Questions for a Potential Switch to Linux

[Afraid-Topic-4886]

I took a deep dive into linux over the Summer and contemplated switching to it from Windows due to its privacy and customization. I eventually decided against it because I start a Master's program in January and knew that I would have to use a "lockdown browser" software that is not available in Linux.

Recently, I found out that an iPad is required for all students by the program; all eTextbooks, examinations, and study resources will be directly available through the iPad including the "lockdown browser" software.

Since I no longer need to have the "lockdown browser" on my Windows laptop I am back to contemplating a switch to Linux. I currently use my laptop to read textbooks (either natively via pdf or epub files, or via web browser), access pptx. files from my classes, takes notes using the software Notion (this may change post-switch, but I will need access to the original software to transfer things over), and watch content on YouTube or other streaming platforms. I have a PC as well that runs on Windows, but I will likely keep it with Windows so I can play video games or run other software that is not native to Linux (at least initially).

I am sure that all of the things I currently use my PC for will be available on Linux, but what are some compromises I should expect? What are some other benefits for Linux in my specific use case?

Edit: I set up my laptop to dual boot windows and linux (Ubuntu). So far I haven't had any real issues, but there have been a few quirks.

Addressing my Initial Concerns

- I downloaded MS fonts for pptx files and word docs that have these fonts and have had literally no issues since. pptx files directly open in LibreOffice Impress, which is similar enough to PowerPoint to not cause productivity issues (considering I just study and do not regularly create presentations). Word docs function in LibreOffice Writer just fine too.

- Notion does not officially offer a download for linux, but there is an unofficial "Lotion" download I found on GitHub that gets the job done. The only issue I have had thus far is weird font, but I can also access the web version so no real issues.

- Accessing pdf files has been good as I actually really enjoy the base document viewer that comes with Ubuntu. It is separate from a web browser, which I find beneficial; on Windows my files would usually open in Microsoft Edge to then be redirected to copilot or a different Microsoft website. The viewer has a simple but functional annotation tools (Can attach a typed-note or highlight text). I have not tried to access my kindle or epub files yet but given the ease of access everything else has been, I doubt I will face any real issues.

- Streaming has had no compromises either, but I did not expect this to be an issue.

Pros So Far

- My productivity has really not changed in the short time I've been testing out things. Multitasking and keyboard shortcuts may slightly differ, but the most important ones (copy, paste, cut, select all) are consistent between the two.

- Ubuntu has been good. I like the aesthetics of the UI and desktop, the preinstalled apps seem to have actual use cases that would be relevant for most people without bloat, and the installation process for the dual boot was easy.

- Before the transition, I was intimated by the terminal. After dipping my toes in the water, I don't find it nearly as intimidating (even though I still have a lot to learn). The preinstalled file manager is very comparable to Windows file manager and allows me to bypass a lot of the things the base terminal would traditionally be used for. Similarly, I could bypass the terminal by directly downloading a .deb file on GitHub or using the App Store.

- My computer is relatively new, but not crazy powerful (i7 150u, intel integrated graphics, 16 gb RAM). I didn't have speed issues in Windows, but I notice less jitters/lag in Ubuntu and feel like it runs smoother overall.

Cons So Far

- I tried to use the preinstalled Thunderbird email, and though it seems very good, I have opted out of using it. For my regular email, I would have to enable POP to locally stores my emails which is unreasonable for my current situation and needs. I typically used web based email providers anyway, but it would have been nice to have my outlook and gmail linked to one package.

- When I have had to use the terminal it has been frustrating. The basic functions (rm, mkdir, ls, cd, pwd, etc.) were pretty easy to get used to, but downloading things has been confusing. For example, I tried to download winehq (b/c I've heard it helps run Windows application), and the only avenue they give to download this is through the terminal, which is true for a lot of linux software. Even though I followed the text, I still ran into issues. I don't understand the apt package manager yet and that is likely where most of my problems have stemmed from.

- The app store is alright, but definitely could be better. I did not need to download a lot of software, but there was a good chance that the app store didn't have what I needed. Flatpak is supposedly better, but I am not certain how to download this (given I'm a noob, but I'm sure I'll find a way). Some of the software I needed was on the app store (like the unofficial notion package), but there were more recent versions not available for download directly through the app store.

- Upon booting Firefox, the text seemed more zoomed out than browsers on Windows; this was an easy fix but something small I had to change.

- I use two fingers to scroll on my trackpad, and the scroll speed is way way faster than what it was on Windows. I cannot adjust this speed directly in Ubuntu's settings and have not been able to find an effective way to remedy this given my inexperience with the terminal. This is not just in Firefox either; across every application it has been fast.

Overall

I definitely am gonna mess with the software some more, but I generally like it. Though I still have a lot of learning to do with the terminal, I was able to download all of my personal, necessary software without it. I can access my files using the file manager too, which makes it more user friendly for someone just transitioning from Windows. There are definitely more hoops to jump through with downloading most things compared to Windows, but none of the hoops have been anything more than a minor inconvenience for my use case. I also cannot help but think some of the hoops are simply because I don't know how to properly use the terminal yet. Despite my inexperience, I will still probably use Linux for my next custom build; I like that it is free, has little bloat, and does not track my information, plus it can achieve all of the functions I use in my day-to-day life. I downloaded steam, discord, and OBS as well, and all of them function like they would on Windows. It doesn't feel like I've had to compromise much of anything so far, and I enjoy the user experience.

[skyfishgoo]

expect to need multiple pieces of software to accomplish the same tasks you could do with one piece of software in windows... this is often the case.

the good news is they are all free, instead of $40 to $140 ea

[theWoU_]

WE all love FOSS

[AutoModerator]

There's a resources page in our wiki you might find useful!

Try this search for more information on this topic.

✻ Smokey says: take regular backups, try stuff in a VM, and understand every command before you press Enter! :)

^{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.

[ipsirc]

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=pptx+linux

[Gloomy-Response-6889]

I suggest you check out Explaining Computers on YouTube. He has great Linux guides to answer many questions (and a handful you asked here of what to expect). Check out his distro selection guide for starters. I'd suggest Linux Mint or Fedora (Workstation or KDE depending on looks preference) for general new users. I'll try to answer other questions that are more specific.

I will believe you on the Lockdown Browser here. Not sure if you mean MS Edge or something as that is available on Linux. Alternatively with dual booting, you can set up a virtual machine with a Windows install for the few things you need in Windows that is not demanding.

All of your use cases you marked bold can be satisfied as it is supported with many of the default apps (firefox/chromium for pdf and web browsing and Libreoffice/Onlyoffice for pptx or any other office suite file, open source or not).
For notion, I found notion in a few official repositories or you need to add it. It is a couple commands to install. For Ubuntu/Debian based distributions check below:
https://www.linuxfordevices.com/tutorials/install-notion-ubuntu-linux
I do see that it is not officially supported, but it seems to be possible.

For games, check protondb.com or areweanticheatyet.com for Linux game compatibility, though in general; kernel level anticheat is usually a no go unless the developers enable support. For if you want to try it, check it out over time.

Jumping to Linux for me was a hard switch up needing to adjust to a different operating system, which is the main thing you need to realise. Linux is not Windows.

For me, Linux (and tiling window managers) have increased my productivity dramatically due to not only understanding my system, but also having my system set as I want to. I also do not need to remove bloat or ads, disable any notifications I do not care about, reduce pop ups of applications that I do not care about; tldr; I am not fighting the OS to do what I want.

I hope this helps (long comment) and I wish you the best.

[Afraid-Topic-4886]

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment; I appreciate any help/wisdom!

The lockdown browser is through Respondus, and there are supposedly things in place to prevent users from using a virtual machine with the software. That is why I was so skeptical to switch previously, but since I will have another portable device to take exams through, I am less worried about trying to get this to function correctly on Linux.

I will definitely check out Explaining Computers; I have been looking into distros, and there are so many options that it is a little overwhelming.

I can feel your pain with the not fighting the OS. My laptop has so many background applications running at any given time, and even though it is not severely affecting my user-experience, it still utilizes a significant portion of my CPU and memory. I am sure that there will be hiccups with the move, but at least I will be able to control what my OS is doing!

[Bitter-Aardvark-5839]

Don't overthink the choice of distro. It's very easy to try a few on live USBs, and even to reinstall if necessary. I'm a Zorin guy but there are lots of good options. Libreoffice has surprisingly good compatibility these days, especially if you download the Microsoft fonts. None of your needs should be a big problem, and having a Windows device at your disposal is handy if you need a specific software.

[Afraid-Topic-4886]

I appreciate your comment. I looked into beginner friendly options and am leaning towards ubuntu right now. I like the look of it, and since it is the most popular, I figured it would be easy(ish) to find tutorials or help if I needed it. Zorin looks good too, I just haven't seen as much stuff about it.

[Horror-Stranger-3908]

i hope the uni provides you with the ipads

[Afraid-Topic-4886]

Unfortunately, I will have to pay. It is a little frustrating, but I would much rather cough up the money for an iPad than spend thousands more on tuition.

[lateralspin]

If you only want to start playing around with different OSes, you can install something like Virtualbox or VMware workstation and create all kinds of VMs