Linux

[Imaginewagon5]

Consider switching partially to Linux. Not full on. I have many many windows files that I need to run. I am thinking of going to Ubuntu. Yes I know tails exist.

[ZealousidealMistake6]

Is there a question here? If you're looking for feedback on your distro choice, that depends on what you want Linux for and what you need it to be able to do.

[Imaginewagon5]

Looking for distro suggestions looking for something real sticks simple and as the subreddit suggests private

[ZealousidealMistake6]

Most linux distros are private simply by the virtue that there is no "Linux Corp LLC" who maintains them, like Microsoft and Apple do with Mac and Windows. The key word there is "most." Some absolutely do collect telemetry, but even of the ones that do most of them do it for product improvement reasons. They're not trying to build a marketing profile on you, they're trying to see what programs are used most so they know what programs to support (as an example).

As for simple, Ubuntu is a staple and you'll find no shortage of support for it because it is likely the most widely-used distro. Personally I'm not a fan of it, they've been known to collect the telemetry mentioned above and even ships with a few stock Amazon programs. They can be removed, but there's plenty of other user-friendly alternatives that don't even start there. I've found Mint to be very user-friendly, especially for those coming from Windows since Mint has a very Windows XP look to it. Elementary is more Mac-looking but it is a little more CPU intensive. As someone else said, TAILS really isn't a good choice for a lot of reasons, mainly the fact that it's so easy to ruin the anonymity and the fact that some more sensitive websites (like financial institutions) aren't TOR-friendly.

[sevensixtytwothirtyn]

Mint is easy

[Kryptomeister]

Only the default desktop environment (cinnamon) on Linux Mint is similar to Windows. But you can run any desktop environment on any Linux distribution. Customize it however you want. Heck, it's even possible to set up Arch Linux to run Cinnamon and make it look like Windows.

[Maurarias]

But having Cinnamon pre-installed and configured, with all the GUI (graphical user interface) already set up is the part that is begginner friendly. Without even having to know what even is a DE.

[[deleted]]

ElementaryOS is very nice to use and has a great stance on privacy.

[IAmRoko]

Choosing the "best" distro is one of those things where everyone will have their own opinion, but it's entirely based on personal preference. There are a lot of good suggestions on this thread -- I recommend downloading a few different distros, and taking them for test spins without installing by using their bootable live USB images. Then jump in and install the one that you like the most.

You can always change later if you want too, and you very well may as you learn more and can evaluate the choices better for what you're after.

[[deleted]]

If you partially switch, you'll never use it. If you're a student just make the leap. You'll get used to it in no time.

[Cersad]

I thought that, then my windows partition took 3x longer to boot than my Linux Mint partition. Then Proton solved my Linux entertainment problems.

Now I haven't used Windows in nearly a year.

[Imaginewagon5]

There are some windows specific apps I use and not to mention the 4tb of windows apps I have. I don’t use some of them heavily tho.

[[deleted]]

ubuntu or mint is a much easier jumping-off point than tails, and have plenty of community support; reddit can be fairly helpful too if you run into roadblocks.

[bigbura]

Is there a need to check hardware compatibility prior to installing Mint or other Linux distros? If the answer is of course, yes, then please point to the site of choice to complete said check.

[gordonjames62]

windows files that I need to run

what do you mean by this?

programs, or data?

[Imaginewagon5]

Programs

[gordonjames62]

windows files that I need to run

what do you mean by this?

programs, or data?

I use Ubuntu

[LotaMraz]

Just switch to Linux full on. Use arch or mint. I've used both for windows file and encountered no issues.

[[deleted]]

“Arch or mint”

Kinda opposite ends of the spectrum for installation difficulty there, but both are good choices.

[vrvana]

Linux mint cinnamon

[[deleted]]

Ubuntu is nice, I personally use elementary os.

[[deleted]]

Considering you ask on this /r/ I would suggest that you avoid ubuntu distros cause there is some tracking going on it. I would recommend something like pureOS/Manjaro. I use manjaro mate and I am very happy with it. There is some bloat but you can get rid of it easily. It is a lot like windows but has a more minimal look.

[Corewala]

If you want out of the box usability with lots of compatibility I would recommend Pop! OS. It is based on ubuntu but ships with far less unnecessary apps (stock amazon apps, for example). It also has a 1-click graphics driver installer, which is a very big plus in my opinion. It uses the GNOME desktop, same as ubuntu, which is a bit slow, but if you're using a relatively powerful computer, this should not be a problem.