How I Switched from Windows 10 to Linux Mint?

Introduction

As an avid computer user, I have always believed that it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest technology. For years, I had been using the widely popular operating system, Windows 10. However, over time, I began to experience a range of issues with Windows that left me feeling frustrated and unsatisfied with my computing experience.

Understanding the Differences Between Windows 10 and Linux Mint

Overview of Windows 10 Operating System

Windows 10 is a widely used operating system developed by Microsoft. It has a graphical user interface that allows users to interact with the computer using a mouse, keyboard, or touch screen.

Windows 10 comes pre-installed with various software applications, including web browsers and multimedia players. It is designed to be compatible with most hardware devices and software programs.

Overview of Linux Mint Operating System

Linux Mint is an open-source operating system based on the Linux kernel. It offers a variety of desktop environments such as Cinnamon, XFCE, and MATE that allow users to customize their experience according to their preferences. Linux Mint does not come pre-installed with many applications like Windows 10 but can access thousands of free software packages from their built-in software manager.

Key Differences Between the two Operating Systems

One major difference between Windows 10 and Linux Mint is that Windows is proprietary software owned by Microsoft, whereas Linux Mint is open-source software distributed freely under copyleft licenses like GPL or LGPL. Another key difference lies in the way they handle drivers. While Windows automatically installs most drivers for hardware components during installation or later updates, in most cases for Linux-based OS's such as Linux Mint require you to manually install them.

Preparing for the Switch to Linux Mint

Researching and Selecting a Version of Linux Mint

Before making the switch from Windows 10 to Linux Mint, it's crucial to research and select a version of Linux Mint that suits your needs. This can include factors such as the version's stability, supported hardware, available software, and more.

One popular version of Linux Mint is Cinnamon, which provides a modern user interface and is well-suited for those who are familiar with Windows 10. Another option is MATE, which provides a simpler interface that can run on older hardware.

Backing up Important Files and Data

Before installing Linux Mint on your computer, it's important to back up any critical files or data that you want to keep. This can include documents, photos, music, videos, and more. A simple way to do this is by copying the files onto an external hard drive or cloud storage service like Dropbox or Google Drive.

Creating a Bootable USB Drive

After selecting the appropriate version of Linux Mint and backing up all important files and data, it's time to create a bootable USB drive. This will allow you to install Linux Mint on your computer without needing an optical drive (CD-ROM) or internet connection.

To create a bootable USB drive for installing Linux Mint on Windows 10 machine you need Rufus software application. Once installed open Rufus.exe → Insert the USB stick → In Rufus under device select your USB stick → Under Boot selection Select ISO image from dropdown menu→Select START.

Installing Linux Mint

Downloading the ISO File From the Official Website

The first step to installing Linux Mint is to download the ISO file from the official website. The ISO file contains all of the necessary files to install and run Linux Mint on your computer.

Go to https://linuxmint.com/download.php and select the version of Linux Mint that you want to download. It's important to choose a version that is compatible with your computer's hardware specifications.

Creating a Bootable USB Drive Using Rufus or Etcher

Once you have downloaded the ISO file, you need to create a bootable USB drive that will allow you to install Linux Mint on your computer. The best way to do this is by using a tool like Rufus or Etcher. Both tools are free and easy-to-use, making them perfect for beginners.

To create a bootable USB drive using Rufus, simply insert your USB drive into your computer and open Rufus. Select the USB drive that you want to use and then select the ISO file that you downloaded earlier.

Click 'Start' and wait for Rufus to finish creating the bootable USB drive. To create a bootable USB drive using Etcher, insert your USB drive into your computer and open Etcher.

Installing Linux Mint on Your Computer

Once you have created a bootable USB drive, it's time to install Linux Mint on your computer. Insert the bootable USB into your computer and restart it.

Most computers will automatically detect the installation media, but if not, make sure that you change the BIOS settings so that it boots from the USB instead of Windows The installation wizard will guide you through the rest of the process.

You'll need to select your language, keyboard layout, and time zone. You'll also need to choose whether to erase everything on your hard drive and start fresh or install Linux Mint alongside Windows 10.

Adjusting to Life With Linux Mint

Getting Familiar With the Interface and Desktop Environment

One of the first things you will notice when switching to Linux Mint is that the interface and desktop environment are different from what you may be used to on Windows 10. Linux Mint uses a customizable, modern-looking desktop called Cinnamon which has a taskbar and app menu similar to that of Windows. However, it also differs in many ways such as its customizable hot corners and workspaces.

Navigating around the operating system is also different, with different keyboard shortcuts and mouse gestures. However, after spending some time exploring the new interface, it becomes clear that Linux Mint is designed for efficiency and productivity.

Installing Necessary Software Packages and Drivers

While some essential software like Firefox web browser comes preinstalled on Linux Mint, there are other packages that need to be installed manually. For example, if you want to use LibreOffice instead of Microsoft Office for your productivity tasks, you will need to download and install it from the Software Manager or Terminal.

Additionally, if you have any hardware devices such as graphics cards or printers that require proprietary drivers on Windows 10, they may require additional installation steps on Linux Mint. Fortunately, most drivers can be found in the Software Manager or through Terminal commands.

Customizing Settings to Suit Personal Preferences

Linux Mint offers a high degree of customization options so users can personalize their experience based on their preferences. The System Settings application can be used for configuring various aspects of the operating system such as power management settings, screen resolution adjustments among others.

The applets available for customization include weather indicators in notification area among others. adjusting life with Linux mint requires patience getting used to unfamiliar commands but once acclimatized becomes quite easy making it an enjoyable experience that leads to increased productivity due to faster performance and improved stability.

Conclusion

Switching from Windows 10 to an alternative operating system like Linux Mint may seem daunting at first but comes with many benefits in terms of improved performance and stability along with enhanced security features. Moreover, with access to various free applications through its open-source ecosystem means that you will have more options for customizing your user experience than ever before. So if you're looking for a change or just curious about trying something new then trying out Linux Mint might be just what you need!