Before replacing Windows or setting up a dual boot, check your files, hardware and essential apps. Trying a Linux live USB or a virtual machine first can reveal compatibility problems before you change the computer’s disk layout. For Java development after the switch, our NetBeans setup guide covers JDK requirements and Linux installation options.
Back in the summer of 2015 Windows 10 was also released , and to this day most users have accepted it, but many others continue to reject it. Despite being the most widely used operating system in these environments, we have many other very interesting alternatives. We don’t have to install Microsoft‘s proposal on our computer if we don’t want to. We have at hand a multitude of Linux distributions, open source projects that for the most part will not cost us a single euro.
In addition, the developers of these operating systems have gradually adapted to inexperienced users with it. Hence, many migrate or choose one of these proposals to install on their new PC. Admittedly , current Linux distributions try to adapt to all types of users , even newcomers to these struggles. In addition, there are many advantages that they offer us with respect to Windows, but not all.
Precisely for this reason we must take into consideration various sections if we decide to discard the Microsoft system and adapt to open source. In this way we will avoid surprises in the future. And is that, although sometimes we find a fairly similar user interface, actually internally both operating systems differ greatly. This is something that will affect its use and operation in certain circumstances that we must know about.
Differences between Linux and other systems that you should know
First of all, the first thing to know is that, although some Linux distributions appear to be very similar to Windows, their use differs a lot. It is true that the graphical interface in both proposals is very important. However, in Linux distributions, its Terminal and corresponding commands are much more important than in Microsoft software. In fact, it is interesting to know for its use certain commands that we will use in tasks as basic as installing or uninstalling programs, or managing our files.
Another aspect to take into consideration here is that not all the programs that we use in Windows are going to be found in Linux. The variety of open source software that we can use here is enormous, we must also take that into consideration. But there are certain important applications, for example, from Microsoft’s Office suite or Adobe Photoshop that we will not be able to use natively in Linux. Compatibility layers such as Wine may run some Windows applications, but support varies by application and version. Do not assume that your Office or Photoshop workflow will work unchanged; test it or choose a supported alternative.
Check each essential game before switching. Native Linux builds and Steam‘s Proton can run many titles, but support is game-specific and some anti-cheat systems need developer support. Valve’s Proton documentation explains those limits.
Before changing partitions
- Back up important files to a separate device and confirm that you can read the backup.
- Save any Windows drive-encryption recovery key before changing the boot setup.
- Try the live environment to check Wi-Fi, audio, graphics and peripherals.
- Read the distribution’s installation instructions and review every disk and partition choice. An Erase disk option deletes data.
- Check the existing disk layout and boot mode before planning a dual boot. Our MBR versus GPT guide explains Windows partition-style checks and why boot compatibility must be considered separately from SSD speed.
For an Ubuntu dual boot on an encrypted Windows drive, follow the Ubuntu installation guide; its BitLocker requirements depend on the disk arrangement. Our BitLocker guide explains edition support and recovery-key handling. Avoid changing encryption or partitions based only on a generic checklist.