this post was submitted on 10 Dec 2023
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Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Now i've been considering moving to linux. I don't have much of a history using a computer and find it tougher to use than my phone. But I also really appreciate the foss movement. I've currently got an old laptop running windows 11 I think and it would prolly speed up with linux too. But I'm afraid I'd fuck smth up trying to download linux, understand it or while using it. Is it worth switching and how different is it to a windows experience.

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[–] JoeKrogan@lemmy.world 5 points 10 months ago

I think it is , you had to learn how to use windows and you can learn how to use a Linux distro, I recommend Ubuntu or fedora with KDE, most of the concepts for your day to day should be similar with small subtle changes.

Your browser will still function the same . you will have a home directory with subdirectories for all your files. Kind of like my computer on windows.

The main thing is to mentally understand that it is not windows , just like iOS is not android.

If you can't find a replacement or Linux version of a program there is a windows compatibility layer called WINE that can be used but that is a topic for another day.

There are things call live CDs or live USBs that let you try the OS without installing it. It runs off a USB or CD.

There are always people willing to land a hand online if you do have an issue.

If you do end up using it for a long time you will learn more about computers just from your day to day use of Linux as it doesnt hide stuff from you.

Anyway best of luck to you whatever you decide to do.