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Before You Use Linux: An Essential Guide Before Migration

·831 words·4 mins·
Linux Migration Distro
Nofal Briansah
Author
Nofal Briansah
Holaaa :)
Table of Contents

TL;DR
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Linux is a free, open-source operating system known for its stability, security, and flexibility. It powers everything from servers to desktops and is available in various distributions (distros) to suit different needs.

What is Linux?
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Linux is a Unix-based operating system developed by Linus Torvalds with the help of the open-source community. It follows POSIX and Single UNIX Specification standards, making it a stable and flexible system.

Before Migrating
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Back Up Your Data
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Before switching to Linux, it’s highly recommended to back up important data.

You can use:

  • External hard drives
  • Cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox)

List the Applications You Use
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Before migrating, make a list of essential applications you use regularly. Some popular software, such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite, are not natively available on Linux. While they can be run via Wine or virtualization, performance may not always be optimal.

Here are some common application categories and their availability on Linux:

  1. Office & Productivity
  • Microsoft Office (Not available, alternatives: Onlyoffice, Libreoffice, Google Workspace [docs, Sheet, ..etc])
  • Notion, Obsidian, Trello, Slack (Available or via browser or Flatpak)
  1. Development & Coding
  • VSCode, Sublime, Zed, Vi, JetBrains (Available)
  • Docker, Podman, Kubernetes (Available)
  1. Multimedia & Entertainment
  • Spotify (Available), YouTube Music (Available via web or Flatpak)
  • Netflix, Amazon Prime Video (Available via web)
  • VLC Media Player (Available)
  1. Editing & Design
  • Adobe Photoshop (Not available, alternatives: GIMP, Krita)
  • Adobe Illustrator (Not available, alternatives: Inkscape)
  • Adobe Premiere Pro (Not available, alternatives: Kdenlive, DaVinci Resolve)
  1. Browsers & Web
  • Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge (Available)
  1. Cloud Storage & Syncing
  • Google Drive, OneDrive (with Browser or Gnome, rclone, Insync)
  1. Communication & Social Media
  • WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram, Discord, Zoom (Via Website or Flatpak)
  1. Security & VPN
  • NordVPN, ProtonVPN (Available)
  1. Gaming & Entertainment
  • Steam (Available, supports Proton for running Windows games)
  • Epic Games Store (Not officially available, alternative: Heroic Launcher)
  • GOG Galaxy (Not officially available, alternative: Lutris)
  1. Backup & Utilities
  • WinRAR, 7-Zip (Alternative: PeaZip, Ark)
  • EaseUS Backup (Not available, alternative: Timeshift)

Hardware Compatibility
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While Linux supports many devices, you should check for compatibility before migrating:

  • WiFi & Bluetooth : Some devices require additional drivers.
  • GPU (Graphics Card) : NVIDIA users may need proprietary drivers for the best performance.
  • Printers & Scanners : Check if your device has Linux drivers or supports CUPS.
  • Gaming Hardware : Check if your favorite games work with Proton or Lutris.

Choosing a Linux Distro
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Select a beginner-friendly Linux distro to avoid complex configurations. Once you’re comfortable, you can explore other distros.

Recommended Distros for Beginners:

  • Zorin OS : Great design, easy for beginners.
  • Linux Mint : Lightweight and easy to use.
  • Pop!_OS : Optimized Driver and ready to use.
  • Ubuntu : Stable with strong community support.
  • Fedora : Updated and Stable.

Note: You don’t need to change your entire distro to get a different look. You can install Desktop Environments (DEs) like GNOME, KDE, or XFCE on most distros.

Desktop Environment (DE)
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Linux offers various Desktop Environments (DEs) that define the system’s look and feel, as well as how you interact with it. You can choose a DE based on your preferences without changing your entire distro.

Popular Desktop Environments:

  • GNOME : Modern, minimalistic, and gesture-based.
  • KDE Plasma : Highly customizable and feature-rich, ideal for users who love tweaking their setup.
  • Xfce : Lightweight and fast, perfect for older hardware or those who prefer simplicity.
  • Cosmic : A new DE developed by System76 for Pop!_OS. Designed for a smooth and modern experience with tiling features, deep customization, and Wayland support.

Note: You can switch Desktop Environments without reinstalling Linux. Most distros support multiple DEs that can be installed and selected at the login screen.

Install Apps
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To get started, it’s important to understand the right installation method based on the Linux distribution you’re using. Some distributions come with a built-in package manager, while universal applications like Flatpak can be used across various Linux systems to make installation easier.

Package Managers
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Linux uses package managers to install, update, and remove software efficiently. Each Linux distribution typically comes with a specific package manager:

  • APT (Advanced Package Tool) - Used in Debian-based distros like Ubuntu and Linux Mint.
sudo apt install package-name
  • DNF (Dandified Yum) - Used in Fedora and RHEL-based distros.
sudo dnf install package-name

Flatpak
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Flatpak provides a universal, sandboxed way to install applications across different Linux distributions, focusing on security and compatibility. Apps are available from Flathub, the primary repository for Flatpak applications.

flatpak install flathub package-name

Additional Notes
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Migrating to Linux can be a great experience if you’re well-prepared. Here’s a quick recap:

✅ Check if your applications are available or have alternatives on Linux.
✅ Choose a beginner-friendly distro.
✅ Ensure your hardware is compatible.
✅ Back up important data before installation.
✅ Join Linux communities for help and support.

…

References
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Linux Kernel | Linux Foundation
Flatpak | Flathub
Zorin OS | Mint | Pop!_OS | Ubuntu | Fedora
Gnome | KDE | Xfce | Cosmic