So Iāve been thinking about Linux recently, and Iām told this is where the Linux experts hang out. I have a lot of questions that I can barely articulate, so Iām just hoping someone gets where Iām coming from.
I always knew there were more than two operating systems, but the closest I got to open-source software was dabbling with Firefox and OpenOffice in college. Iām an engineer, and trying to stay compatible with all the engineering programs means youāre probably going to use Windows whether you like it or not, so I never seriously considered another OS until now. Iām proud of being good at Windows, but also bitter about itā¦ I canāt shake the nagging feeling that Iāve been missing out.
So I started looking up guides on Linux, and I have so many questions.
Iām astonished by how many distros there are. Itās not just Ubuntu, we have Mint and Zorin and MX and enough options to make my head spin. So how do you choose a distro? Do you just know, or do you have to try them all? Trying one is daunting enough. Iām afraid people might lose respect for me and the open-source software movement if I change my mind. Is there some place where you can try distros on for size without the trouble and risk of migrating multiple times?
How do I know if Linux is right for me? How do I know Windows is wrong? If I loathe my user experience with Windows, is that the fault of Windows or just me? If Linux starts feeling comfortable, how do I know itās because Iāve made the right choice and itās not just inertia setting in? Does that even matter?
Iām at least good with Windows, but I lack the intuition of the average Linux user. Could I really master Linux the way I have Windows, or would my awkward personality relegate me to being a permanent tourist?
Is my hardware too old to start tinkering with OSs?
I know your choice of OS should take priority over your programs, as long as those programs arenāt vital, but I have a full Steam library and donāt look forward to losing any old friends. Can I partition my drive? Is that worth the trouble, switching from OS to OS depending on circumstances? I hear some distros these days can run some windows programs, and that you donāt have to leave your old programs behind the way you used to, but can I count on that trend continuing?
Will losing touch with the Windows environment make it more difficult for me to succeed in a Windows-dominated career?
Sorry for the ramble. Iām probably overthinking this. I overthink everything. But I also grew up in a time and place where changing OSs meant you risked losing everything.
EDIT: The post title has been updated from āNeed help with Linuxā to āeggš§irlā to meet local standards. This post happened because I was writing a post for a tech forum, but had other things on my mind, things which Iāve yet to find the courage to verbalize directly. I appreciate the advice and encouragement, both about migrating to Linux, andā¦ yaknowā¦ āmigrating to Linux.ā
When I ask about my gender on StackExchange, people tell me to just use Arch, but I donāt think Iām fully a trans woman?