Linux: First Impressions and Installation Process

Introduction to Linux Experience

• Personal history with other OS: Windows and Mac OS.
• Motivation for trying Linux: Curiosity and community influence.

The Installation Journey

• Initial Mistake: Accidentally wiped the entire hard drive during the first installation attempt.
• Second Attempt: Built a new PC with AMD graphics to retry Linux installation.
• Choosing the OS: Opted for Linux Mint due to its beginner-friendly nature.
• Downloading Required Tools: Linux Mint ISO and Balena Etcher for creating a bootable USB.

Installation Steps

1. Download Linux Mint: Chose the Cinnamon edition for its sleek and intuitive interface.
2. Prepare USB: Used Balena Etcher software to flash the Linux Mint ISO onto the USB stick.
3. Partition Management: Utilized Disk Management in Windows to clear and prepare the D drive for Linux installation.
4. Boot from USB: Accessed the BIOS and boot menu to start the USB with Linux Mint.
5. Install Linux Mint: Followed the installation prompts, allocated 200GB for Linux.

Initial Setup and Customization

• Post-Installation: Successfully installed and booted into Linux Mint.
• Customizations: Configured dark mode, adjusted mouse settings, and interface scaling.
• Graphics Issue: Faced initial trouble with display settings due to missing GPU drivers.
  • Solved by updating the Linux kernel to a newer version.

Exploring Linux Features and Applications

Default Apps and Customizations

• Default Applications: Familiarized with Firefox, Software Manager, terminal, and file system.
• Appearance Settings: Changed backgrounds, effects, and window behavior.
• Applets and Extensions: Explored taskbar applets (quick access icons) and additional functionalities through downloadable extensions.
• Hot Corners: Configured for easier desktop interaction.
• Panel Customization: Adjusted the taskbar to place icons in the center.

Practical Tasks

Application Management

1. Install an Application:
   • Using Software Manager: Installed GIMP (open-source Photoshop alternative).
   • Using Terminal: Installed VLC media player via terminal commands (sudo apt install command).
2. Force Quit an Application: Used sudo xkill in the terminal to terminate a non-responsive window.
3. Take a Screenshot: Utilized built-in screenshot tool to capture windows and selections.
4. Create Folder Alias: Learned to create directory links (aliases) using Control+Shift drag.
5. Crop Image: Found and used a painting app for basic image manipulation tasks.
6. Convert Image File Format: Changed image file extensions directly by renaming.
7. Install and Play a Game: Installed and played Minecraft, though screen recording had issues.
8. Use Virtual Desktops: Managed workspaces to organize multiple apps and windows.
9. Utilize Keyboard Shortcuts for Multitasking: Explored window snapping and fast app switching.
10. Create a Folder Using Terminal: Utilized mkdir command to create directories.
11. Uninstall a Program: Used various methods to remove applications.
12. Install a Font: Successfully installed a custom font by placing it in the system font directory.
13. Clipboard Management: Attempted to find a suitable clipboard manager; some crashes encountered.

Conclusion

• Overall Experience: Initial setup had hiccups but Linux proved versatile and customizable once configured correctly.
• Suitability: Ideal for those who don't rely on specialized software unavailable on Linux; requires a learning curve.
• Favorite OS Verdict: Left open-ended for further exploration.