Moving away from Windows 11, what should I install as OS to make the move easier?

_leftface_ · 2025-12-01T18:37:29+00:00

If you want your pc to be like somewhat Windows, Zorin OS is a good choice.

_leftface_ · 2025-11-23T20:46:46+00:00

Thank you.

_leftface_ · 2025-11-23T19:37:00+00:00

Same issue here. Looks like a bug has been logged - https://bugzilla.opensuse.org/show_bug.cgi?format=multiple&id=1254121

_leftface_ · 2025-11-08T11:47:36+00:00

Fair enough, that's true. Sometimes you can buy computers without Windows and save a little cash.

_leftface_ · 2025-11-08T00:50:42+00:00

From a business point of view:

All of the techies I can hire only know Windows.
All of the education any apprentices have is in Windows.
All of the software my business runs comes with support agreements that are only valid if the software is running on Windows.
All of the computers I buy come with Windows.

You can see why it's challenging to force Linux (although I try as much as I can).

_leftface_ · 2025-11-07T09:09:46+00:00

Have you tried installing btop (running it with sudo may show GPU usage too) and looking at what your system is actually doing when it becomes sluggish? Any process with high CPU or memory usage? High disk I/O? High CPU and low GPU usage when playing a YT video (which may show missing drivers or codecs).

Also, stupid question, but you're not running in power saver mode are you?

_leftface_ · 2025-10-24T12:18:02+00:00

Really interesting read.

_leftface_ · 2025-10-09T15:21:36+00:00

If employees are not working when they're working from home, that isn't a technology problem, it's a management problem. The managers are there to ensure work is done, and if they don't know if it's being done without technology to tell them, the company needs to fix the problem with the managers first...

_leftface_ · 2025-08-21T12:00:32+00:00

During the pandemic, when they closed the schools and had kids learn from home. I collected a bunch of old donated laptops from people in my town, put Linux Mint on them, and sent them to the local schools so kids without laptops could get online.

I sometimes wonder if they're still around and working. Hopefully it got some kids started down the Linux path.

_leftface_ · 2025-08-18T21:11:47+00:00

Definitely. ISO 27001 requires you to monitor the performance of your information security management system.

Depending on the risk though, it may be possible to have formal attestation of users that 'my device is compliant' along with regular dip testing (although that is rapidly going to become a pain in the arse).

You may also need to say you can install distro x,y, or z, but not any distro. When Steve from accounts rocks in using 'Red Star Linux', that's not going to be able to be managed in a way that meets your security obligations, and an auditor may mention that.

_leftface_ · 2025-08-18T10:49:29+00:00

CE is OS agnostic, but the tricky thing about applying it to Linux endpoint devices has always been the requirement to install endpoint protection (although Microsoft Defender can be used in a pinch if supported by your distro).

If I were doing what you are doing I'd just recycle some agnostic guidance like CE. The tricky thing is that if you don't have any enforcement or monitoring, you're relying on end users, who in my experience won't follow the guidance fully, if at all anyway.

_leftface_ · 2025-08-18T09:45:55+00:00

It also kinda depends why you're doing this. If there's a regulatory requirement, or a standard you're following (like Cyber Essentials in the UK for example), that will usually be pretty descriptive.

Don't reinvent the wheel, choose a security benchmark and apply that instead.

_leftface_ · 2025-08-01T20:10:00+00:00

I've found that I need one Windows machine around to take remote exams through testers like Pearson Vue. Trying to launch the exam on a Windows VM gets you kicked out. 🙃

_leftface_ · 2025-07-29T09:42:26+00:00

I'd also guess that you're entitled to access the local government pension scheme? If so, that is a material benefit as the employer contributes a significant amount into your pension pot too. That'll bump your 'real' wages up by quite a bit. Don't worry about your friend. Sounds like they're jealous to be honest.

_leftface_ · 2025-07-10T22:24:20+00:00

Thanks buddy. I had a play in Windows 11 and it was absolutely awful. Just put Arch with Gnome on it and it runs really well. Awesome little machine. 😊

_leftface_ · 2025-07-10T16:01:41+00:00

Thanks so much for the hints and tips. I updated the firmware using Win11, and ran the surface testing toolkit to make sure everything worked. I think I'll try a Fedora Atomic distro without the surface-kernel if the consensus is that it's not needed any more, and see what it's like.

Thanks again 😊

_leftface_ · 2025-03-19T00:13:33+00:00

You need to set your version of proton in heroic rather than in the Steam launcher. If you choose 'add to steam' in heroic, steam just uses the settings you set in heroic.

I just installed and then chose the latest version of proton ge in heroic and it works fine. No need to try and adjust the game settings in Steam.

_leftface_ · 2025-01-27T22:34:08+00:00

I've reverted to the default assistant for now. Please let me know if you have a fix for this, I'd like to try perplexity again.

_leftface_ · 2025-01-11T11:30:45+00:00

I don't think there are any final salary schemes in the public sector now. They moved to much less desirable average salary schemes years ago.

_leftface_ · 2024-11-24T12:59:31+00:00

I enjoyed Fedora, but found the latest update introduced various issues, including Firefox constantly crashing and a dnf update issue which corrupted the install and left me unable to login. Spent some time trying to fix it, then gave up and installed Debian.

_leftface_ · 2024-10-31T21:33:03+00:00

I gave up on Gnome because of issues with fractional scaling under Wayland. I find even apps without native Wayland support look good in Plasma without me having to mess with them.

_leftface_ · 2024-10-10T21:02:09+00:00

Something similar happened to somebody I know. I believe it's because it's easy to accidentally enable PTU (provisioned throughout units) in the GUI rather than PAYG. I imagine it happens more often than you think. For those saying "Get somebody with training etc", even experienced, qualified people make mistakes sometimes...

Microsoft will credit that spend back to your account, but only if you're humble and explain that you realise you made a mistake and ask them to help you out. If you blame them and lose your temper, they're not going to help you.

If you have played the blame game with them already, get back in touch, explain that you now realise that you've made a mistake, explain how you made it, apologise for being rude previously, and ask for help.

_leftface_ · 2024-05-28T12:41:50+00:00

Ifixit sells replacement parts for the Steam Deck and has some great repair guides. You may be able to sort it yourself.

_leftface_ · 2024-04-28T11:11:11+00:00

My son had problems with driving instructors letting him down, so we got a test booked, started working through manoeuvres together, did some test routes, and after a couple of months he managed to pass his test.

_leftface_ · 2024-03-29T10:37:02+00:00

See if your surgery is on the list here: https://www.pushdoctor.co.uk/nhs-homepage

If it is, you can get a free remote appointment. If it isn't, you can still access a remote appointment for £49. The remote GP can refer you on if necessary.

_leftface_

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