I bought a laptop yesterday, it came pre-installed with Windows 11. I hate win 11 so I switched it down to Windows 10, but then started considering using Linux for total control over the laptop, but here’s the thing: I keep seeing memes about how complicated or fucky wucky Linux is to install and run. I love the idea of open source software and an operating system without any of the bullshit that comes with Windows, but most of the open source stuff I have is on my android and fairly easy to install. Installing and using Linux just feels like it’ll be a whole different beast that’ll eat up most of my time and I’m kind of intimidated by it.

TL;DR Linux scawy, how does a barely computer literate scrub like me who’s used nothing but windows since the dawn of their life get started with Linux?

  • Fonzie!
    2•28 days ago
    1. Download Mint
    2. Download VirtualBox
    3. Setup a Mint VM
    4. Get used to it (this is a long step, you’re free to try other distros, take your time)
    5. Download Rufus, install a Linux ISO of your choice to the USB
    6. Shrink Windows’ partition
    7. Turn off Secure Boot and RAID in your BIOS (steps vary by laptop/motherboard manufacterer)
    8. Boot your USB (try booting it in EFI mode instead of BIOS mode first, if you can)
    9. Follow the install instructions to install it alongside Windows

    I gave what I think are the easiest and most beginner friendly instructions (Mint over Debian, Endeavour, Fedora or Ubuntu for example). Not all are the best suggestions (I suggested VirtualBox over QEMU and Rufus over Ventoy), I recommended you to go with your own preferences if you have any

    If you run into any problems, this Lemmy community, the Ubuntu SO (also for non-Ubuntu questions, everyone is there) and the Mint Forums for Mint related questions are always there for you, don’t be afraid to ask and “don’t ask to ask” ;-)

    Good luck!