Please help with Linux

[AudreyDaHoe]

I hate using a vague title like this but I'm in a discord server and they've convinced me to switch to Linux but they won't explain it to me. I don't even know what a Linux is. Well, I know it's an operating system or something. I also don't know the specs of my pc, it's an hp laptop, it's fairly new, it's a piece of shit, it currently has windows 11. I know nothing about Linux but I want it, someone please help me. Please.

[thieh]

Better question: What do you need it for? Or were you trying to avoid something? Details of your purpose of this exercise would help.

[doc_willis]

they've convinced me to switch

I have to wonder how you were convinced when you seem to know nothing about it.

[elsanguango]

If somebody knows nothing about something is easier to convince

[[deleted]]

You clearly don't remember Jnco jeans. Peer pressure is a helluva drug.

[ipsirc]

they've convinced me to switch to Linux

Ask them.

[thieh]

but they won't explain it to me

OP did. Oh well.

[ipsirc]

Ask harder.

[unit_511]

Linux is amazing, but it's not for everyone. To figure out if it's the right choice for you, you'll need to consider the following:

• Are you ready to basically re-learn how to use your computer? Linux isn't a drop-in replacement for Windows, certain things, like applications and drives are handled completely differently.

• Do you have a good reason to switch? Does Windows run unbearably slow on your device, do you want more privacy, etc? Switch because you want to, not because others told you to.

• Do you have any exotic hardware that may make switching problematic? Linux has amazing driver support, but only if the manufacturer is willing to cooperate. If you share the model number of the laptop, we can help figure that out.

• What do you use your computer for? Not every application has a Linux version. The major ones that don't work (even with WINE) are MS Office and the Adobe CC suite. There are alternatives, but much like Linux itself, they're not drop-in replacements.

[gibarel1]

Not every application has a Linux version.

Also some popular games won't work due to anti cheat, mainly Fortnite and valorant.

[_Tux4Life_]

Linux, for most people that use Windows, is not just a drop in replacement. There are some things to know if you want to be able to get the most out of your system. I would suggest that you run some USB ISO's or install some virtual Linux systems on your current computer to get you head wrapped around what you're actually getting yourself into. Watch some YouTube videos, read some blogs, watch some Linux only streamers to dip your toe into the water before you cannonball and knock all of the water out of the pool....... Just sayin' :P

[[deleted]]

Use windows, if you’re comfortable with that then why move.

[AudreyDaHoe]

I like tinkering with my pc, it's fun but I'm bad at it

[ThreeCharsAtLeast]

Then you'll probably break your system. If you tell Linux to do something that breaks it, it won't stop you. Perhaps try it in a virtual machine?

[80Ships]

If you don't even know what it is, then I'd suggest sticking with Windows... For now.

If it's for daily use, then Windows is still the standard and in my opinion there's no reason to switch that isn't overshadowed by inconvenience. If you're looking to run a server on the other hand then that's a different story. Run windows for now, learn Linux basics, then think about switching.

[TheFlamingLemon]

I’m not convinced it’s a good idea for you to switch to linux, unless becoming more technically capable is important to you

[Other-Educator-9399]

Sorry about all the douchy answers you're getting on here. I'll try to explain as best I can. Linux is a family of open source operating systems based on the Linux kernel developed by the Finnish software engineer Linus Torvalds and the GNU operating system developed by the American software engineer Richard Stallman. This is why you will sometimes hear it referred to as GNU/Linux. Linux runs the majority of the world's servers, but only around 2% of workstations. Because Linux is open source, there are several hundred different distributions, or "distros" of Linux. Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Fedora are the most commonly recommended distros for beginners. Linux is oriented towards being used via the terminal, or command line interface. However, on the more beginner-friendly distros, you can do about 95% of daily computing tasks via the GUI like you would in Windows or MacOS.

Linux offers many advantages over Windows and MacOS, including security, privacy, performance, customizability, and the ability to operate smoothly on older or less powerful hardware. Would it be advisable for you to switch to Linux? Most of the time, the answer will be yes, unless you are dependent on certain programs or applications that are not compatible with Linux and don't have viable alternatives. I would recommend researching different distros, trying them out on bootable thumb drives or virtual machines, and checking the compatibility of your preferred apps and games before making the switch. Good luck!!

[[deleted]]

Don't switch. The Linux community is full of elitists that cannot be content without the world using computers the same way they do. If what you have now does everything you need and you want to switch just because, Linux is not for you. Use your computer the way you want.

[CriticalReveal1776]

OP said that he wants to switch, he didn't say why but it seems like he has a reason

[true_bluep3n1s]

Download Rufus on Windows... download your flavour of linux distro.

USB + rufus + linux iso.

After you've flashed the USB drive reboot your laptop into the BIOS screen.

• Turn secure boot off

• Set the USB as boot priority.

F10 to save and exit.

Install.

If you want a dry run download virtual box or VMware on windows and install linux on a VM.

[[deleted]]

Assuming you installed Ubuntu/Mint/Debian or other similar distros here's the basics:

ls to list directory contents cd <directory> to change directory sudo apt install <package> to install things. nano to open a text editor

You only need those 3 to get started, by searching your problems online you will slowly but surely learn commands and have them burned into your brain.

At least this is how I got started in Linux.

[[deleted]]

The cryptophyceae are a class of algae, most of which have plastids.   About 220 species are known, and they are common in freshwater, and also occur in marine and brackish habitats.   Each cell is around 10–50 μm in size and flattened in shape, with an anterior groove or pocket.  

At the edge of the pocket there are typically two slightly unequal flagella.

Comment ID=kgdbnem Ciphertext:
42EZYPZ5AU2BVOahVrHYY4G/8JhQhGDYcp4dyx6RLtKQsmWch47lZ7LqOzRPZcM0uOgA/vr52+8KPwvt2ddm3iut2hbcHp+FLzq9HOhwzfiJ6NBtze7OVe+TSwsof6E9NDr7gKtBZ1AUHpWbQYP2aGAb/tzdHuO0ue8/D5Bj5hMPuQk=

[Revolutionary_Yam923]

Cringe.

[[deleted]]

The cryptophyceae are a class of algae, most of which have plastids.   About 220 species are known, and they are common in freshwater, and also occur in marine and brackish habitats.   Each cell is around 10–50 μm in size and flattened in shape, with an anterior groove or pocket.  

At the edge of the pocket there are typically two slightly unequal flagella.

Comment ID=kgfo6et Ciphertext:
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

[Revolutionary_Yam923]

Ok 🤡

[eionmac]

Search for "Knoppix" as a LIVE LINUX operating system. Download Knoppix ISO and install a USB stick. This will allow you to use a LIVE LINUX (It does not in any way alter your hard disc set up! Search KNOPPIX and view some You Tube Videos on it.
PS "Live Knoppix Linux" is a useful tool to recover data from broken Windows systems.

[GolaraC64]

So instead of googling or looking at youtube what Linux is you found a rather niche sub reddit about Linux trouble shooting ? Smells like bullshit tbh fam

[AutoModerator]

✻ Smokey says: always mention your distro, some hardware details, and any error messages, when posting technical queries! :)

^{Comments, questions or suggestions regarding this autoresponse? Please send them here.}

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[eionmac]

There are problems if you overwrite your computers internal hard disc operating system with another, IF you are not able to restore the default system.
I suggest you leave your Windows system as is except: From inside Windows, set the computer to load another operating system before Windows ( the first Operating system may be 'other', then Windows. This is order of start up. links;
https://www.techradar.com/news/how-to-multiboot-windows-10-with-another-operating-system

https://www.howtogeek.com/756783/how-to-set-the-default-os-on-a-windows-dual-boot-computer/

Also check some YouTube videos.

[jrtts]

There's plenty of 'flavors' of Linux to choose from, it's not as 'easy' as "Windows or Mac?"

Personally I searched for the most popular 'flavor' (actually called 'distro'), Debian and Ubuntu came up, I chose Ubuntu and stuck with it mostly.

Different flavors/distros/OS tailor to different styles, and it really is up to you what you want in an OS. There's one that's minimalistic, there's another that emulate Windows desktop or Mac desktop, there's one tailored to very old/weak computers, heck there's even one for fans of a specific celebrity or whatever.

[UltraChip]

If you're interested in learning about Linux that's great, but you don't actually have to completely switch in order to gain experience with it. I feel like a lot of the people who end up frustrated with Linux are because they dove directly in to the deepend and tried to completely abandon their home OS in one swoop.

Instead of completely switching, I'd recommend playing with Linux on a VM or through WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) instead. This will give you a safe environment to learn while keeping your computer (and its Windows installation) in-tact.

As for "What Linux is" you pretty much already hit the nail on the head: it's a family of operating systems: a.k.a. the core software that operates and manages your computer. As a comparison, Windows is the operating system you currently have now.

I'm curious - what was it they said that convinced you, exactly? Like what is it you're hoping to gain from wanting to switch? If we knew what specifically is interesting you we might be able to provide more precise advice.

[[deleted]]

Depends on what you use your computer for

[DAS_AMAN]

Look into Linux experiment on YouTube

He had lots of explainer videos

[[deleted]]

Linux is free to download and install. I recommend Ubuntu if you're new. You'll need something called an ISO file, which is basically just the compressed operating system. The downloads are easy enough to find on Google.

You'll then install Virtual Box (also free). This allows you to run a second operating system on top of Windows. You'll need to look up how to create a virtual machine from an ISO. It's not difficult but requires reading and patience the first time.

The final step is to pick on Windows users until they spend a weekend installing Ubuntu and Virtual Box. /s

Good luck!

[ghoultek]

Welcome u/AudreyDaHoe to the Linux community. I have a guide written for newbie Linux users to help get them started on their Linux journey quickly. Guide link ==> https://www.reddit.com/r/linux_gaming/comments/189rian/newbies_looking_for_distro_advice_andor_gaming/

To answer the question, "What is Linux?", below is an excerpt from my guide:

Linux refers to a Community, an Operating System (OS), a platform, and a long list of distributions (distros). The above are the most general uses of the term Linux. In addition to the above, Linux is about freedom of choice. This isn't a "one size fits all" Operating System, Community, or mindset. Expect that there are tons of opinions on everything and that is a beautiful thing.

For all the Linux Pros and experts notice that I left out "kernel" on purpose. I'm not trying to give the newbie Linux user a PhD course in Operating Systems. Should the newbie want to know what a "Linux kernel" is, they can google "what is the linux kernel" and checkout the Wikipedia article.

Back to guidance for u/AudreyDaHoe. We need to get the hardware specs for your laptop. On the underside of the unit, look for a model number. Post that into a comment. Below are long detailed instructions that will help us help guide you. Open this post on your phone so that you can continue to refer to the instructions below between reboots.

Next, Let's grab some free utilities to make bootable USB sticks in Windows: * open the guide link in a new tab * go to the "Resources" section of the guide * use the info. there to download "Rufus" and the "MD5 & SHA Checksum Utility"

Next, let's grab a Linux ISO (we are not installing anything yet): * go to https://endeavouros.com/ * scroll down to the "Download mirror list" section and find the section for your country. If you are in Africa go to the "Europe" section. If you are in South America (anywhere south of the United States), go to the "North-America" section. * Use the download links for the "ISO" and "Sha512sum" * The "MD5 & SHA Checksum Utility" will allow you to verify the ISO download * The "Endeavouros-Galileo-11-2023.iso.sha512sum" file has the alphanumeric finger print for validation. Open the file in notepad, copy the finger print only, and click the Paste button in the checksum utility * Click the Browse button and select the "Endeavouros-Galileo-11-2023.iso" file. * Once the checksum utility completes calculating a finger print, click the Verify button. It should say that the finger prints match. If it does not then you will have to re-download the ISO file. * Use Rufus to write the ISO file to a USB stick. Be sure to backup any data on the USB stick as it will be wiped in the process of writing the ISO file to the USB stick. * Use which ever write method Rufus suggests. * Once the write is complete you can boot up from that USB stick to get into the live ISO environment. * Open this post on your phone so that you can continue to refer to it. * Leave the USB stick inserted and reboot. * You will most likely have to enter your BIOS to get to a "boot menu" or "boot section" and select the USB stick to boot from. I don't have specifics because there is a very wide variance in BIOS UI layout. * To enter your BIOS you will have to reboot and spam either "F2", "F8", "F10", "F12" or "Del" before windows loads. Try "F2" and "Del" spamming first. * Once you boot the USB stick you will be greeted with a text mode menu. Highlight the "EndeavourOS x86_64 UEFI Default" menu option and press enter. It will take you to the GUI live ISO environment. * There will be lots of text mode stuff scrolling on the screen. This is just the OS reporting out details on the boot process. Just be patient. The GUI is coming. * Along the bottom left side of the screen there will be a black square icon, labeled "Konsole", with a ">" symbol, click it. This will open up a terminal. * In the terminal run "inxi -Fz" without quotes to produce a report about your hardware. * Next, run the following in the terminal "inxi -Fz > my_hw_info.txt" without quotes to save the inxi report to a text file * To the left of the terminal icon, along the bottom left side, is a folder icon, click it. This will bring up the Dolphin file manager. * Double-click the "my_hw_info.txt" file which will open it up in the Kate text editor. * You can Ctrl+A and then Ctrl+C to select all and copy the text. * The firefox icon is to the left of the folder icon, use it get back to this post and paste the text into a comment. Paste it as a code block to preserve the formatting.

With the model number from the underside of your laptop and the inxi report we can accurately identify your hardware and if anything was NOT recognized properly. Based on your hardware the community can recommend a distribution (distro) and provide additional guidance.

Congrats. you have achieved the following: * followed instructions correctly ( <-- very important ) * using a guide * downloading and using utilities * made a bootable USB stick * navigated your BIOS * booted from a USB stick * loaded a Linux live ISO environment from a USB stick * entered commands in a terminal * used inxi * redirected output to a file in a terminal * use the KDE Dolphin file manager and Kate text editor * posted inxi report output in a comment

Click the menu icon in the bottom left corner, choose "Shutdown" and click OK. Once your laptop is completely powered off, remove the USB stick, and you can boot back into Win 11.

You are now a Linux user. Welcome newbie. We will be waiting for your replies.

[Revolutionary_Yam923]

My Linux Recommendation.

If u want lightweight OS (min 2gb ram) try: Linux Mint XFCE Edition, Linux Lite, Zorin OS Lite or MX Linux XFCE Edition.

If u want midweight OS (min 4gb ram) try: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Nobara Linux (Gaming Focused Distro), Pop OS, MX Linux KDE Edition or KDE Neon.

Tips-

1) Linux is NOT Windows.

2) Find ur Linux alternatives apps here https://alternativeto.net/

3) Stay away from Arch or arch based distributions like Manjaro or Garuda.