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English: Bruce Byfield
Translator: OneNewLife
Link: https://linux.cn/article-7910-1.html
Switching operating systems is a significant event for everyone—especially since many users are not even clear about what an operating system is.
However, transitioning from Windows to Linux can be particularly challenging. The two operating systems have different premises and priorities, as well as different ways of handling tasks. This often leads to confusion for new Linux users, as their experiences on Windows do not apply.
For example, here are 7 mistakes that “Windows refugees” often make when they start using Linux (in no particular order):
7. Choosing the Wrong Linux Distribution
Linux has hundreds of different versions, commonly referred to as distributions. Many of these are tailored for specific versions or users. Choosing the wrong version can quickly turn your first intimate experience with Linux into a nightmare.
If you are switching with the help of a friend, make sure their recommendations are suitable for you, not just for them. There are plenty of articles that can help you; just focus on the top 20 or those listed on Distrowatch to avoid mistakes.
A better approach is to try a distribution using its Live DVD before you install it. A Live DVD runs the distribution from external media, allowing you to test it without making any changes to your hard drive. In fact, unless you know how to make your hard drive accessible under Linux, you won’t even see it.
6. Expecting Everything to Be the Same
Due to limited experience, many Windows users do not realize that a new operating system means new programs and new ways of doing things. In fact, your Windows programs will not run on Linux unless you use WINE or a Windows virtual machine. Moreover, you cannot use MS Office or Photoshop—you will need to learn to use LibreOffice and Krita. Over the years, these applications may have similar functionalities to those on Windows, but their features may have different names and be accessed from different menus or toolbars.
Even many assumptions are different. Windows users may be particularly surprised by the multiple desktop environments available—there is at least one major and several minor desktop environments.
5. Feeling Overwhelmed When Installing Software
On Windows, new software is installed as a completely standalone program, usually including other required dependency libraries.
There are two package services called Flatpak and Snap that are currently introducing similar installation systems on Linux, but they are too large for mobile and embedded devices. More often, Linux relies on package management systems that determine whether software dependencies are necessary based on the installed packages, providing other required dependencies.
Package management on laptops and workstations is essentially equivalent to Google Play on mobile devices or tablets: it is fast and does not require physical media for installation. Not only that, but it can save 20%-35% of hard drive space because dependencies are not installed multiple times.
4. Assuming Software Will Automatically Update
Linux users value control. Linux provides update services, but by default, users must run them manually. For example, most distributions will notify you of available software updates, but you need to choose to install them.
If you choose to update, you can even decide on each individual update. For instance, you may not want to update to a new kernel because you have installed something that requires the current kernel. Or you may want to install all security updates but not upgrade the distribution to a new version. Everything is up to you.
3. Forgetting Passwords
Many Windows users forget their passwords due to inconvenient login processes. Alternatively, they often run a management account for convenience.
In Linux, both practices are not easy. Many distributions use sudo to avoid logging in as root, especially those based on Ubuntu, while most other distributions are installed to prevent root from running graphical interfaces. However, if you successfully bypass these restrictions in Linux, be aware that most of your security advantages will be nullified (this is also not recommended on Windows).
By the way, did you see an option for automatic login during installation? That is used in uncommon scenarios, such as virtual machines that do not contain personal information.
2. Worrying About Fragmentation and Antivirus Software
Linux occasionally requires defragmentation, but only when recovery partitions or partitions are nearly full. Moreover, with the rise of solid-state drives, defragmentation is becoming a thing of the past, although SSDs do require regular trim operations on any operating system.
Similarly, antivirus software is only a major concern if your installed Linux frequently transfers files to Windows machines. There are very few Linux viruses or malware, and using a non-root user, strong passwords, and regularly backing up current files is usually sufficient to prevent viruses.
1. Thinking There Is No Software Available
Software on Windows is often paid, with most categories dominated by a single company—for example, the MS Office suite for office applications and Adobe for graphics and design. These conditions encourage users to stick with the same applications, despite their shortcomings.
On Linux, the story is different. Only a few high-end programs are paid, and there are usually two or three alternatives for almost every category of software, all of which can be downloaded in 10 minutes or less. If one alternative does not suit your taste, you can easily uninstall it and install another without hassle. On Linux, you almost always have a choice.
Transition Period
There may not be many suggestions to fully prepare Windows users for switching to Linux. Even saying that new users should keep an open mind is of little use, as their expectations are often too high, leading many users to be unaware of their elevated expectations.
The best thing new Linux users can do is to adjust their mindset and take some time to adapt. The transition period will require some effort, but in the long run, your multiple attempts will pay off.
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