Why I Stopped Using Arch Linux...

Summary

In this video, Mudahar discusses his decision to switch from Arch Linux to Linux Mint after facing frustrations with system crashes and the complexities of managing Linux. He highlights the ease of use of Linux Mint, its out-of-the-box functionality, and seamless compatibility with hardware, including Nvidia drivers and gaming tools like Steam. Mudahar contrasts this with his experiences with Windows, mentioning how Microsoft’s recent changes are making Windows more frustrating. He recommends Linux Mint for users seeking a user-friendly Linux experience and emphasizes the growing competition to Windows in the OS market.

Takeaways

• 😀 Windows is losing support, with October 14th, 2025 being the cutoff for Windows 10 updates, prompting a need for upgrades.
• 😀 Arch Linux is known for being complex and sometimes unreliable, as highlighted by the speaker's personal experience with system failure after an update.
• 😀 Linux provides a level of freedom, but also risks, such as making irreversible changes if the wrong command is entered.
• 😀 A valuable tip for Linux users is to store important data on external drives to avoid total data loss during system failures.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of system recovery tools like Time Shift for Linux, though it may not always work perfectly.
• 😀 The decision to stop using Arch Linux was influenced by the overwhelming complexity and user errors, even though the speaker still respects it.
• 😀 Linux Mint is presented as a user-friendly alternative to Arch Linux, with a focus on ease of use and smoother experience for non-technical users.
• 😀 Unlike Windows or macOS, Linux Mint offers a simplified experience where users don’t need to use the terminal for most tasks.
• 😀 Linux Mint's installation process is fast, with drivers and essential software working out of the box, providing a seamless experience.
• 😀 While Linux Mint supports gaming and gaming software like Steam, some issues persist, such as incompatibility with certain anti-cheat systems in games.
• 😀 The speaker recommends Linux Mint for users seeking an alternative to Windows with a stable, secure, and efficient user experience without the hassle of constant OS reinstallation.

Q & A

Why did the speaker decide to stop using Arch Linux?

The speaker decided to stop using Arch Linux due to a system failure caused by an update, which resulted in a corrupted system. After this, they realized they wanted a simpler solution and decided to switch to a more stable and user-friendly Linux distribution like Linux Mint.

What is Time Shift and how did it impact the speaker's experience?

Time Shift is a backup tool in Linux that allows users to restore their system to a previous state, much like autosaving in a video game. In the speaker's case, Time Shift failed to restore their system after it crashed, which led them to reconsider their choice of Linux distribution.

What is the main reason some users avoid Linux and the terminal?

Many users avoid Linux because they find the terminal intimidating and complicated. The terminal often requires users to input specific commands, which can seem outdated and overly technical, especially for those not familiar with it.

How did Linux Mint differ from Arch Linux in terms of installation and ease of use?

Linux Mint was easier to install and use compared to Arch Linux. The installation process took only a few minutes and required no complex setup, whereas Arch Linux often demands more technical knowledge and customization.

What does the speaker mean by saying Linux is 'not for the faint of heart'?

The speaker is referring to the fact that Linux, especially distributions like Arch, requires users to have a certain level of technical knowledge. Mistakes can lead to severe system failures, and Linux often allows users to take risks that could harm their system, which may not appeal to casual users.

What are the benefits of using Linux Mint for casual users?

Linux Mint offers a smooth and user-friendly experience, especially for those who are new to Linux. It provides an easy installation process, out-of-the-box hardware compatibility, and a variety of popular software that works well without requiring advanced technical skills.

How does Linux Mint handle gaming, and what is the experience like for gamers?

Linux Mint provides a solid gaming experience, especially with the inclusion of tools like Steam and Lutris. Many games work well out of the box, and users can also emulate older games or run games with advanced features like ray tracing, especially with NVIDIA drivers.

Why is Linux Mint recommended for users who want an alternative to Windows?

Linux Mint is recommended as an alternative to Windows because it offers a simple, stable, and feature-rich operating system that works well for most casual users, especially those who want to avoid the complexities of the terminal or want to move away from Windows due to privacy or performance concerns.

What are the limitations of Linux Mint for users in professional fields like graphic design?

Linux Mint may not be suitable for users in professional fields like graphic design, as many industry-standard software applications are exclusive to Windows or Mac OS. Users who rely on these tools may face compatibility issues with Linux Mint.

How did the speaker feel about the Linux community's support during their transition?

The speaker appreciated the Linux community's support, particularly when they needed to update their NVIDIA graphics drivers. A quick Google search led them to a repository with the necessary drivers, showcasing the efficiency and helpfulness of the Linux community.