Like perhaps many others I am debating what to do with my PC at the end of support for windows 10 later this year. I have read a lot of discussions here about switching to Linux, and a lot of commentary that though it has gotten a lot more plug and play it maybe still has some weaknesses. I just want to know what those are, and if it can support what I currently do with my computer.
Basically my computer is just for gaming. I play a plethora of games both major titles and small indy games. I also use mods on my games sometimes. Beyond gaming it’s just basic web browsing.
More specific questions:
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I think I need to pick a “distro”, right? Based on the above, which distro may work best for me?
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what am I most likely to NOT be able to do, if anything? I have heard modding in particular can be challenging with Linux. Like Skyrim mods that use a script extender or rely on various Windows programs. Is that true? Are there some smaller indy games that don’t have Linux support (thinking back to the early mac days)?
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I would rate my computer technical ability at like… A 4/10. I haven’t done anything too crazy but can Google most issues and willing to learn. Is this realistically enough to get me up and running with Linux? I don’t have any programming experience or anything of the sort.
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if the final answer here involves running a windows partition, is it possible to safely still use a windows 10 partition, even after the end of support? Or does it need to be a windows 11 partition? Best case is no partition, but curious if it comes to that.
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anything else I might run into that I’m not expecting? Words of encouragement?
OK so you want something simple that just works and will give you minimal headaches.
I see from ur comments ur running nvidia which is a pain to get drivers working for on some distros but some have a graphical installer to get then going.
I would defiantly recommend mint as its based on one of the most common disros giving u extremely transferable knowlege and very simmillar to windows.
As people have said check protondb u will only really have issues with anti cheat games. Indie games I find often have better Linux support but check protondb.
If u wanna duel boot so u can still use windows then I reccommend a separate drive. Windows on a separate partition but the same drive is unhappy and its known that windows will sometimes purposely blow up Linux cos Microsoft hates you.
If you are going to duelboot then for security u will want windows 11 but its shit so I recommend tiny11 or cristitis’s debloater to uninstall all the crap.