5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Using Linux

Hi, how are you. So let's look at 5 things I wish I knew before using Linux. This is changing, and developing to be less true.
However, as of the moment, these are 5 things I wish I knew, so let's go.

## Lack of Popular Software
So this is changing slowly and has been changing but it's still a ways of yet. One example I have is an issue I actually came across recently.
I had to write a report and normally I use Microsoft office word because it allows for the creation of nice and professional documents.
If you are a design engineer who uses AutoCAD then you're stuck somewhat with what you can use.
Same goes for the likes of Photoshop as well.
There are also games like Fortnite which relies on anti-cheat software. Which won't run on Linux at the moment.
These are just a few apps. This is a price to pay for early adoption of Linux.
This is slowly getting better but as of yet, it's still an issue worth noting.

## Too Much Choice
This is something which I still struggle with, not like an addiction. Jesus that sounds morbid.
"This is something I struggle with on a daily basis. Getting my fix, from the next distro..."
Yea anyway, I see some main YouTubers posting videos about this and I genuinely don't think it's for views.
It's like walking into a toy shop, but all the toys are free. I can take them all home.
That's great at the start. But it dulls the blade, so to speak.
Not knowing which distro to go to, or to use on a regular basis.
If you are just starting out, stick with Pop!_OS It's probably the most beginner friendly, stable and popular at the moment.
But yea, too much choice.

## Learning Curve
This isn't just a Linux thing, it's a life thing. Generally when learning to use something new there is a learning curve.
The learning curve for Linux can be variable, depending on which distro you choose. For example, don't use arch if you are just starting.
Stick with one of the main distros based on Debian or Ubuntu to start with.
It takes a long time to become familiar with a Linux OS and the only way to stick with it is to keep using it.
The learning curve is steep but once you are at the peak/on the way up it begins to be more fun.

## Accessibility
Becuase of the fact that Linux is free and open source and because most of it's software is open source, it's freely accessible to anyone.
Not just accessibility to the OS and software itself. That's just the tip of the iceberg.
Once it's installed you can install whatever you want and break everything. It's a tinkerers playground if you have that kind of mentality.

## It's Okay to Be an Idiot.
This last point is probably the main point about using Linux.
If you are a newbie or a hardcore expert who has been using it for years.
There is always something new to learn. And the best way to do that is by allowing yourself the freedom to be an idiot.
I still know basically nothing about Linux and constantly am hit by imposter syndrome when I make a video about it.
The best way to learn is to break shit.

## Conclusion
So those are 5 things I wish I knew before starting to use Linux. Some of this you have probably already heard. That's fine.
Let me know what you wish you knew before starting Linux with a comment below and yea, alright bye!

Here are some links to the videos I mentioned in this video:

Twitter: @bevybizzle
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[notjustforhackers]

Quick correction. EAC, easy anti cheat, is fully supported on Linux and has been for quite a while now. It's up to the publisher of the game to enable it. The main difference between Windows and Linux is that EAC runs in "user space" on Linux and at the Kernel level in Windows. Kernel level EAC is invasive and a security issue, user space EAC is not. I suspect a lot of the reasons game publishers don't enable it on Linux is because it blocks their access to the users /root file system, thus complete control and access to the OS. I guess they don't like that their spyware doesn't work ( yeah I'm being snarky with that last part ).

[thermionictetrode]

I've been using Linux since about 2003 when I was in the military and my personal computer, along with many in my barracks, got hit with MS Blaster worm. My neighbor threw his system off the third story, which was both entertaining and understandable. Since my computer had suddenly become unusable it gave me license to go crazy. I went down to the base exchange, picked up a bottle of Jack and a box of SuSE Linux, and had a blast. Still learning Linux stuff all the time, using it almost exclusively for personal stuff, and part of my work has me dealing with linux servers regularly. I'd give you tips on games, but I'm not really a gamer at all. I wish you lots of fun on your journey!

[TeaObvious]

Unrelated to Windows/Linux/Mac but: "I use Microsoft Word, because it allows for the creation of nice professional documents."
I would strongly like to disagree. Even the most basic LaTeX Documents look much nicer and much more professional than any tricked out Microsoft Word Document i've seen yet.

[jhonyortiz]

I feel you about too much choice. But after a while you do start to get a feel about the things you do like and the things you don't like which makes it easier to identify distros you may be interested in.
For example, I realized I'm a minimalist. I don't like distros with too much going on. I also know I prefer KDE, stock KDE. But I don't want to spend too much time configuring my setup. Which is a real struggle. So for now, and really for now, I'm using EndeavorOS. It's fast to install and minimal. And really, it's a process. Because you'll find your "perfect" distro that then changes and you'll need to find something else if you don't agree with the changes. I think this is why people gravitate towards arch in the end, you make it be what you want it to be. For now it's more than I can handle and as I mentioned, I don't want to spend too much time setting up. EndeavorOS is a happy medium for me. It comes with "enough" but not too much.

[hammadbawara]

I have been using Linux for the past 4 months for coding. Initially, it was overwhelming but now I am loving it because of tools that help a lot in doing complex tasks and also customizability. I tried many Linux Distros recently but I think Zorin OS is best for beginners. You can install many Windows apps and games without touching the terminal. Zorin OS layout is also similar to Windows.

[skarlok]

How long do you use Linux system? What do you think about using windows for certain software on Linux vm?

[kamikamieu]

I wished I didn’t buy a gaming laptop with nvidia.

[lifebarier]

There is no such thing as too much choice. We need more choice.

[_shibe]

Top tip: Disable secure boot. It can cause many issues on GNU/Linux. My wifi card on my laptop didn't work until I disabled secure boot.

[eliinthewolverinestate]

Some people need to keep looking in the same 2 boxes. Linux don't have a box it's the rest of the world. Do what you want. Keep a back up. Steam os use proton and wine so you can use windows programs or run virtual machine. You can do what you want no box to look in for ideas. Its an open world. Gimp is overwhelming at first.

[sadbutchill]

I recommend WPS office for an experience similar to the microsoft office suite.

[mr.mastermind]

5 Things I wish I knew before starting my Linux Journey:
1) Nvidia Sucks
2) Timeshift isn't as reliable as system restore of Windows
3) Surviving without MS Office is hard
4) Manjaro gives the best balance with good software availability and overall system stability
5) Compromises in exchange of freedom

[eliinthewolverinestate]

I mostly watch youtube and game on linux. Cannon printers/scanners suck. Command line to scan stuff or fax.