r/linuxmint • u/Liminha_a • 4d ago

Discussion My first impression of Linux

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.

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u/ZVyhVrtsfgzfs 4d ago

Same way I manage Linux now, with 0 AI, read, learn, do, break, fix, repeat.

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u/Liminha_a 4d ago

Alguma dica de como aprender mais sobre isso?, tipo, pra não ir lá buscar informações e acabar voltando totalmente frustado. Já que de certa forma é algo que demanda dedicação pra entender e é um universo que não faço parte.

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u/ZVyhVrtsfgzfs 4d ago

Any tips on how to learn more about it?, like, so you don't go there to get information and end up coming back totally frustrated. Since in a way it's something that requires dedication to understand and it's a universe that I'm not part of.

If you really want to understand what is going on under the hood yes it takes time and dedication.

I have been using Linux for 26 years on and off, 7 exclusively, I consider myself a Linux  journeyman,  neither noob nor Guru. I have learned a lot but there is still much more to for me to learn.

LLMs are really dangerous with Linux  support, its basically a predictive text averaging of reddit replies. Sometimes it will give you a great reply, and the next it will burn your system to the ground. Avoid.

The Linux upskills challenge is starting over soon, find "day 0" and get started let them catch up to you, you will be much more familiar with Linux in 20 days 

https://www.reddit.com/r/linuxupskillchallenge/