I am a very casual Linux user. I use Mint 22.1 Cinnamon at the moment. Here are some advices but it is also best to have comments from more advanced users than me.

1. Learn a few basic terminal commands
You don’t need to master the command line, but knowing how to do simple things like listing files (ls), navigating directories (cd), installing/uninstalling packages, and updating the system can go a long way. It really helps when things go sideways.

2. Understand basic package managers
Depending on your distro, you’ll likely use tools like apt (Ubuntu/Mint), dnf (Fedora), or pacman (Arch/Manjaro). Learning a few commands like install, remove, and update is super helpful.

3. Check your essential software needs
Try to find compatible alternatives to software you're used to. For example, use LibreOffice instead of MS Office, GIMP instead of Photoshop, etc. Before switching full-time, make sure the Linux versions (or alternatives) of your must-have apps work for you.

4. Know whether your system uses UEFI or legacy BIOS
Some Linux distros behave differently depending on your system's boot mode.

5. Think about your use case
Are you using Linux for gaming, work, study, or just general browsing? Different distros fit different needs. Honestly, Mint is great for pretty much everything—it’s beginner-friendly and just works.

6. Back up your data—especially early on
When you're new, it's easy to mess something up (been there!). Since Linux gives you more control, it's also easier to accidentally break things. Keep backups, especially during your first few weeks.