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Why did you move from Windows to Linux?
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this post was submitted on 16 Dec 2025
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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I switched because of a strong dislike for Microsoft and their spyware. I didn't even bother dual booting, I ran baptism by fire right into Fedora and it was way smoother than I expected it to be. I enjoyed Fedora so much that I decided to try Arch. Very different experience, but now I've learned so much that I dumped Fedora and I use Arch for almost everything. I do keep a machine with Debian that way I feel like I'm getting the most well-rounded experience in case I ever need to help a friend with a Debian-based distro.
This is really interesting. I started with Mint-Cinnamon since it sounded like it would be ideal for me as I had no desire to switch to Windows 11 and I needed a daily driver OS; I did not like Mint at all and spent too much time trying to make it work with newer hardware. Fedora Workstation has been a great experience for me and it checks all the boxes with minimal troubleshooting. What is about Arch that made you decide to switch? Genuinely curious as I am all-in on Linux now that I know I can do productivity stuff and gaming so easily and I don't have to give another dime to MS.
I suppose all the "I use Arch" memes made me curious about the hubbub behind it. Fedora is totally competent, works right out of the box and gives no issues in my experience, I truly believe it should be recommended more when folks consider making the switch. Arch has been a learning experience for me, kinda figuring out what the system needs but doesn't come with. "Oh, I have no firewall, I better install it. No bluetooth? Alright, I'll add that too." It's so hands on and it forces the user to make decisions that the distro usually makes for the user on its own. This is a "for better and for worse" type of thing, but it forces the user to learn more about Linux itself than just handing them a totally functional machine right out of the box. It was intimidating as hell the first couple installs, but now I understand things I didn't understand before as a result of it.
I understand, this also worked for me. Although I also have to include Debian in this since it's the my favourite for server related installs