Switching from Windows to Linux
It’s been ages since I’ve poked around the “innards” of a computer. I fondly remember the days when the desktop case sat open on the floor, waiting for a RAM upgrade or a new graphics card. I even remember my son mapping a Duke Nukem explosion sound to the shutdown button—much to my wife’s surprise!
While those days of hardware tinkering are mostly gone, I recently decided it was time for a digital change. Inspired by our European and Canadian neighbors who are finding alternatives to US tech giants, I decided to ditch Windows and give Linux a try.
Why I Ditched Windows for Linux
Windows has always been a bit of a headache for me. Between the updates that take an eternity and the sudden withdrawal of support for older versions, I felt it was time for a change. My goal? A faster machine and more control over my data.
The Learning Curve: Dual Booting vs. A Fresh Install
I started my journey by trying to dual-boot Linux and Windows from a USB drive. It seemed simple enough, but things got technical quickly. Due to a lack of hard drive space, I accidentally “broke” Windows.
After some research, I realized the best solution was a clean slate. I backed up my essential files, wiped the hard drive, and performed a fresh Linux installation.
The result?
- Speed: Linux installed in just 20 minutes.
- Performance: My laptop boots significantly faster than it ever did on Windows.
- Storage: I’ve reclaimed huge amounts of hard drive space.
Life After Microsoft: Apps and Compatibility
One of the best things about Linux is the pre-loaded software. My installation came ready to go with:
- LibreOffice: A powerful, free alternative to Microsoft Office.
- Mozilla Firefox: A privacy-focused web browser. Mozilla are based in the USA
- Mozilla Thunderbird: A robust email client. As above.
While my desktop now looks and feels like my old Windows setup, it’s leaner and meaner.
The Next Challenge: “De-Googling”
Stage 1 is complete, but the journey isn’t over. My next goal is to “exit Google.” This is the tricky part—moving away from Gmail and finding alternatives to Facebook and WhatsApp is tough when your entire social circle is still there. However, since all Google services work perfectly in a Linux browser, I can take my time with the transition.
Need Guidance?
I probably would never have attempted this without the pages of solutions to every problem available in your favourite AI program. I’m aware of all the down sides to AI, but, for a project like this, it’s invaluable.