Getting rid of Windows (going to Linux really)

[never-stop-learning]

LXDE is a joke that pretends to be a complete desktop

In your opinion.

Linux is kind of like razors: tons of options out there and everyone has their favorites.

LXDE might not be my first choice, but I have used it in the past and did not have to use the command line to get things set up nor in general use. It is lightweight and works well for most folks who I've talked to that use it regularly.

 

[tehnothing]

If you read nothing else from this post I suggest the desktop XFCE. XFCE is really easy, low on resources, and, can be made attractive with minimal effort

The version of Linux that hooked me for life was Antergos a version of Archlinux made easy. When they went away I followed most of the forum users to EndeavourOS. Even spending some time moderating their Telegram channel. They recommend using the Terminal for installing software, but, I use Octopi. I do not recommend this route for a beginning user, but, it is what I started with and have stuck with for ten years. For desktop I use either Endeavour’s version of i3 or XFCE..

 

[Luc]

Week 1 update. It works very well. I'm set up to where I want this to go. I adjusted a few settings and took notes for next time. As I see it, everything is customizable but you need to know the proper command/path/procedure to get it there.

After several programs, I installed Krita to crop and resize my pictures. I tried a few others but they either didn't work like I wanted or it wasn't very easy to do a simple edit. Krita works very well and it takes me the same or less time to crop a picture compared to MS Paint.

I bought some new USB keys that I will use for my backups and the Linux image. I'm waiting for them right now.

I installed Visual Studio Code and Python (with selenium) to automate some web scrapping/clicking. I was told (at work) to try Cypress. I might but it was an adventure to make selenium work (with the driver and all).

Other than that, I'm very happy with the move! I would recommend trying it using a USB stick if you haven't before (you won't kill anything).

There are issues with the dual boot (Windows/Linux) at the moment but, I don't have Windows anymore so all good!

 

[Star_Wahl_Clipper_Treker]

Week 1 update. It works very well. I'm set up to where I want this to go. I adjusted a few settings and took notes for next time. As I see it, everything is customizable but you need to know the proper command/path/procedure to get it there.

After several programs, I installed Krita to crop and resize my pictures. I tried a few others but they either didn't work like I wanted or it wasn't very easy to do a simple edit. Krita works very well and it takes me the same or less time to crop a picture compared to MS Paint.

I bought some new USB keys that I will use for my backups and the Linux image. I'm waiting for them right now.

I installed Visual Studio Code and Python (with selenium) to automate some web scrapping/clicking. I was told (at work) to try Cypress. I might but it was an adventure to make selenium work (with the driver and all).

Other than that, I'm very happy with the move! I would recommend trying it using a USB stick if you haven't before (you won't kill anything).

There are issues with the dual boot (Windows/Linux) at the moment but, I don't have Windows anymore so all good!

I am glad that you are having a good time on Linux, this is something I like to hear! Thats one of the largest benefits of Linux, its so customisable, so you can set everything how you like it, so you can make the workflow, work great for you.

In regards to your issue with dual booting with Windows, it is likely because you don't have "SECURE BOOT" disabled in the BIOS. This is a known issue, as Windows uses this feature, but it doesn't work with Linux.

BTW, did you hear the latest in privacy snooping from Microsoft? If you have Windows 11, in a recent update, they now take snapshots of your screen at regular intervals, and you can't disable it. They say its for helping you on service calls to fix problems. But we all know, its so they can spy on you further.

I keep waiting for our government to put regulational sanctions on Microsoft, but our government is certainly not like the EU, thats for sure. I can't wait to see the backlash from the EU, on Microsoft for this, cause I assure you it will be coming.

At this juncture of time, I really believe that the time of Linux, is now. And since the SteamDeck uses Linux, it only helps Linux to get more support, now that people are starting to care about it, simply due to a hand-held gaming console.

Because at the end of the day, companies like Microsoft, they only learn lessons, when they lose their market share. Companies like their's learn nothing, as long as people keep buying into their products, and ecosystems.

 

[Luc]

The dual boot is not my issue. I killed Windows completely (the drive was formatted). Windows 11 doesn't work on the computer that I use. So, I'm trying to get more life from my cheap, refurbished, computer that I bought for less than 200$ CDN shipped to my door 3-4 years ago. If I get a few more years out of it, I believe that it was well worth the investment (right now, I think it's worth it already).

 

[GoodShave]

One caveat to Mint Cinnamon: I really hope that they've streamlined Cinnamon to some degree. When I used Mint Cinnamon some years back, Cinnamon was a real resource hog.

LXDE is a lightweight desktop environment that still looks good and is easy to use.

Fluxbox is a favorite of mine, but you have to manually set up the menus via text editor. Fluxbox is very low resource usage and you sure can make a Fluxbox desktop look pretty.

I have been using Mate with Linux mint as it seemed to have a nice balance of features but not too heavy on resources.

 

[never-stop-learning]

I have been using Mate with Linux mint as it seemed to have a nice balance of features but not too heavy on resources.

Mate is a good desktop - basically like the older version of Gnome (IIRC) - and definitely a viable option.

 

[never-stop-learning]

Several friends who have years of Linux experience are using MX Linux. From the Distrowatch description:

"MX Linux, a desktop-oriented Linux distribution based on Debian's "Stable" branch, is a cooperative venture between the antiX and former MEPIS Linux communities. Using Xfce as the default desktop (with separate KDE Plasma and Fluxbox editions also available), it is a mid-weight operating system designed to combine an elegant and efficient desktop with simple configuration, high stability, solid performance and medium-sized footprint."

MX Linux is on my list of distros to explore when I get the time, especially since I have a real soft spot for the Fluxbox window manager.

 

[madmedic]

MX Linux is on my list of distros to explore when I get the time, especially since I have a real soft spot for the Fluxbox window manager.

My distro of choice for the Raspberry Pi computers I use for all my computing. XFCE is the default desktop

 

[never-stop-learning]

My distro of choice for the Raspberry Pi computers I use for all my computing. XFCE is the default desktop

Yes, and I have no issues with XFCE.

Fluxbox kind of takes me back to my "hair shirt" Linux days.