Not liking Microsofts direction of forcing users to a MS Account. Its seems that I will not be allowed to use my computer unless they say so. No internet, no use. So I'm thinking about jogging on.
I know there are workarounds, but people should not be expected to think about this. New versions of Windows used to bt fun (sort of), now it seems every update and change is now looked upon with dread.
Anyway..
Tried Ubuntu in the past and found it alright but liking the look of Mint.
All I need is LibreOffice, Blender, Inksacpe (left Illustator) and GIMP with GMic (left Photoshop) and Firefox. So the hope is quite feasible now without any old MS apps causing a problem.
Ubuntu or Mint ? Mayby a dual boot ?
Just out of interest, why don’t you want a Microsoft account?
My computer is my property and I dont was to be foreced to use an online account. When all I need is local. Not everyone got internet access constantly.
The choice would be nice.
Fed up hacking Windows to make it work properly.
Never actually used it but Mint does seem tailored for exactly what you want so why not just give it a crack 🤷♂️
This is easier than setting up Linux and finding replacements for all the apps you need.
For the applications you have listed, using a Linux distribution seems ideal. I don’t use windows for the same reason, I don’t want an online account and I don’t like all the tracking which goes on.
Mint is good, but after trying numerous Ubuntu based Diageo’s, I have settled on POP OS. Maybe not as customisable as others, but I prefer the pit if the box desktop environment to other Ubuntu / gnome flavours.
Download some ISO’s to thumb drives and try them out, then dual boot, then you may end up like I did, never booting into windows and destroying the partition.
The applications he listed he want to use are all FOSS and run natively on Linux. As i said above, they are perfect candidate for running a Linux desktop as they don’t have to switch or learn alternatives
I've been using Linux exclusively for twenty years on my home desktop.
Arch Linux for I think ten years until recently when I realised I no longer had the interest in messing under the hood getting hands dirty on command line.
I've switched to Fedora Linux running the
Cinnamon desktop environment - the one that comes by default with Mint. It works in that familiar way for Windows users. Get update notifications on the desktop and install them without hassle.
My use is pretty similar but with Steam for casual gaming (mostly puzzle games).
I'd echo the comment above, watch a few videos comparing distros, try a few on live usb and see what you like. Don't need to over think it. Create partitions for OS and data so reinstall doesn't wipe everything if/when you decide you night want to try a different Linux.
I've used Mint on an older laptop to get a bit more use out of them rather than pay for another windows license worked fine for libre office, web browsing and some lightweight apps that would have killed it if running Windows...
Did end up buying a refurb Win 10 desktop in the end for 'simplicity' extra power and upgradeability. Could be tempted to try a Linux distro again on another cheapie desktop as a garage/workshop PC...
But yeah, I've had good experiences with mint (as a non-IT person).
I’d echo the comment above, watch a few videos comparing distros, try a few on live usb and see what you like.
Actually, for a beginner/general non-specialized usage, I'd stick with the big well know long established Linux distros. Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, Suse. Some fall into that category I wouldn't recommend such as Debian (use Mint/Ubuntu instead), and certainly not Arch, Gentoo, or Slackware (unless you really want to learn and get involved with command line/code/system workings).
Basically, the TLDR is Yes, try both Ubuntu and Mint on live USB and see which you prefer!
My computer is my property and I dont was to be foreced to use an online account. When all I need is local. Not everyone got internet access constantly.
It is but much of the software on it isn't. However, needing a Microsoft account doesn't mean the computer won't work online. Does Windows actually force you to have one? I'm pretty sure I set up VMs without one and it seems to work fine.
EDIT hm seems like it's different with W11, but I still don't think you need constant internet access.
Found my old laptop, going try Mint now.
Mint was always my go to Ubuntu derivative.
Been on Arch on the desktop for ages (it's important that you know that 😉 )
Would only recommend that to someone that really wants to properly learn Linux (even though there is now a fast installer script)
On the Laptop (one of those fancy modular Framework ones), I am trying out Pop!OS. Seems OK so far.
It's another Ubuntu/Debian derivative supported by System76 for their laptops (but works on anything), and also favours Flatpak rather than Snap (probably like Mint?). I think it inherited some stuff from Elementary too? Not tried their own new desktop yet, but will do. Using Pop!OS customized Gnome right now, but when I used to use Mint it was always Cinnamon.
NFW is W11 going on any of my PCs.
Been on Arch on the desktop for ages (it’s important that you know that 😉 )
In terms of saying Linux is usable as a general purpose everyday operating system, I think it is worth mentioning.
Does Windows actually force you to have one?
Not on Win 10. I think Win11 requires one for the initial setup, but you could use a throwaway email address for that. Once you have it booted up, you can set up a local account.
I don't know about W11 but on W10 it will expect a Microsoft account if you're online at point of install, or a local account if you aren't. So if you do just want to use a local account, don't set up Wi-Fi until the installer is done.
Logging in with a MS account brings a number of benefits (settings sync across devices, OneDrive backup, assigning the OS licence to your account, etc). You don't need to be "online constantly," I don't know where you've got that idea from.
WSL2 on W11 is amazing, you can run Linux apps seamlessly as though they were Windows apps. On W10 I got Kali working with a Linux taskbar across the top of the screen and Windows across the bottom, which blew my mind. W11 doesn't care, they're just apps.
Fed up hacking Windows to make it work properly.
That's your problem right there. Leave it alone.
If you are fed up with Windows and want to try-before-you-buy with Linux, any distro worth its salt will allow you to create a "live CD" USB boot drive. Build that, have a play.
Logging in with a MS account brings a number of benefits
Sure, but do you want Bill Gates perusing your holiday snapshots and music collection?
You don’t need to be “online constantly,” I don’t know where you’ve got that idea from.
Is someone so clueless about IT even allowed to have a copy of Linux?
Huh?
I have a Win11 laptop that works perfectly fine when it's not online.
Edit. But the Google doesn't work if there's no internet connection.
Have you looked at: Feren OS, Zorin, or elementary OS? Personally, really like elementary, but then I’m a Mac fan.
Sure, but do you want Bill Gates perusing your holiday snapshots and music collection?
He already knows from my covid booster.
Linux Mint, Mint Debian (LMDE) and MX Linux are the three that I'd choose from. The first two (same developers) have a very active and helpful forum
All I need is LibreOffice, Blender, Inksacpe (left Illustator) and GIMP with GMic (left Photoshop) and Firefox.
Hmmm there's a theme there.
Got to wonder, is the issue with an MS account you don't want to pay for windows?
Thing is, there are times when a Windows computer or other closed environment machine may be needed. Recently the only way I could access a secure email from the NHS was on my Android phone. It wouldn't play on my Gentoo* Linux desktop.
Mint seems a good choice.
* Fun if you are intetested in how stuff works the learning curve is not *that* steep but it is long, in fact never emding. Other distributions are annoying once you get to like how your own Gentoo system works, I periodically try them, probably will use Mint when I get round to buying a kmockabout laptop for sofa/ kitchen use.
He already has windows it's about control and the fact the companies more and more will sell you something but then after selling it to you will want to exert control post purchase and restrict or at anytime remove something you have paid for.
the companies more and more will sell you something but then after selling it to you will want to exert control post purchase and restrict or at anytime remove something you have paid for.
Got any examples of paid for windows features that have subsequently been removed?
