With only one operating system to choose from, I suddenly had to use Linux exclusively.
Incredibly, it took just a few minutes to get up and running.
Now Im using Ubuntu full-time, barely missing Windows at all (find out more about that below).
What I did will work for you, too.
This works even better if you sign into your Chrome account.
A few moments later it will be ready to run.
After launching, you’ll see the option to sign into the surfing app with your Google account.
If the feature is enabled, your passwords will also be synced, along with your recent internet history.
And don’t forget your web-based email service.
If you’d prefer to use a desktop email client, however,many are available for Linux.
Various other Google tools can be used in Linux to helpease your transition.
Several options are available here.
This works best in Windows if you move your library locations.
Cloud storage can be invaluable here.
My setup involves both a secondary drive and a cloud drive.
This makes dual booting particularly seamless, and comes in very useful in Windows failure scenarios such as this.
Almost every Linux distro comes with LibreOffice, an excellent and freealternative to Microsoft Office.
DOC and DOCX files can be opened and edited with LibreOffice, as can spreadsheets and presentations.
Manysticky notes appsand standardnote-taking toolsare available for Linux.
Mypersonal choice is Google Keep, which I can easily access in the Chrome surfing app.
Quite simply, new Linux users should not fear a reduction in productivity; it simply won’t happen.
Will Your Favorite Apps Run in Linux?
Of course, there are other apps that you might want to run in Linux.
Some are available natively, and can be downloaded from the internet (or via aLinux package manager).
Many useful apps for switchers can beinstalled with little effort.
For instance, if you enjoy online voice chat, Microsoft has released a version ofSkype for Linux.
Other VoIP tools are also available.
For fans of media streaming and home theater, theKodi media center softwarecan be installed on Linux, too.
Pretty much every utility it’s possible for you to think of has a Linux variant.
Take Adobe Photoshop, for instance, which hasseveral Linux alternatives.
It’s possible, for instance, toinstall the full Microsoft Office suite in Linuxusing Wine and PlayOnLinux.
You might prefer an individual component,such as Microsoft Excel– Wine will do this too.
What about Windows Games?
Sadly, there is still a weakness when it comes to switching to Linux from Windows.
While things have improved in the gaming world, big titles are still released without Linux compatibility.
If youre a gamer, youll need to carefully investigate whether your favorite games will run in Linux.
However, its not all bad.
For instance, I had just begun a game ofDead Spacea few days before Windows failed.
What could I do?
If so, use our guide totweaking Wine and PlayOnLinuxto get started with your favorite games on Linux.
It’s This Easy to Switch to Linux!
I was forced into a situation where the only OS I could use was Linux.
Sure, I could havereinstalled Windows 10, but this would have been time-consuming.
Thanks to the working practices I had set up, finding myself using Linux was seamless and pleasant.
In short,Linux is now a great option for all users!
Of course, Linux is famously an open source platform.
Many of the applications we’ve discussed here are not free and open source.
Have you switched from Windows to Linux?
Perhaps you’re not sure which Linux operating system to choose (here’s what we use)?
How did you switch go?
