Linux OS for a new user

[bkdroid13]

Hello users,

This question may be offtopic here, but i need your kind suggestions. I am now going to reinstall an operating system in my computer.
I had Windows 10 earlier. Now I am thinking to use Linux. I have not used it before so I have a few doubts.

Will it be difficult to use and understand Linux?
Will Linux be faster than Winodows 10?

Thanks

 

[Cool Master]

Will it be difficult to use and understand Linux?

If you apply yourself and look at tutorials if you have to no. How did you learn Windows? Thats right you just used it. Same works for Linux. If you screw up you screw up just keep a backup of everything important it it's no big deal.

Will Linux be faster than Winodows 10?

Yes and no. It just depends on what you are doing.

 

[pseudopseudonym]

Will it be difficult to use and understand Linux?

Guess that depends on you. I new people that used Windows for a long time and try to do everything the same way. Then it's difficult.
But I also know people that are okay with learning something new, for them it's easy.

Will Linux be faster than Winodows 10?

That really depends on what you do. For me it's most of the time faster.

Which Linux-distro are you planning to use? Many people do the mistake to chose distributions that are definitley not meant to be used by first-time-linux-users.

 

[uburoi]

Depends on what you are going to do with your computer. If you are using it as a gaming machine, you won't be very happy with Linux because there are far less games running with it. Otherwise there is no great difference in terms of using a browser, an office application etc.
Anyway, you should be prepared for a lot of reading – Linux is no more difficult than Windows, but it handles a lot of things quite differently, and if you are not used to it there lies a bunch of work ahead...

 

[abcddcba]

Will it be difficult to use and understand Linux?

"Difficult" in terms of of what?

Are you planning to use just the GUI or also the command line?
It also depends on the distribution, obviously Slackware is more difficult (for non-experienced users) to use than Debian derivatives(Ubuntu, Mint, etc.) or Linux Arch.
There are also differences in the GUI resp. Window Managers, like Gnome, KDE, etc

For an overview of distros, here we go: https://distrowatch.com/

 

[SVΞN]

If you want to use a Linux Distribution as an operating system with GUI to do your daily business like office, multimedia, internet and email, it is not more complicated to use than Windows.

For a straightforward and seamless transition, I recommend the Cinnamon Edition of Linux Mint 19.1 "Tessa".

If you are interested in an ever-present Rolling Release, take a look at Manjaro.

Linux is not rocket science.

 

[ghecko]

Will it be difficult to use and understand Linux?

As mentioned before, Linux is in no way more difficult to use then Windows. But it isn't Windows and it is key to realize this.

Most important for beginners:

Use well-known Distributions! If you use a widely used Distributions, there will be most certainly a solution for every problem you could have. So it is best for beginners to stick to Ubuntu or Mint (or Manjaro if gaming is your thing). If you use some exotic Distribution and something fails, you are basically on your own.

Software (and driver): Stop downloading executables from the Internet! Basically all Distributions use a Package-managing system. That means, if you need something, search and install it with your package manager. This way the system knows what's installed, you have the correct package for your system and it gets automatic updates.

Driver: The Linux Kernel packs almost every driver you need. Only Nvidia GPUs and peripherals like some printer/scanner need extra software to be fully functional. Most Distributions will deliver the Nvidia Driver through the Package-Manager, printer and other stuff may be one of the special cases where its necessary to download software from the vendor page.

Updates: Updates are good, so keep your system up to date! The Package-Manager will notify you if there are available updates for your system (OS and installed software) and request your decision when you want to install. This mostly will happen without worry, no forced shutdowns, no countdowns or data loss. Linux only updates if you want and it only restarts if you want. Most updates will run smoothly in the background and you will hardly notice them. Updates breaking the system is very uncommon.

Terminal is your friend. Don't see the terminal as a relic from the past, it's your window to the heart of your system. And it is much faster to get a command from the internet and run it than clicking your mouse hot.
If you have any problem and ask for help, information from the terminal will most certainly be necessary to troubleshoot. Because it is the most easiest and efficient way to get information on your problem for people who try to help. So don't complain. It is there to make your life easier.