A Year With Linux: Leaving Windows Behind

In January 2025, with clouds hanging heavy in the sky, I embarked on a bold adventure by erasing my computer's operating system. Choosing the path of no return, I replaced the familiar Windows 10 environment that I had depended on for years with Linux.

The Ubuntu installation process began with a stern notification — all data on my hard drive would be obliterated as it cleared away my longstanding Windows setup. Despite a moment of hesitation, pondering whether to simply dual-boot, I resolved to fully commit.

Discovering the World of Linux

It wasn’t dissatisfaction with Windows that solely led me to Linux, although that was significant. The year’s journey revealed Linux to be far less obscure than conventional wisdom implies, offering its own kind of charm despite its unique challenges.

Adapting to Linux brought its share of trials. My initial night felt like wading through a storm, dealing with the overwhelming task of setting up applications and navigating the terminal's murky depths. Nevertheless, each problem also offered a chance to grow.

Conquering Early Hurdles

On the first night, frustration was a constant companion, as figuring out how to seamlessly integrate a second SSD was far from intuitive. My initial instinct was to revert to Windows. However, by morning, clarity struck when I realized the oversight in my file systems table ('fstab'), allowing me to rectify the issue.

From then on, using Linux became smoother. Problems, when they arose, were manageable — a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness the platform demands from users.

The Experience and Love for Customization

Continuing beyond Ubuntu, I transitioned to Fedora, which became my mainstay. It fits seamlessly into my daily workflow, gaming, and creative projects. Linux opened doors to numerous desktop environments like Cinnamon and KDE Plasma, allowing for further personal expression through customization.

A colorful desktop, tailored with various themes and icons, greets me each day. Altering the aesthetic is a delightful pastime — simply because I can. My terminal too has undergone a visual transformation.

Gaining Independence

The independence Linux offers is exhilarating — allowing control over everything from themes to which software resides on my machine. Whereas Windows grudgingly relinquishes control, Linux empowers users.

I found suitable open-source replacements for most proprietary software I previously relied on. Gaming, facilitated by tools like Valve’s Proton, remains a staple of my Linux experience.

A New Chapter, While Looking Back

The leap to Linux was a leap into the unknown, demanding acclimation to its idiosyncrasies. That leap was more than rewarding — it was liberating. Yet, it may not suit everyone. Some may find the command-line daunting or miss certain applications — as I did initially with multiplayer games not supported on Linux.

However, for those seeking more control and less restriction, or to breathe new life into older machines, Linux is an inviting frontier.

While I’ve now integrated a MacBook into my professional life, Linux remains central to my personal computing — especially for gaming where it excels.