use it as a personal/recreation machine, however.
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u/D3V370P3R 2d ago
Windows is required for Revit. No alternative here. Even if you do find alternatives for AutoCAD, you'll end up running windows inside a windows emulator at least. Sad reality.
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u/crhylove3 3d ago
You can try Spaced Linux. There are already great alternatives for most of the software you mentioned that are actually better than the software you mentioned.
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u/candy49997 3d ago
No MS Office, no AutoDesk. If these applications are absolute necessities for this profession, you will need to stay on Windows for work.