Finally migrated from Windows to Linux. For anyone wondering, what is the state of Linux as your primary OS for home PC\laptop in 2023.

I’ve finalised my Archlinux installation yesterday, I dropped of Linux more than 10 years ago and experience in 2023 in comparison is awesome and beyond even wildest dreams back then:

  • For average user looking for more out of the box experience I would suggest something Arch based (people in comments suggest EndeavourOS, please do your research). Archlinux installation took me quite some time
  • Almost everything works out of the box, by just installing corresponding package
  • KDE Plasma environment is fast and beautiful
  • Pipewire audio server (Jack\Pulseaudio replacement) works great
  • Wayland window server is not there yet, especially if you have Nvidia with proprietary drivers and want to use VR. Waking up, session restoration and other scenarios have issues. Use X11.
  • Wine is great!
  • Music making - Bitwig Studio DAW has linux native version, yabridge allow you to use windows VSTs, which are easily installed via wine
  • Gaming works out of the box with Steam for majority of titles, some games have native linux version. Performance is great. In worst case windows game might loose 5-15% in performance. Was not case for my titles
  • Gaming outside steam is fine too. Use Wine, Lutris, Proton
  • VR is a mixed bag. Not everything is there (Desktop view, sound control and mirroring, camera, motions smooth, lighthouses do not wake up os go to sleep. I use my phone to turn them on/off). But if its not the problem for you, quite some titles work. Tried: native HF Alyx, Lab, windows: Beat Saber and Boneworks. For me it’s a surprise, I did not count on it. Performance is great.

So overall my experience is great. Eventually I’m going to get rid of WIndows on other computers and laptops at howe. I can finally wave goodbye to Windows, with lots of ads and bloatware. Alway glad to help with answers regarding installation while my memory and history logs are fresh. ^^

  • @rufus@discuss.tchncs.de
    11•1 year ago

    That sounds fantastic. Long term Linux user here. I hope you like the world of Linux and Free Software.

    migrated […] to Linux 10

    I don’t think there is a Linux 10. Arch has installer version numbers like 2023.09.01 After that it’s a ‘rolling release’ that means there are no version numbers, it changes continuously and is constantly updated.

    Archlinux installation took me quite some time

    That is correct. Arch Linux isn’t recommended as a beginners distro. YMMV. If you managed to do it: Nice. You shouldn’t have. But you’re probably fine, now that it works and you’ve probably learned more in the process than lots of other people have in the first few weeks.

    Music making

    Make sure to also check out the free software for music making. “LMMS”, “Ardour” and similar.

    Gaming works out of the box with Steam

    That’s also my observation. Steam works fine. And Proton is awesome. Also, check out a few of the free games from your package repository. I like “0 A.D.”, “Supertuxkart”, “Super Tux Party”, “Supertux”, “Slingshot”, “Mindustry”, “Minetest”, “Performous”, “Sauerbraten”, “Hedgewars”, “X-Moto” Just to name a few. There are hundreds more.

    • OikioOP
      6•1 year ago

      Thanks for the updates, there was a typo when it comes to Linux10 ^^, I’m quite good at making them

      • @rufus@discuss.tchncs.de
        5•1 year ago

        I can relate to that 😂😂

        You made different choices than me. I run Debian and the Gnome desktop on my main machine. But Arch and KDE are awesome, too. It’s more a matter of personal preferences and maybe less so what you’re trying to do with it. I think the vast amount of possibilities and choices to make is a big hurdle for new users. I always tell people it doesn’t really matter. Just pick something. The desktop environment you find attractive and a distribution with a nice and helpful community. Doesn’t really matter what you end up with, there are many excellent ones.

        • OikioOP
          5•1 year ago

          True, I’ve chosen Arch only because I used it before and it left good impressions. Plus philosophy - “make of it whatever you want\need” appeals to me. As long as distro is supported well, it all comes to your needs and taste.

          • @rufus@discuss.tchncs.de
            4•1 year ago

            Good choice. Arch has a big community and there are lots of resources out there. If you can handle it, you’re unlikely to get disappointed.