Which Linux?

[Agent_24]

@ Agent, Not going to Quote many things and write a Novel. But at the end of the day, the average Windows user, if wanting to use Linux, doesn't have a clue, and the overwhelming options are simply too much.

Perhaps you are right, but the average Windows user has no clue how to fix much on Windows, either.

I have met many people who still switch off their PC by holding down the power button... and when I mention the shutdown button in Windows, just say they can't be bothered, or didn't know you were supposed to.

By now, you should have guessed I'm talking more along the lines of Businesses, not simple home user-based.

Okay, and I agree, many businesses are utilizing specific Windows-based software and Linux/Wine is not a solution for them, nor was I trying to say that it was.

As far as I can see, that's all quite outside the scope of Galaxy01's use case, and thus not exactly relevant to this thread in any case.

[CorylusMaxima]

Been trying various versions. Nothing is the exact same as Windows.

You have to remember, Linux is NOT Windows and visa-versa.

Majority of linux Distro's are free.

Whatsapp ?? Have a read  https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/how-to-ins...-on-linux/

If using Linux, get used to having to use commands to change some things, AND if you want to use any Windows-based programs you have to use something like Wine to run them - But it's also hit and miss, some will work some wont. Others Like FF, there are Linux Versions. Just like theres a linux Version of Microsoft Edge if you use that.

Get used to having to enter passwords to install or change anything. And possibly having to locate drivers yourself. While linux ( depending on the version) does have a lot, theres lot not available as well.  Some hardware eg: some printers - will auto install, no problems -Others not so much.

The actual question, which Linux,  with all the different distros there's over 600 to select from.  Ask on a Linux forum and you'll get many different answers.

Getting help is "fun" What works with one distro won't work with others.

Lots of people suggest Linux Mint - It's crap for sharing and when trying it it crashed more often than ran, windows on the same computers = Fine. ( two computers 1 built 2012 other 2015)

Even in mint you have to select which one, Theres : Cinnamon , MATE , Xfce -- All different layouts.


People say Windows does a lot of updates, HA! Linux I have installed on a PC in the workshop is updating DAILY with new updates.

Ones that I found that are close to Windows for basic use are: Fedora KDE or Budgie, Tuxedo, Debian KDE ( fedora for example has at least 12 different versions)  TuxOS I found works the easiest for Sharing, but not so good with WINE to run Windows programs.

Fedora https://fedoraproject.org/   Click on downloads, Spins - Each option shows its interface.

The most stable I have installed is Ubuntu Server, with CasaOS being used as a NAS. The Ubuntu desktop version, wouldn't run on same PC for some reason, even then didn't like the interface, where the Server is all command prompt to do anything.

Whatever you try, remember there WILL be a learning curve, and some of the time getting help is often a case -- Reinstall.

If switching completely from Windows to Linux, what backup software do you guys recommend for data and system backups?

[Wainuitech]

Backup software for Linux -- There is server software, which can be expensive.

Its the same problem, unless you actually use it all the time trying to google search is just plain confusing. Maybe someone like Agent_24 can help ??

OR, as I mentioned, " Ask on a Linux forum, and you'll get many different answers."

Getting help is "fun" What works with one distro won't work with others."

Backup software is the same. So, 1st Question what Distro are you using ?? Do you want to use commands to operate or GUI ? Some windows software will back up / Image Linux, but you need to boot from a USB to Image - not really a good option to do regularly.

You can try https://www.qualitynoc.com/5-open-source...for-linux/ or https://allthingsopen.org/articles/5-lin...-solutions

What ever you use when imaging it should be able to make a complete image, and able to put it back onto blank Drive, then boot as if nothing happened.

That's why I like Macrium ( Windows) can load a complete operating system, programs etc in 10 -15 minutes onto a blank drive.

If it were asked for Windows, that's easy, Lots to select from all different options.

[Agent_24]

I personally use Duplicati, but it's true, there aren't many free backup utilities for Linux, outside of using rsync or disk imaging.

[KarameaDave]

Backup and imaging software are both present in Linux Mint.