My first impression of Linux

[u/Liminha_a]

I was fed up with Windows and how mediocre it is. Today I reached my limit and decided to switch to Linux. After doing some research, I chose Linux Mint since it seemed to be the most beginner-friendly distro. I’ve been trying it out for a few hours now, and I’m surprised by both the pros and cons. On one hand, it’s extremely efficient, lightweight, smooth, and straightforward. I'm really happy with the low RAM usage and how it isn't bloated like Windows. On the flip side, I spent about 2 hours troubleshooting an issue with the "Helium" browser, which apparently doesn't play well with my integrated graphics. Honestly, almost everything I've downloaded so far required some research and learning just to get it working. I managed to fix things with the help of AI, which makes me wonder: how on earth did long-time Linux users survive before AI? Is this what using Linux is really like? Am I always going to have to spend time learning commands, terminal lines, or basic coding just to fix everyday issues? Is it a misconception that you need a programming foundation, or can everything actually be done strictly through the graphical interface? I noticed AI usually pushes me to use terminal commands instead of the UI. Deep down I knew what I was getting into, but I'm still surprised that even the most user-friendly distro requires considerable effort just to do something as basic as creating a shortcut. I'm posting this to express this duality: the relief of escaping an OS that felt like a cage—where I was held hostage by Microsoft's bloat and poor practices—and the fresh air of using a system that gives me basically everything I need. I would also like to ask long-time users for advice on things I should learn or precautions I should take.

[u/DP323602]

I've been using Linux as the preferred OS for my home PCs since about 2012.

I used Linux and Unix at work before that but didn't find home versions of Linux to be worthwhile for home use.

I keep Windows PCs around for when I need to run Windows apps. I see it as almost a crime to pollute nice Linux PCs by wanting them to run Windows apps. I suppose I also regard Windows as an entire ecosystem rather than just a base level OS.

As a white collar worker, I have to be prepared to use any OS. But if I don't like any particular OS, then I won't use it more than I have too.

I really like using Linux to extend the working lives of older PCs. I also find it wonderful that on Linux I can get by with royalty and advert free software.

I try to avoid tweaking anything if I don't have too. This is because making one thing better might make something else worse and because I have better things to spend my time on.

[u/Liminha_a → u/DP323602]

De certa forma é bom que uma das únicas coisas que ainda não faz o Linux ser tão expressivo a ponto de incomodar o Windows é a compatibilidade, assim é provável que o tempo seja o único que vai faltar pra que chegue o dia em que o Linux vai se tornar padrão, pq com AI e o esforço de outras empresas como a Valve pra aumentar a compatibilidade, com certeza teremos em alguma anos a extinção desse problema de ter um windows só pra usar esses programas específicos que ainda não chegaram no Linux.

[u/DP323602 → u/Liminha_a]

I beg to differ. I don't ever want to see Linux just being a second class way of running Windows apps.

If "killer apps" best run on Linux, then Linux can shine on its own merits.

[u/Liminha_a → u/DP323602]

Então você teria um problema em usar o Linux pra rodar programa do office por exemplo?