Looking to Switch

[JustaNewGuy]

Hello All,
I have always used Windows and Currently on W11, even though I am not having any real issues to Speak of I am Looking to switch to Linux but unsure which OS would Best suit me. I like the idea of Familiar so want the change to trick my Brain that I am still in windows???

I have recently tried a few different OS.s but for something that is supposed to be suited for Low end PC's ( Laptop for trying ) I followed the instructions and I couldn't get them to work, we are talking approx 2 hour torture tests of me.

I gave up and installed ChromeFlex OS and 30 mins later with no instructions followed I was up and Running ??? On the Same Laptop for trying.

Now I would still like to Give Linux a Try, but what would be the recomendation that will give my Brain the Best Trick me I am still using windows, and will play my Games, Ranging from a Coin Op like space shooter. to Witcher 3 and Above games on an AMD Based PC Mid tier and Above System

Plus let me use media, emails, Zoom and the like

 

[f33dm3bits]

Since you are a gamer I would try PikaOS or Nobara, I would go with the KDE Plasma version first as that is a more similar experience to classic desktop experience.

PikaOS Linux

PikaOS - Your new Linux distro for gaming and beyond!

wiki.pika-os.com

Nobara Linux | The Nobara Project

Nobara is a Fedora-based experience tuned for gaming, streaming, and content creation — with everything ready out of the box.

nobaraproject.org

Also know that any games with kernel-level anti-cheat will not work on Linux.

With Steam you can enable Steam Play to play Windows games on Linux and with Heroic Games Launcher you can install GOG games, Epic Store Games and Amazon Games. You can also install other launchers like Battlenet, EA app, Rockstar and Ubisoft Connect.

How to Play Windows-only Games on Linux with Steam Proton

Steam Play (proton) lets you play Window-only games on Linux. Here's all the essentials you need to know about using it.

itsfoss.com

Linux Quick Start Guide

A games launcher for GOG, Amazon and Epic Games for Linux, Windows and macOS. - Heroic-Games-Launcher/HeroicGamesLauncher

github.com

 

[Terminal Velocity]

Believe me having an environment that's identical to windows is not your problem, you will used to Cinnamon desktop in a day and you will never look back...

The problem are the apps and games you want to run on Linux, you have to try to see if they run...

Also try Mint with Cinnamon desktop, it is easy to install, easier than Windows, no accounts to be made and everything is done with the mouse and simple menus. Good luck, I hope you will stay

 

[JustaNewGuy]

LOL Yup that was one of the Torture tests, No Go, as was Zorin OS, and there was another but I gave up after 3 different ones, And How can 3 Linux attempts go so terrible and Follow the Directions, and I could Download and Install Chrome Flex OS following no directions and 30 mins later, Be using it???

 

[f33dm3bits]

Use one of these from Windows to flash an iso to usb stick and then boot from it to install.

Rufus - The Official Website (Download, New Releases)

Rufus is a small application that creates bootable USB drives, which can then be used to install or run Microsoft Windows, Linux or DOS. In just a few minutes, and with very few clicks, Rufus can help you run a new Operating System on your computer...

rufus.ie

balenaEtcher - Flash OS images to SD cards & USB drives

A cross-platform tool to flash OS images onto SD cards and USB drives safely and easily. Free and open source for makers around the world.

etcher.balena.io

 

[Terminal Velocity]

Maybe Mint doesn't run in your machine for some reason. try Nobara and Pika

 

[f33dm3bits]

Maybe Mint doesn't run in your machine for some reason. try Nobara and Pika

To people who find gaming important I generally recommend a more up-to-date distribution like PikaOS or Nobara now but Linux Mint will most likely run fine on OP's system as well.

No Go, as was Zorin OS, and there was another but I gave up after 3 different ones,

But as ZorinOS is also based an Ubuntu LTS version I would, first try PikaOS or Nobara over Linux Mint.

 

[JustaNewGuy]

OK Looked At Nobara and it appealed to me so will look into this one further. Another Concern I have, How is Linux for Privacy/Safety for Online Shopping/Banking?

 

[Terminal Velocity]

Another Concern I have, How is Linux for Privacy/Safety for Online Shopping/Banking?

Personally I never play with my bank account online unless i'm in my trusty Debian... You will have no functionality issues, it is only a matter of trust

 

[lomszz]

It's worth of checking protondb also. You can find there which games work and workarounds if needed, people most of times write those these.

 

[theLegionWithin]

Another Concern I have, How is Linux for Privacy/Safety for Online Shopping/Banking?

I do both using Arch, zero issues.