I have set up Linux on my laptop.
It doesn't need to do much, Windows 11's bloatware was randomly trampolining on its cpu while it was turned on, so it seemed like the best way to try it out. (The laptop has been asking me to upgrade since I bought it.)
I have had 7 hours of formal education in Linux (and am getting another 7 next Saturday). Or, rather, Ubuntu. And then I put Fedora on the laptop. It was recommended as equally user friendly, the documentation is decent, and I preferred how it looked with KDE/Plasma, which is the layout everyone recommended to wean yourself onto Linux.
I can confidently say now that every Linux fan claiming Linux is as easy as Windows these days is right--provided you're talking about Windows 11. They're equally, but differently, annoying.
Some issues I've run into as a happy little noob with a circle of very supportive friends:
- I want to create a desktop shortcut. Not specific enough. To an application. Still not specific enough. Onto my desktop. Not that definition of desktop. Not that definition of desktop. Not that distribution of Linux. Tutorial and documentation doesn't work as it says it should.
That was yesterday. I ran some updates today. No idea what for. It said some mystery software was missing, despite me almost accidentally installing other software that was apparently missing, too.
I can now make shortcuts onto my desktop via right click in the application launcher. I have no idea what changed. I've got no idea if they'll stay there. I've got no idea if this blessing of ability is permanent.
- I can't install software. If it's not in Discover, it's a pain in the butt and works if and when it feels like it. I'm definitely doing something wrong, but the documentation and tutorials have a learning curve that is very reminiscent of freeform builds in Rollercoaster Tycoon.
- I've installed at least two programs that have disappeared forever in 1-4 hours. One I've reinstalled. One might have been missing the desktop interface, to which I say: why was I not informed that existed and why can't I find the OG software in any way shape or form anywhere on my system?
- I tried looking at the forums. I promise I tried my hardest. Most of them suggest installing more software that isn't findable by the two little software stores, which get replies of "thanks that fixed it".
- I have asked Linux friends. They tell me to try command lines that mean nothing to me. 50% of the time, they do not work, to the bafflement of the aforementioned Linux friends.
- No I have not tried to install printer drivers, I have a Brother printer and every seasoned Linux user has gone "...ah." at that news. I choose life. At least until the other issues are resolved. I'm not blaming the printer thing on Linux either: it is an equal opportunity pain to set up on any system.
The only reason I'm not reinstalling Windows is, that this feels like an issue (or two) where if I know a handful more things, it's very fixable. Also, my laptop, despite running Not The Lightest Linux (as demonstrated by trying to put it on a 15-yo brick of a micro pc first), is running oh so very quietly.
