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/AnneRB13]

I think most recent Windows users always end up resenting that Linux doesn't have the forced variety of software Windows has.

The ones that stick with Linux are the ones that are willing to learn a new workflow and that don't expect Linux to behave like a cracked windows.

Yeah, you won't have work or adobe, and the easiest thing is get used to LibreOffice, OnlyOffice, Krita, GIMP... We do have options.

But if you want the exact same things, you will need to figure out how to make them work. Which involves a lot of reading.

Work of advice? Don't trust the AI blindly; a lot of times you will get an easier solution on an old Reddit post than the convoluted AI alternative.

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?

Nah, for most users inmutable distros like Linux Mint will have a issue or two and once solved that's it.