Switching to Linux - where do I start?
It is fairly easy to switch to Linux, however it's best to prepare first, just like with anything other task, when prepared - things go much smoother!
1) Check our Linux Compatible Devices Guide to ensure your computer or tablet can run Linux.
2) Choose Linux OS (Operating System) distro (distribution). With so many Linux distros available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Here are a few popular Debian distros with a brief summary of what they’re best suited for:
- Linux Mint: is great for Windows current users, as it resembles Windows PC interface very closely and is very intuitive.
- Linux Elementary (available on Linux Best OS Collection Set): looks similar to Apple mac and is very appealing.
- Linux Tails: is best for anonymous secure internet browsing.
- Linux for Kids: is best for kids and students.
- Linux Kali: is best for more advanced users, future hackers and IT professionals.
3) Before anything - back up your data on the computer/device on which you will be testing/installing Linux!
4) Try Linux LIVE. You can boot with the Linux Operating System USB and check it out to see how it feels and works (NOTE: it will be a bit slow since it will be running LIVE from the USB). For a much better experience, it's best to install your Linux alongside Windows, so you can always boot into Windows as needed.
5) Create a list of apps/software you are currently using to see if the app has a Linux version or if there is an alternative similar app available. Here is a nice Windows to Linux switch table you can use as a template:
|
App Name (Windows / macOS) |
Linux Compatible / Alternative app |
App Description |
| 7Zip |
Yes |
ZIP file archiver. |
| Adobe Photoshop |
No / GIMP |
Image editor, can do everything Photoshop can do and even more! For casual image editing: www.photopea.com |
| AnyDesk |
Yes |
Remote control software. |
| Apple iPhone: transferring data to computer |
No / libimobiledevice |
Copying files / images / videos from iPhone directly to computer hard drive. |
| Avira Antivirus | Yes / ClamAV |
Antivirus / Anti-spyware. |
| Blackblaze | No / RClone | Automated cloud backup. |
| Chrome, Firefox, Opera |
Yes, Yes, Yes |
Most popular web browsers for browsing the internet. |
| Climpchamp | No / KDEnlive | Video editing software. |
| DOSBox |
Yes |
MSDOS emulator for classic software and games. |
| Free Cam |
No / OBS Studio |
Video capture, recording and live streaming broadcasting software. |
| Gaming | Steam |
Yes, with Proton | Video gaming. |
| MS Office |
No / LibreOffice or OpenOffice MS Office web version (accessed through browser is also available |
Create / print documents, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, etc. |
| MS Outlook |
MS Outlook web version (accessed through browser is also available |
Email client app for sending / receiving / organizing emails, calendar, etc. |
| MS Teams |
MS Teams web version (accessed through browser is also available |
Collaboration / chat app. |
| NordVPN |
Yes |
VPN connection service / app. |
| Notepad (Windows) |
No / Text Editor |
Integrated text editing app. |
| Notepad++ | No / Kate |
Professional text editor for web development, coding and simply advanced text editing. |
| Printing - LabelRange LP320 |
Yes | Thermal printer for printing shipping labels. |
| Printing and Scanning - HP Laser Printer with WiFi |
Yes | hplip-gui setup for USB/WiFi config via Terminal |
The majority of HP printers / scanners will work with Linux. WiFi featured printers / scanners will usually add automatically during Linux installation. |
| PyCharm |
Yes |
Popular and very powerful integrated development environment for programming in Python. |
| Raspbery Pi Imager |
Yes |
Raspberry Pi Imager is the quick and easy way to install Raspberry Pi OS and other operating systems to a microSD card, ready to use with your Raspberry Pi. |
| Slack | Yes | Slack is very popular communications tool for companies worldwide. |
| Snag-It | No / Shutter or ksnip |
Screenshot app with many advanced features. |
| Steam | Gaming | Yes, with Proton |
Video gaming. |
| Telegram |
Yes |
Very popular and secure messenger. |
| Total Commander | No / Double Commander |
File manager with 2 panels side by side. |
| VirtualBox |
Yes |
Virtualization software. Run Microsoft Windows, macOS or another Linux distribution within your current Linux OS for any possible need. |
| WinDirStat | No / QDirStat |
A graphical app that visually displays what’s taking up the most space on your hard drive - perfect for freeing up space efficiently. |
| Windows Explorer / Finder |
xfe (X File Explorer) |
An intuitive file explorer, perfect for everyday file browsing and management on your disk. |
| WinRAR |
Yes |
Legendary super secure file archiver. |
| WinSCP | No / Krusader |
Advanced twin panel (commander style) file manager with great features for (S)FTP file transfer and many other powerful features. |