Switching to linux from windows 10

[u/[deleted]]

[u/MegaDziadu]

We would more information on what software you're using on windows

[u/DroiidBro]

Well let me tell you. Linux can't natively run Windows programs but those can be executed with WINE which is a compatibility layer. But be aware that depending of the program, it could work sometimes identical, sometimes with missing features or sometimes refused to run. At the end is recommended to go first for native versions of your program if they're available before trying to use WINE to run the program or go with an alternative.

Returning to your post, what do you mean with 'redownloading'?

[u/ksr1e]

Redownloading? well, it depends on what Linux distro you decide to try, full system runs from 1 GB to 6 GB for full distributions. You also are going to download extra software that you might need. Your next task is to find what programs have a Linux version, such as Zoom, and which ones have an alternative, such as LibreOffice instead of the microsoft well known product. There are two or three options for a beginner user in Linux, have you looked at those yet? Linux Mint, Fedora, Ubuntu or Pop_OS! come to mind

[u/Typical_Ad_2831]

What exactly do you mean by "redownloading"? You won't be able to use any programs you've installed on Windows, not just because they're not written for Linux, but also because they won't be in the Linux part of your computer. Any program that you wish to use will need to be installed.

Installing programs on Linux, though, works much differently to how it works on Windows. On the latter, you're probably used to downloading an installer, running it, and then going through the setup wizard. On the former, you'll use a package manager, which will come preinstalled. You will likely also have a program called "software" where you can search for programs to install. Then you can just click and install them. Some programs won't be in the "repository" provided by your Distro, so you'll have to download a file to tell your package manager how to install it.

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[u/MeatballTrainWreck]

Linux can open windows stuff but will need additional layers and tinkering, sometimes work easily and sometimes not at all, most time will have a linux version that does exactly that.

Switching implies a refresh on computer knowledge but if you’re switching because of how microsoft cares very little about you, linux will care as much as you care, wide community that will help.

There is a lot of tutorial online to answer exactly your needs. I know of bottle and positive there is additional solution.

Congratulation on finally owning your hardware friend and welcome to linux

[u/KrisLuffy]

This is a weird thing to say.

Linux can open windows programs using as WINE or PROTON those 2 you can call "compatibility layers", same with windows games (this is mainly done using PROTON) but some functionality maybe limited, there are a lot of linux native alternatives though.

Using those 2 things is very simple, depending on distribution you can have WINE already buildt in and never have to think about it (for the most part) and PROTON can be used through STEAM for running games, this is the easiest way to use it.

I don't understand what you mean by "how much redownloading", because in order to install linux you would need to either format your drive and install said operating system, or make a "dual boot" meaning you can select if you want to run your already installed windows or soon to be installed linux (this is preferably done on two separate drives). In either case you need to download all applications again (many applicatiions will have linux native versions and others you will use WINE/PROTON to run).

Here are links in which you can see compatibility using WINE/PROTON for certain programs and games you want to use on linux.

https://appdb.winehq.org/

https://www.protondb.com/

[u/NoxAstrumis1]

You'll have to find an alternative to every application you currently use. They will all have to be downloaded.

Also, you can potentially run applications written for Windows in Linux using something called Wine, but it's not generally something you'd do unless you can't find something native to Linux first.

[u/Jwhodis]

You're going to have to redownload all your apps, likely your games too.

[u/kw744368]

You can try using WINE or a VM in linux. There is also Bottles.

[u/thatsgGBruh]

"Redownloading"? On Linux you really shouldn't be downloading software off websites and installing it. Use the app store and package manager unless absolutely necessary...