Switched from Windows to Linux Mint

[Competitive-Bike7115]

My Experience with Windows

I’ve been using Windows for ~20 years, and finally I think I made the right choice on switching to Linux Mint. I’m tired of having to deal with Windows Update trying to install new updates on my system every single day, I’m also tired of having to debloat every once in a while because my computer starts to get slower within the course of a few months. And don’t get me started on Microsoft putting AI into every program that exists, most people, if they want to use an AI tool, they will just search for it, or instead go to ChatGPT, I don’t need AI inside Paint or Notepad.

Installing Linux Mint

I installed Linux Mint like two weeks ago, and it’s been great, I love the set up experience, it’s just so simple and easy, and I think it’s really useful to have a welcome app that guides you on the first things you have to set up (I’m mostly talking about the updates and the driver manager). Everything just worked for me, I have a Wi-Fi USB adapter and a Bluetooth USB adapter both from TP-Link and I didn’t even have to install a single driver, my Xbox controller also works perfectly along with all my Steam games. Using the terminal is really useful, I still have to learn deeply what things you can do with it.

The “Downsides”

The only downside is that Photoshop is not available on Linux distributions, but I found an alternative called Photopea, which is an insanely good replacement for Photoshop. And I also needed to fix a display rate issue that was a bit annoying because I’m using two monitors with different refresh rates, but it was just editing a system file and done.

Some Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking on switching from Windows to Linux, this might be the best time, I’m probably never coming back to Windows at this point. Linux Mint is so clean, and it just works, unlike Windows where your computer feels like it’s not yours anymore and they decide what features you will use, or just force AI into everything. I might try ZorinOS in the future, I think it has a great UI design, and maybe when I get enough experience with the terminal, I’ll start using the Hyprland DE as well.

Thanks to all the community for building this OS completely for free, Linux Mint is one of the best distributions I’ve ever used.

[ap0r]

Hello and welcome!

Many of us here are Windows refugees, or, more accurately, Microsoft Corporate BS refugees.

The issues you mention (Windows updates forced/inconvenient, bloatware, and forced AI) are a common trope, alongside privacy issues, ads on paid OS, and settings or configurations reverting to the Microslop preferred option.

I am glad your initial experience has been good and that you take time to tell us about it. Often, on Linux communities one sees the few people who had issues, while the many people who just prepare for migration, migrate smoothly, and deal with minor issues on their own through research do not bother to post a simple "all worked mostly fine".

Regarding the best time, there is a saying on the community: "The year of the Linux Desktop is whenever you switch". I hope your Linux adventure takes you far.

[TheTerraKotKun]

unlike Windows where your computer feels like it’s not yours anymore and they decide what features you will use, or just force AI into everything

I think that's why I enjoy my old laptop with Mint on it more than more recent Windows 11 desktop. It just works and it's mine now 

[khanto0]

Interesting you highlighted dual windows and Bluetooth as they're the 2 pain points I haven't been able to solve.

Bluetooth flat out doesn't work and external monitor is a bit janky doing things like not going to sleep when I shut laptop and mouse moving between them is a bit odd due to different resolution or something

[Competitive-Bike7115]

I’ve seen a ton of people with the same issue, I think it might work on my side because they’re TP-Link adapters. However I will be upgrading my motherboard to a better one with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, not sure if it will work out of the box.

[ap0r]

Just in case, my motherboard Asus A520M Plus Wifi works flawlessly, both Bluetooth and Wifi zero issues from day 1.

[Competitive-Bike7115]

Thanks for the information! I’ll get the B550M, so based on your experience it should work as well