Monday, December 15, 2025

Breaking Free from Microsoft Windows:


I switched from Windows to Linux and these 4 habits held me back

Why Ubuntu and Linux Mint Are Perfect for Regular Computer Users

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

If you're using Windows 10 or struggling with Windows 11, you're not alone—and you have better options. With Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, millions of perfectly good computers will be forced into retirement or expensive upgrades. Linux Mint and Ubuntu offer free, user-friendly alternatives that work on your existing hardware, but success means breaking four old Windows habits: restarting your computer constantly, downloading software from random websites, accepting limited customization, and being afraid of typing commands. Both systems are specifically designed for people switching from Windows, and once you get past the initial learning period (about two months), most users find they actually prefer Linux to Windows.

The Windows Problem: Why You Might Be Looking for Alternatives

If you're reading this, you've probably hit one of these frustrations:

Windows 10 is ending. Microsoft announced that Windows 10 support stops on October 14, 2025. After that date, your computer won't get security updates, leaving it vulnerable to hackers and viruses. Microsoft wants you to upgrade to Windows 11 or buy a new computer.

Windows 11 has strict requirements. Your computer might be only a few years old and work perfectly fine, but Windows 11 probably won't run on it. Microsoft requires specific security chips (TPM 2.0), newer processors, and other hardware that over 400 million computers don't have. That's not a typo—400 million working computers can't run Windows 11.

Windows 11 itself is frustrating. Even if your computer can run it, Windows 11 forces you to create a Microsoft account, shows ads in the Start menu, constantly pushes you toward Microsoft Edge and Bing, and removed features people actually used. Many users genuinely dislike it compared to Windows 10.

The choice isn't great. You can buy a new computer for $500-1500, keep using Windows 10 without security updates (risky), or learn something new.

This is where Linux Mint and Ubuntu come in. They're free operating systems that run great on older computers and don't have Microsoft's baggage. They're specifically designed for people like you who are tired of Windows' problems.

What Are Linux Mint and Ubuntu?

Think of them as alternatives to Windows—like how Chrome and Firefox are alternatives to Edge. They do the same basic job (run your computer) but in different ways.

Linux Mint is specifically designed to feel familiar if you're coming from Windows. The menu button is in the bottom-left corner where you expect it. The taskbar is at the bottom. Everything is where Windows taught you to look for it. It's the most popular choice for people leaving Windows because it minimizes the learning curve.

Ubuntu is backed by a company called Canonical and is more popular in businesses and schools. It looks a bit different from Windows—more like a Mac—but it's very polished and reliable. If Mint is like switching from a Ford to a Chevy, Ubuntu is like switching to a Honda.

Both are completely free, including updates forever. No subscriptions, no ads, no license fees. They run faster than Windows on the same hardware. And yes, they really do work—millions of people use them daily.

Why Most People Struggle at First (And How to Avoid It)

Here's the honest truth: switching operating systems is like moving to a new house. Everything basically works the same—you still have a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom—but the light switches are in different places and the cabinets are organized differently. For the first few weeks, you'll reach for things that aren't where you expect them.

The good news? Almost everyone who sticks with it for two months ends up preferring Linux. The bad news? You need to unlearn some habits that Windows taught you.

Habit #1: Restarting Your Computer for Everything

What Windows taught you: When something goes wrong—internet stops working, printer won't print, program freezes—restart your computer. Windows has trained entire generations to believe that turning it off and on again fixes most problems.

Windows also forces restarts for updates, often at inconvenient times. Remember closing your laptop for a meeting, only to open it and see "Update in progress: 45% complete"? That's Windows' normal behavior.

Why this doesn't work in Linux: Linux is built differently. Most problems don't require a full restart. When your WiFi drops (which happens on every system), you can restart just the WiFi service in about two seconds instead of restarting your entire computer.

The better way: You'll learn a few simple commands that restart individual parts of your system. For example, if your WiFi stops working, you type:

sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

Don't worry about memorizing this now. The point is: instead of the 2-3 minutes it takes to restart your whole computer (plus reopening all your programs and files), you fix the specific problem in seconds.

Both Mint and Ubuntu include visual tools for this too, but the command is actually faster once you learn it. It's like learning keyboard shortcuts in Word—at first, clicking the mouse feels easier, but eventually, Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V become automatic.

Real-world difference: Imagine you're in the middle of writing something important and your internet cuts out. On Windows, you'd save everything, close your programs, restart (waiting 2-3 minutes), reopen everything, and hope you didn't lose anything. On Linux, you type one command, wait 2 seconds, and keep working.

Habit #2: Downloading Programs from Websites

What Windows taught you: Need a program? Google it, find the company's website (hopefully the real one, not a scam site), download the installer file, click "Next" a bunch of times, decline the toolbars and extra junk they try to sneak in, and eventually the program installs. Repeat this for every program you need.

Want to update your programs? Each one has its own updater running in the background, slowing down your computer, or you have to manually download new versions.

Why this is a security nightmare: You're essentially trusting that every website you download from is legitimate and hasn't been hacked. You're also trusting that the download didn't get modified by someone malicious. Most people don't verify this—they just click and hope for the best.

The better way: Linux uses an "app store" approach, except it actually works well and has real programs. Both Mint and Ubuntu have Software Centers that look and work like phone app stores—you search for what you want, click Install, and done.

Behind the scenes, they use something called a "package manager." Think of it like having a trusted warehouse that delivers verified, tested software directly to your computer. Instead of visiting five different websites to download five programs, you can install them all at once with one action.

Example of how this changes your life: Say you're setting up a new computer (or reinstalling after a crash). You need a web browser, email program, office software, video player, and image editor.

On Windows, this means:

  • Visit Mozilla.org, download Firefox, install it (5 minutes)
  • Visit thunderbird.net, download Thunderbird, install it (5 minutes)
  • Visit libreoffice.org, download LibreOffice, install it (8 minutes)
  • Visit videolan.org, download VLC, install it (4 minutes)
  • Visit gimp.org, download GIMP, install it (6 minutes)

Total time: About 30-40 minutes of downloading, clicking Next, and waiting.

On Linux, you open one program (Software Manager), check the boxes next to Firefox, Thunderbird, LibreOffice, VLC, and GIMP, and click Install. Or you type one command:

sudo apt install firefox thunderbird libreoffice vlc gimp

Total time: 3-5 minutes, completely automated.

Updates are even better: Remember how Windows Update only updates Microsoft software? All your other programs—Adobe, Chrome, Zoom, whatever—each have their own update systems. Linux updates everything—the system and all your programs—with one button click or one command. Most people set it to update automatically overnight.

Habit #3: Accepting Limited Customization

What Windows taught you: Your desktop can have different wallpapers and maybe a dark mode. If you want more customization, you need to download sketchy theme packs from random websites, modify system files, and risk breaking things. Windows 11 made this worse by removing customization options Windows 10 had—you can't even move the taskbar to the side anymore.

The better way: Linux treats customization as a normal feature, not something that requires hacking your system. Want your taskbar on top? Moved. Want different icons? Installed in two clicks. Want your windows to have different behaviors? Changed in the settings.

Linux Mint keeps this simple. It has a Settings program that lets you change almost everything—panel layout, themes, window behavior, desktop effects—with normal menus and options. If you can use Windows Settings, you can customize Mint.

Ubuntu has a clean, modern look by default, similar to Macs. You can install "extensions" that add features—like apps on your phone. Want a dock like macOS? There's an extension. Want a Windows-style taskbar? Different extension. These install with one click from a website.

For visual themes, both systems let you install new looks from their Software Centers. For example, the popular Papirus icon theme (which makes all your icons look modern and consistent) installs by either:

  • Opening Software Center, searching "Papirus," clicking Install
  • Or typing: sudo apt install papirus-icon-theme

Then you select it from a menu, and your desktop looks completely different. No system files modified, no risk of breaking anything, and it updates automatically when the designers improve it.

The philosophy difference: Windows says "you can customize these specific things we've decided to let you customize." Linux says "you can customize literally anything, but we've set it up nicely so you don't have to."

Habit #4: Being Afraid of the Command Line

What Windows taught you: The black screen with white text (Command Prompt or PowerShell) is scary and only for experts. You could type the wrong thing and delete everything! Better to stick with clicking on things.

This isn't entirely wrong—the command line can be dangerous if you're typing random commands you don't understand. But Windows has made entire generations unnecessarily afraid of one of the most powerful features of any computer.

Why Linux is different: In Linux, the command line (called a "terminal") is treated as a normal tool, like a calculator or notepad. It's not hidden away or scary-looking. It's just another way to do things—and often the fastest way.

Here's the secret: you don't need to memorize anything. When you search for help online, people will give you the exact command to copy and paste. You're not expected to know this stuff from memory any more than you memorize phone numbers anymore.

Why solutions use commands: Imagine trying to explain how to fix something through clicking:

"Click the Start menu, then type 'Services,' then click Services.msc, wait for it to load, scroll down to 'Network Manager,' right-click it, select Properties, then click Stop, wait for it to stop, then click Start again..."

Versus:

"Type: sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager"

The command is clearer, faster, and works the same way on every computer. That's why Linux help forums use commands—not because they're being elitist, but because it's actually easier for everyone.

The learning curve: Most new Linux users report that the terminal stops being scary after they've successfully copied and pasted a few commands to fix problems. After about a month, many people prefer it for certain tasks because it's genuinely faster.

Think of it like learning keyboard shortcuts. At first, right-clicking and selecting "Copy" feels normal. But eventually, Ctrl+C becomes automatic because it's faster. The terminal works the same way—at first it feels weird, but eventually it becomes your preferred method for certain tasks.

Common tasks you'll learn:

  • Update everything: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
  • Install a program: sudo apt install program-name
  • Restart a service: sudo systemctl restart service-name
  • Check disk space: df -h
  • See what's using memory: htop

You don't need to learn these right now. You'll pick them up naturally as you use Linux, same as you learned Windows shortcuts over time.

Linux Mint vs. Ubuntu: Which One Should You Choose?

Both are excellent choices. Here's the honest comparison:

Choose Linux Mint if:

  • You want the easiest transition from Windows
  • You prefer things to look and work familiarly
  • You want maximum customization without effort
  • You're not technical and just want things to work
  • You dislike Ubuntu's Snap packages (more on this in a moment)

Mint's Cinnamon desktop looks and feels like Windows. The menu is where you expect it. Programs appear in the taskbar. Everything is designed to make Windows users feel at home immediately.

Choose Ubuntu if:

  • You're okay with some differences from Windows
  • You want the most popular Linux (biggest community)
  • You want a modern, sleek look
  • You might want commercial support options
  • You use a Dell, Lenovo, or System76 laptop (Ubuntu comes pre-installed on many models)

Ubuntu's GNOME desktop looks more like a Mac, with a dock on the left side and a different way of launching programs. Some people love it, some prefer Mint's traditional approach.

The Snap vs. Flatpak debate (you can ignore this)

Ubuntu uses something called Snap packages, while Mint prefers traditional packages and Flatpaks. Snaps load slower and do some things differently. This matters to experienced Linux users but probably won't affect you much. If it does bother you, Mint avoids them entirely.

Honest recommendation: Try both! You can run them from USB drives without installing anything. This is called a "live session"—you boot your computer from a USB stick and Linux runs entirely from the USB, leaving your hard drive untouched. It's like a test drive for operating systems.

What About Your Programs?

This is the big question everyone has. "Can I run my Windows programs on Linux?"

Programs that work great:

  • Web browsers: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Vivaldi—all work exactly the same as on Windows
  • Email: Thunderbird works great (and syncs with Gmail, Outlook, etc.)
  • Office work: LibreOffice opens and saves Microsoft Office files (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). For most people, it works fine. You can also use Microsoft Office online through your browser.
  • Media: VLC plays everything. GIMP edits images. Kdenlive edits videos.
  • Communication: Zoom, Skype, Discord, Slack, Teams—all work fine
  • Most everyday programs have Linux versions or good alternatives

Programs that don't work:

  • Microsoft Office desktop version: The installed version won't run. Use LibreOffice or Microsoft Office online.
  • Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere won't run. GIMP and Inkscape are free alternatives but not identical. Creative professionals often keep a Windows computer just for Adobe.
  • Some games: Most games work now through Steam, but some competitive online games with anti-cheat won't run.
  • Specialized work software: Check if your specific programs have Linux versions. Some do, some don't.

The web browser saves you: Most things you do are probably in a browser anyway—email, social media, shopping, banking, Netflix, YouTube. All of that works identically on Linux because you're just using a web browser.

Will Your Computer Run It?

Almost certainly yes, especially if Windows 11 won't run on it. Linux's requirements are modest:

Minimum requirements:

  • 2GB of RAM (4GB recommended for comfortable use)
  • 25GB of hard drive space
  • Any processor from the last 15 years
  • 1024x768 screen resolution

That means: A computer from 2010 that Windows 11 rejects will run modern Linux smoothly. The same computer that struggles with Windows 10 will feel faster with Linux.

Hardware that works:

  • WiFi: Almost always works immediately
  • Printers: Most work automatically, especially HP, Brother, and Canon
  • Webcams: Usually work without setup
  • Bluetooth: Works fine
  • External drives: Plug and play

Hardware that might need attention:

  • NVIDIA graphics cards: Work great but need driver installation (both Mint and Ubuntu make this easy with a Driver Manager tool)
  • Some Broadcom WiFi chips: Might need extra setup
  • Very new or very obscure hardware: Might not have drivers yet

Both Mint and Ubuntu can run from a USB stick, so you can test everything before installing.

The Smart Way to Switch: Dual-Boot

Don't delete Windows immediately. Both Linux Mint and Ubuntu let you install alongside Windows in something called "dual-boot." This means:

  • Both operating systems live on your computer
  • When you turn on your computer, you choose which one to use
  • Your Windows files stay safe and untouched
  • You can always go back to Windows if you need something

This is the smart approach. Use Linux for everyday stuff—browsing, email, documents. Keep Windows for that one program you absolutely need, or as backup while you're learning. Most people who do this gradually use Windows less and less, then eventually delete it after a few months when they're confident Linux does everything they need.

When Windows 10 support ends in October 2025, you can delete Windows and use that space for Linux or storage.

The Real Timeline: What to Expect

Week 1: Frustrating but exciting Everything feels different. You'll search for things that aren't where you expect them. You'll probably boot back into Windows a few times for things you can't figure out in Linux. This is normal.

Weeks 2-3: Figuring things out You've found where the settings are. You've installed your main programs. You're copying commands from help forums to fix small issues. Things are starting to click.

Week 4-6: Turning point The terminal isn't scary anymore. You've fixed a few problems yourself. You're spending more time in Linux than Windows. Some things actually feel easier in Linux now.

Month 2-3: Preference shift You now prefer Linux for most tasks. You only boot into Windows for that one specific program. You're annoyed by Windows' forced updates and slowness when you do use it.

Month 4+: Converted You're explaining to friends why they should switch. You've deleted Windows or rarely boot into it. You've customized your desktop exactly how you like it. The four habits that held you back are gone.

This timeline is typical for people who use their computer regularly. If you only use it occasionally, the process takes longer but follows the same pattern.

Common Fears (And Why They're Not True)

"I'll break something and ruin my computer." Linux runs from a USB stick first, so you can try it without installing. Even after installing, breaking Linux is actually hard unless you're deliberately trying to. And if you do somehow mess something up, Linux Mint includes a backup system called Timeshift that lets you roll back to before the problem started.

"I'm not technical enough." Millions of non-technical people use Linux daily. If you can use Windows, you can use Linux Mint or Ubuntu. The technical stuff is optional—you can use it entirely through point-and-click interfaces if you want. You'll naturally learn more advanced techniques over time, but you don't need them to start.

"I'll lose all my files." Not if you follow instructions. Both installers are very clear about what they'll do. The dual-boot option specifically preserves everything. That said, always back up important files before installing any operating system, including Windows updates.

"No one can help me if something goes wrong." Linux has massive online communities. Linux Mint and Ubuntu both have active forums full of helpful people. When you search for problems, you'll find solutions—usually involving copying a command someone gives you. The communities are generally friendlier than Windows forums because they're not drowning in requests to fix malware infections.

"I'll be stuck if I don't like it." You can always reinstall Windows. Your computer doesn't lock you into Linux. Most people try Linux with dual-boot, gradually use it more, and eventually delete Windows by choice. But if you decide Linux isn't for you, reinstalling Windows takes about an hour.

Real Benefits You'll Notice

After you get through the learning curve, here's what most Windows converts report:

Your computer feels faster. Linux uses less memory and processing power than Windows, so the same hardware performs better. Programs open faster, the system responds quicker, and you won't see that spinning circle as often.

No forced restarts. Linux updates in the background. It won't restart in the middle of your work or take over your computer to install updates.

No antivirus needed. Linux's design makes viruses extremely rare. You don't need antivirus software slowing everything down.

Better privacy. Linux doesn't track what you do, doesn't send data to Microsoft, doesn't show you ads, and doesn't try to push services you don't want.

Free forever. No license fees, no subscriptions, no forced upgrades. Ubuntu and Mint get updates for free indefinitely.

Your computer lasts longer. That 2015 laptop that struggles with Windows 10? It'll run Linux smoothly for years to come.

You're in control. No corporation decides when you update, what features you can use, or which programs you can install. Your computer works for you, not for Microsoft's business model.

Getting Started: Your Action Plan

1. Back up your important files External hard drive, cloud storage, USB stick—whatever works. Do this before any major computer change, including Windows updates.

2. Download Linux Mint or Ubuntu

  • Linux Mint: https://linuxmint.com/download.php
  • Ubuntu: https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop

Both offer free downloads. Choose the version that says "LTS" (Long Term Support).

3. Create a bootable USB stick Use a program like Rufus (on Windows) or Etcher to put Linux on a USB stick. You need a USB stick with at least 8GB of space. This process erases everything on the USB stick, so use an empty one.

4. Test drive from the USB Restart your computer with the USB stick inserted. You'll need to tell your computer to boot from USB (usually by pressing F12, F2, or Del during startup—it varies by computer). Linux will run directly from the USB stick without changing anything on your hard drive.

Try everything. Connect to WiFi. Open the browser. Install a program. See if your printer works. This is completely safe—you're not installing anything yet.

5. Decide on installation If you like what you see, click "Install." Choose "Install alongside Windows" for dual-boot. The installer walks you through everything with clear options.

6. Give it time Use Linux as your main system for at least 60 days before deciding. The first month is the learning curve. By month two, you'll know if it works for you.

The Bottom Line

Windows 10's end of support in October 2025 forces a decision. You can:

  • Buy new hardware to run Windows 11 ($500-1500)
  • Keep using Windows 10 without security updates (risky)
  • Try Linux Mint or Ubuntu (free, works on existing hardware)

Linux isn't perfect for everyone. If you're deeply invested in Adobe Creative Suite or specific Windows-only professional software, you might need to stick with Windows. If you're a hardcore competitive gamer, some games won't work.

But for most people—browsing the web, checking email, writing documents, watching videos, video calls, casual gaming—Linux works great. Better than great: it's faster, more private, more secure, and completely free.

The four habits that hold Windows users back—rebooting constantly, manual software installation, accepting limited customization, and fearing the command line—are all fixable with about two months of use. The learning curve exists, but it's manageable, and most people who stick with it prefer Linux after getting through it.

Since October 2025 you are living on borrowed time with Wiondow 10. Try Linux risk-free, learn it gradually, and make an informed choice about your computing future. The question isn't whether Linux works—millions prove daily that it does. The question is whether you're willing to invest a couple months learning something new to avoid Windows 11's problems and hardware requirements and being a subject of the Microsoft empire.

For many people, that trade-off makes perfect sense.

Sources and Further Reading

  1. Windows 10 End of Support Information

  2. Windows 11 System Requirements

  3. Linux Mint Official Website and Documentation

  4. Ubuntu Official Website and Documentation

  5. Beginner-Friendly Linux Resources

This guide is written for real people who use computers for everyday tasks, not for tech experts. If you have questions or get stuck, both Linux Mint and Ubuntu have active, friendly forums where people help beginners every day. You're not alone in this transition—millions have made it successfully, and so can you.

 

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