So, I finally decided, after years of putting it off, to try out Linux, specifically Pop_OS. I was waiting for another SSD so it would live on its own hard drive on my computer. Today it arrives.
I first heard about it from Emily (I hope this doesn’t offend anyone, just adding for clarity in case some aren’t aware, but formerly Anthony before her transition) on Linus Tech Tips a long time ago. It seemed like an interesting OS, but being the hater of change I am (ironic that I just made a huge change dropping Reddit and love it so far), I kept telling myself, “Yeah yeah yeah, I will try Linux at some point.”
So, does anyone else using Pop_OS have any advice for setting it up that isn’t in the online docs?
I switched right before Windows 11 released after using it on and off in either VMs or on my laptop (that I rarely used). What really helped was all the Proton stuff that Valve was doing, which meant that one of my only excuses for not just getting a second drive to put linux on as primary boot was gone. Been great since then! Enjoy the new experience and once you get past the “how do I do [windows thing] in linux” phase make sure you explore all the cool new stuff you can do in linux that isn’t easy in Windows (like package management for installs and upgrades)!
That is one of the reasons I am making the jump. With them closing out support for 21H2, even though I am on 22H2, it’s only a matter of time before they pull the sneaky, “Oh, we updated this for you! You are so very welcome! Enjoy Windows 11 against your will!” like they have in the past. So, best to see if I prefer linux long term.
When you run into problems and google for answers and they’re all on locked reddits ask here so we can start to rebuild that knowledge base.
My biggest piece of advice would be to research flatpaks and/or snaps if you use proprietary things like Steam, Spotify, Discord, etc. You don’t have to use flatpaks/snaps, but they’ll fix any issues like the famous LTT Linux challenge where dependency issues with steam nuked his desktop. They’ll also get you the latest and greatest if you need the bleeding edge of any particular piece of software.
Secondly, Pop is based on Ubuntu, so if you can’t info you need then searching about the info for Ubuntu might answer your question.
Also, just like Power shell or Cmd Prompt on Windows with admin settings, when you’re in the terminal as root (including w/ Sudo or Doas) there’s no safeties. Distructive commands will run if you tell them to.
Last, if you got the time, try to figure out all the functionality you want out of your device before you need it. Simple things you want such as a screenshot tool are nice to have when you need it, as apposed to going on a mini adventure to find one when you need it.
Good luck!
Flatpak is life.
Learning the specific program you’re looking to troubleshoot will help a ton.
Searching “how to make a bookmark” might show you how to make a bookmark on your browser of choice, but it might also show you how to make a bookmark on a browser you’re not using, or you might even get a tutorial on how to make a real bookmark.
Searching “how to adjust mouse sensitivity in Linux” won’t get you very far. It would be best to search for the desktop environment you’re using.
PopOS uses the gnome desktop environment. A desktop environment is in charge of most settings you’ll want to modify initially. Toolbar, resolution, shortcuts, etc.
Searching for things along those lines, ending the search term with “in gnome” or “in PopOS” will direct you to better results.
I hadn’t heard about Emily. Good for her.
Her videos are my favorites on LTT.
Just enjoy, Pop os and the Gnome desktop environnement are very intuitive, simple and fun to use, just like a smartphone.
