Switching from Windows to Linux: A Refreshing Change

It's the year I've fully embraced Linux on my personal desktop.

Back in November, after reaching my limits with Windows, I decided it was time to migrate to Linux. Since publishing that decision, a few unrelated annoyances occurred, delaying my installation until recently.

The main objective was to test how far I could lean on Linux for everyday tasks without dedicating excessive time to configuration or prior in-depth study. I'm looking for a practical alternative to Windows without the extra tribulations.

First Impressions

Surprisingly, Linux has met expectations quite well. Tasks I feared would be complex, like ensuring my Nvidia GPU worked, were seamless. Meanwhile, certain simple tasks did present challenges. Humorous problems arose, notably with a gaming mouse that functioned in games but not elsewhere.

Getting Started

I chose CachyOS, favoring its modern hardware optimization over more established distributions like Ubuntu. My motive was primarily to cater to gaming ease. After securing my Windows setup in December, I prepared a live USB, adjusted BIOS settings, and initiated the installation process.

Initially, my mouse wouldn't click, suggesting a live image issue. Since the keyboard sufficed, it wasn't a major obstacle.

Embarking on the installation, I faced the complexity of selecting components typically pre-configured in operating systems like MacOS or Windows. With Linux's open architecture, these components, from bootloaders to file systems, offered numerous choices.

Guided by recommendations, I installed CachyOS on a separate drive to avoid interference from Windows updates. I partitioned my 4TB drive based on instructions, reserving ample space for the root partition.

Due to gaming considerations, I settled on KDE as the desktop environment. Setting user credentials and naming the terminal 'Maggie,' after a cat, completed the setup.

The installation was swift. I was relieved to retain dual-boot capabilities, offering both Linux and Windows choices.

Once booted, the recurring mouse issue persisted. This quirk was amusing, especially since it worked fine for gaming.

On a positive note, most hardware integrated smoothly. My printer, with minor firewall tweaking, functioned well, as did essential peripherals.

Navigating Software Options

Linux’s software options range from company websites to community repositories. While there's no universal app store, projects like Flatpak aim to unify the experience.

I quickly set up essential apps like Chromium and Audacity via Cachy’s interface. Some apps took a bit longer due to repository issues but proved manageable.

Though preferring Arc, browser alternatives were plentiful, offering functionality until the browser landscape changes further.

To test gaming, I used a convenient Cachy package, prepared for installations. After managing disk space better, I launched a game to ensure compatibility.

Games ran smoothly, even integrating cloud saves, although the aforementioned mouse issue was hilariously quirky.

Ongoing Adjustments

The major hurdle of supporting certain games, like Minecraft Bedrock with my kids, is still unresolved. Various methods for emulation are on the horizon.

An exploration into the Linux alternatives for authentication and additional software, like a command-line Spotify client, will expand my setup further.

Surprisingly, initial experiences with Linux have been more straightforward and less intrusive compared to other OS transitions.

I admit, some tasks like photo editing might have me revert temporarily. Nonetheless, I foresee Linux as part of my multi-OS experience given my job demands adaptability.

Ultimately, the start has been promising, and it feels like just the beginning of a deeper dive into Linux's potential.