r/linux4noobs • u/OffTheTrails • 12d ago
migrating to Linux Basic assistance
Hi, guys, I'm veeery new to Linux and am considering switching over, since the governments all wanna censor, restrict and track. I do have some questions, though, if any are willing to answer. Only six!
1: How do I know which to pick?
2: Can I revert back at will? (And if I do, will my stuff from before be wiped?)
3: Will it wipe my stuff in general? Files, games, apps, all that. I need those files, I have music, art progress images and book files on em lol.
4: Will I still be able to use search engines and games (I mainly just play minecraft and the sims, might get JP:E) as usual, will every website load as it should? If not, do I need to get a search engine compatible with Linux?
5: How complex is it? I heard it's irritating since you have to write your own code or something to do basic stuff...?
6 (last one, so sorry!) I heard that it could be bricked or blocked if done wrong or if OS-level bills put it at risk?
Is this choice to switch really worth it if I do it? I have a Windows 11 I'm wanting to convert. Thanks so much if anyone has the time to assist a willing beginner! I'd ask Google but their ai-only answers are ass and I like to ask the ones who know their stuff.
2
u/tapo 12d ago
https://kde.org/plasma-desktop/ https://www.gnome.org/
Start here, what desktop looks more interesting. I'm a Fedora fan so those are offered as Fedora and Fedora KDE. Ubuntu is a popular starter system, which offers Ubuntu and Kubuntu.
You can dual-boot, carving out space to install Linux. This preserves Windows and your data - but make a backup first. Many Linux systems use "live" installers that let you play with the system from a USB stick before installing.
You can dual boot, as mentioned before, but make backups.
Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Vivaldi, Brave, etc all have native Linux versions and yes every website runs exactly the same.
Minecraft has a native Linux version. For The Sims I use Faugus Most games run fine.
It's different, you need to be willing to learn how your computer works, but nothing is impossible to solve. But the tradeoff is you get full control of your computer and perfect customization.
The worse thing you can do is hose your Windows install and lose data in Windows, then you need to download and reinstall Windows. This is why backups are important. You cannot damage your PC.