So, you’re finally taking the plunge and trying out Linux.

First, if you’re coming from windows and expect everything to be the same, then you’re in for a rough time.

Don’t get me wrong about 70-80% of things are roughly the same. If all you use your PC for is browsing the web, checking email, consuming media, and some light office work, then Linux has you covered.

One big disclaimer though, Linux has its own apps and some proprietary Windows apps won’t run on Linux. You see, Linux runs free and open-source software.

Free sofware

Free and open-source software is software in which the developers release the code to the app. This way, even if you’re not a coder, people who are, can read and audit the code. They can see if it’s doing anything malicious or find bugs. They can also contribute to the code and improve it for the end user, you and me. Many times open-source software can be free from cost.

Proprietary software is the complete opposite. You really have no idea what the company is doing with the code since you can’t read it. Even if you do turn off a specific setting in an app, there’s no way to know if it’s actually disabled. And you would have to pay for it.

The mentality

Now you know the difference between open-source and proprietary software. And you have a list of what you need your PC to do. If you’re coming from windows, then I recommend you dual boot (run two operating systems on one computer) Linux and Windows at the beginning, just so you can have that safety net.

Next are some strategies and hacks to get you over the hump fast.

  • You’re not going to master it in one day, remember how big the change was from Windows XP to Windows 7.

  • Linux has a reputation for being terminal-based, but you don’t ever have to use a terminal to use it, although it’s recommended you learn it. It makes everything 20 times easier and faster over the long run.

  • Linux has a huge community of users from who can help you when you’re stuck, windows doesn’t.

  • Learning Linux will teach more about how computers work and it’ll help you think clearer and analytical.

  • If you love tinkering, then Linux is the OS for you. You can spend hours learning and customizing your Linux experience.

There you have it, a brief post on how to switch to Linux. The technical part of loading an operating system and trying it out will be discussed in another article. I think this is a good primer and gets you in the right mindset, so you’ll know what to expect.