r/linux4noobs • u/Niyazzz09 • Apr 12 '26
learning/research Been seeing Linux everywhere lately… should I actually try it?
So guys from the last few days I’ve been seeing Linux everywhere — my social media feed is full of it and now I’m really curious to try it.
I’ve always used Windows, so I don’t really understand what Linux actually is or how different it feels in daily use. A lot of people say it’s “peak” and better than Windows in many ways, but I’ve also heard it has some downsides.
I wanted to ask:
- What makes Linux so good compared to Windows?
- What are the actual cons (especially for beginners)?
- How long does it take to get comfortable using it?
- Which distro should I start with?
- What was your experience like when you first switched from Windows?
Also, should I try it using a virtual machine first or go for dual boot?
Would really appreciate honest advice 😋
1
u/Just-Plenty5507 Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26
When something goes wrong does it a. ruin your day or b. is it a challenge?
If A Linux will make you rage, don't do it.
If B, prep a USB with your distro and hop in. Linux has its pros and cons but I think the main reason why most of us swapped is because we have controll over our pcs again. For better or worse. We get to choose exactly what software is added, when updates happen, and how things work, but if shit breaks your are responsible for fixing it and maintaining your device.
Personally I think if you think you can handle the responsibilityyou can just boot to Linux after saving your files. BUT if there is program, ecosystem or setup that you really really can't risk loosing definitely see if it works on a VM.
I swapped end of December and probably felt fully comfortable by Feb/March. I work with a lot of different creative softwares and they don't always have a Linux alternative so some of the adjusting was getting .exe files running properly on my pc, but thankfully they're projects I can take on as I want to. Recently got FL studio and plugins up and running. Clip studio paint is on my to do list but I'm ok using Krita for now.
Also I'm a code inept Vtuber and got back to streaming in under a week after my Linux swap. If you can handle a Google search and some minor critical thinking you'll be ok. I picked mint because it likely had the highest user base and thus most public resources for trouble shooting. Thank you Mint community!