Why Would I Move to Linux?

First, What is Linux?

You might be surprised to learn that Linux, per se, is not an operating system. Rather, it is used to describe the kernel of an operating system. It is the core of all Linux systems. In fact, Apple’s MacOS is based on a version of Linux, and has its own Linux-based kernel. This is also true of Google’s ChromeOS, and Android.

Linux Distributions (“Distros”)

Linux exists in many forms, called distributions (or, colloquially, “distros“). This is one of the reasons why Linux can be quite confusing for the beginner. Things are not as straightforward as moving to another version of Windows, or to MacOS. There are more choices, which complicates things.

Each distribution adds lots of software on to the kernel. One of the most important of these is the user interface. You can make Linux look and behave like Windows, MacOS, or any of a number of different ways that users can interact with the system, so they can use it for their own purposes. The main differentiation factor for Linux distros is the user interface, but another is the software that is included. Every distro provides its own set of software packages. Another differentiating factor is ease-of-use: some distros are aimed at Linux gurus, who want to hack everything in sight, while other distros are more focused on helping the beginner get started. We’ll focus on the latter, since I think you’re more likely to be interested in getting productive as soon as possible.

Try Before You Commit

All of the Linux distros that I have tried – perhaps all of them – have some great features that allow you to try out the distro without disturbing your current operating system:

Boot from USB Stick or DVD

When you download a distro, you can copy it to a USB stick or to a DVD, which you use to boot from on your current machine. When you boot from that device, it brings up the Linux distro, live, running from the USB stick or DVD. While this is slow compared with how the distro will run from your computer’s hard disk or SSD, it allows you to get a feel for how the distro runs. If you decide that the distro is not for you, you can just bring the computer back down, remove the USB stick or DVD, and boot back to your normal operating system, which will not have been affected.

Install as a Dual-Boot

Once you’ve given the distro a work-out running from the USB stick or DVD, you can then decide to install it on you computer. There is usually a button to click on to start this process.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Before you do the installation, be sure to create an image backup of your existing operating system (Windows, or whatever).

That way, if anything goes wrong, you can get back to your original working operating system by restoring it from the backup image.

During the Linux distro installation process, you will be asked to choose between one of the following choices:

• Erase the entire disk before installing the new operating system – this will delete your existing operating system
• Install the new operating system as a “dual-boot” option – this means that, at boot time, you will be able to choose whether to boot up the new Linux distro, or to boot your existing operating system. Of course, only one operating system can run at a time, but you can switch between them by rebooting. Note that this will reduce the amount of disk space your original operating system can use. If the amount of disk space available is insufficient, this may not be a viable option.
• Perhaps other choices. (Usually more complex.)

Of course, this makes it critical that you back up your original operating system properly, ahead of time!

For what it’s worth, I have set up one of my machines, a Dell desktop, as a dual boot system, with Windows 10, and Linux Mint.

Install in a Virtual Machine

There’s another way of trying out a Linux distro without disturbing the original operating system (well, you do have to install some new stuff). You can install software to allow you to create a virtual machine. This is an environment, running within your original operating system, that emulates your computer, and runs the Linux distro within that machine, with the user interface within a window. Got that?

Are you ready? Take a deep breath, and here goes…

Running Linux in Windows: Learn Linux in a Virtual Machine

Leo’s Advice

I find Leo Notenboom’s “AskLeo” videos to be quite helpful. He gives a level-headed appraisal of so many technical topics. Here is his sage advice on this topic. (Bear in mind that it’s from late 2021, which is a long time ago in computer terms, but it’s still basically accurate.)

Which Linux Distro Should I Choose?

Assuming that you want an ease-of-use distro, so you can get up and running relatively quickly, the main Linux distro contenders are

• Linux Mint
• Ubuntu / Kubuntu
• Zorin OS

(There are hundreds more distros, but…)

Choosing Your First Linux Distro

Here is a video that compares some of these distros:

Linux Mint

I’ve tried a few of these Linux distros, and came back to Linux Mint. It just seemed to be the best, especially if you come from Windows.

Why Linux Mint is the Ultimate Windows Alternative in 2025

Here’s a video that describes why Linux Mint might be a good choice for you:

Ubuntu / Kubuntu

Ubuntu is perhaps the most well-known distro, and forms the basis for many other distros.

Ubuntu means ‘humanity’ in some Bantu languages, such as Zulu, and describes a set of closely related Bantu African-origin value systems that emphasize the interconnectedness of individuals with their surrounding societal and physical worlds. “Ubuntu” is sometimes translated as “I am because we are”.

~ Wikipedia

Ubuntu 24.04: An Excellent Linux Distro

Here’s a useful description of a somewhat recent version of Ubuntu:

I tried Ubuntu, but I found its default user interface rather strange, and unfamiliar.

I had heard that there was a version of Ubuntu called Kubuntu that replaced Ubuntu’s user interface with KDE Plasma, a different, and for me, much better user interface.

Ubuntu 24.04 Flavours: Kubuntum Budgie, MATE, Cinnamon & More

You thought you’d seen lots of different user interfaces? Here is a discussion of other Ubuntu “flavours”.

Zorin OS

I haven’t yet tried Zorin OS, but according to one source:

“Zorin OS is ideal for users prioritizing a modern, polished, and visually appealing interface that mimics Windows and macOS, and offers seamless Windows application compatibility.”

it sounds promising.

Downloading and Installing Zorin OS

Here’s the ever-helpful Leo describing Zorin OS:

A Recent Article Supporting Zorin OS

I recently came across this article, This Linux distro finally makes switching from Windows feel natural.

It might be useful to you.

Secure Boot

Secure Boot is a security feature that prevents malicious software like rootkits from running during the computer’s startup process. It works by using digital signatures to verify that each piece of boot software, including firmware drivers and the operating system, is trusted by the manufacturer before the system boots. This helps protect against malware that tries to hijack the system’s core control early in the boot sequence.

So, why should I care about secure boot, other than that it protects my system from malicious software?

When I tried to install Linux Mint on a Dell desktop, I discovered that the USB stick on which I’d installed the Linux Mint installation software would not boot. The boot process gave an error that I eventually figured out meant that the Dell system had Secure Boot enabled, and that the USB stick was not compatible.

I believe that later versions of Linux Mint support Secure Boot.

However, I had to learn how to disable Secure Boot (which, incidentally, is one of the requirements for installing Windows 11).

How to Disable Secure Boot on ANY Computer | Legacy BIOS & Modern UEFI Guide

Here is a video that can help you figure out how to do that.

That’s all, folks! (Well, maybe…)