I Used Linux for 8 Years: Here's What They Don't Tell You

Summary

The speaker shares their 8-year journey transitioning from a long-time Windows user to Linux, highlighting challenges and discoveries along the way. They discuss key aspects such as the complexities of dual-booting, gaming on Linux, the importance of choosing the right hardware, and the benefits of minimalism with Linux. Through their personal experiences, they explain how the Linux ecosystem, including software and hardware support, evolves over time. Ultimately, the speaker stresses that Linux can be the most stable and efficient system once users understand its unique features and limitations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Switching to Linux from Windows can be difficult, even for seasoned Windows users with certifications. It involves a learning curve but can be rewarding in the long run.
• 😀 Distro-hopping can be a part of the learning process, but in the end, selecting a suitable desktop environment (e.g., GNOME, KDE, XFCE) matters more than the distro itself.
• 😀 Many Linux users misunderstand the importance of desktop environments vs. distributions. You can mix and match desktop environments without reinstalling the whole OS.
• 😀 Trying to use Windows-specific software like Adobe products on Linux can be frustrating. It's often better to dual-boot or use virtual machines for Windows-only programs.
• 😀 Gaming on Linux has improved significantly over the years, but mod-heavy games (e.g., Skyrim) still experience issues. For older games, Linux offers a better experience.
• 😀 Steam’s Proton and Linux gaming have evolved greatly in recent years. In 2026, a majority of games now run smoothly on Linux without heavy modifications.
• 😀 Keeping your Linux setup minimal and avoiding unnecessary installations is crucial for stability. Using a lightweight window manager and configuring through the terminal ensures a faster, smoother experience.
• 😀 Arch Linux, despite being known for instability, has become very stable in recent years. The key is keeping a minimal setup with fewer dependencies to manage.
• 😀 Dual booting and virtual machines are excellent solutions for users who still need to run Windows programs or games that don’t work well on Linux.
• 😀 Hardware compatibility in Linux matters, especially with Nvidia vs. AMD. AMD generally provides a smoother experience due to better kernel support, while Nvidia can require extra steps and may break after updates.

Q & A

What challenges did the speaker face when transitioning from Windows to Linux?

The speaker, who had over 20 years of experience as a Windows power user with multiple certifications, faced difficulties in adapting to Linux. This included issues with hardware compatibility, running Windows-exclusive programs like Adobe and Microsoft Office, and adjusting to Linux’s unique system architecture. Despite this, over time, the speaker learned to navigate these challenges.

How did the speaker approach distro hopping, and what did they learn from it?

The speaker tried multiple distributions, including Arch Linux, Ubuntu, Fedora, and others, during the first few years. They discovered that distributions themselves were less important than finding the right desktop environment and tools. The key takeaway was that many distributions are based on the same core Linux, and switching between desktop environments is easy without reinstalling the entire system.

What does the speaker recommend regarding the choice of desktop environment on Linux?

The speaker emphasizes that desktop environments like GNOME, KDE, and XFCE are not distributions, but rather layers on top of the Linux operating system. They recommend picking a desktop environment based on personal preference, as Linux allows users to easily switch between different environments without reinstalling the OS.

Why did the speaker struggle with running Windows programs on Linux, and what is their solution?

The speaker found that running Windows programs like Adobe products and Microsoft Office on Linux was difficult due to compatibility issues. They tried using Wine and virtual machines, but ultimately suggest dual-booting Windows with Linux or running critical programs in a virtual machine for a better experience.

What is the current state of gaming on Linux, according to the speaker?

Gaming on Linux has improved significantly, especially since Steam introduced Proton to help run Windows games on Linux. However, the speaker points out that while most games work, especially older titles, mod-heavy games may still face compatibility issues. Linux is a great option for older games, but newer games or those requiring extensive modifications may not run as smoothly.

How did the speaker's gaming habits evolve from 2023 to 2025 on Linux?

In 2023, the speaker’s gaming was predominantly on Windows, with only 2% on Linux. By 2025, however, their gaming habits had shifted significantly, with nearly 80% of their gameplay on Linux, showcasing the progress of Linux gaming and its ability to run most games smoothly without requiring Windows.

What role did window managers play in the speaker's Linux setup?

The speaker transitioned to using a minimalist window manager, DWM, after trying various desktop environments. They found that using a simple window manager allowed for better stability, performance, and less bloat, making updates easier and ensuring fewer issues when updating their system.

How does the speaker ensure the stability of their Arch Linux setup?

The speaker keeps their Arch Linux setup minimal by stripping unnecessary components and configuring everything through the terminal. This approach reduces the chance of system breakage from updates, as only essential components are involved. As a result, their system has been running for over 600 days without significant issues.

What advice does the speaker offer for dual-booting Windows and Linux?

The speaker recommends installing Windows first and Linux second, using separate hard drives for each operating system. This setup prevents potential bootloader issues. If needed, the speaker also suggests disconnecting one drive while installing the other to ensure a smooth dual-boot process.

What is the difference in hardware support between AMD and Nvidia on Linux?

AMD hardware works seamlessly with Linux, as its drivers are baked into the Linux kernel, requiring no extra installation. Nvidia hardware, on the other hand, requires additional modules to work properly and can face compatibility issues, especially after system updates. This makes Nvidia less user-friendly on Linux compared to AMD.