Dear Windows users:
I sometimes have to use Windows for work and it's shockingly bad after using Linux Mint for years.
Linux Mint has a better UI/UX, is faster, doesn't get viruses or need antivirus, doesnt spy on you, doesn't take forever to update, and is free and open source.
The Libre Office suite is nearly as good as MS Office, fully compatible with MS document files, and it's 100% free and open source. You can still use Office 365, Teams, and everything else in the browser.
Unless you must use native Adobe creative tools, specialty software only available for Windows, or specific Windows-only video games, you really should at least try it.
Nearly all popular apps are now also available for Linux. Adobe tools are also still available in the browser via the Creative Suite.
Download the 3GB ISO file and use Balena Etcher to make the bootable USB (super easy). Then press Del, F2, and/or F12 when you turn your computer on and change the boot order to the USB stick. AI can guide you through the process, but it's not even necessary.
That's it.
You can then take it for a spin (running with the OS on the USB, note: this will be slower and you can't easily save files this way) and then decide if you want to install it on the same drive as your Windows OS (not recommended) or a separate, new SSD/NVMe hard drive (recommended).
You can then "dual boot" (select Windows or Linux on bootup) and eventually just ditch the Windows drive all-together (after backing up your user directory on an external drive or USB).
Years ago, it was true that Linux wasn't as easy or nice as Windows. Now that has flipped (particularly with Linux Mint Cinnamon). The UI/UX and performance of Linux Mint is way better now. Hardware compatibility / drivers is also a non-issue now - everything is plug and play.
You don't ever need to use a terminal, but you may eventually find it more efficient for some tasks. Mint takes care of everything like OS and software updates via a GUI, just like Windows.
Macs have a slick UI/UX and excellent hardware design, but I personally still prefer Linux Mint.
