Trying Linux in 2022

Background

• Comments recommended Linux for:
  • Low-end systems
  • Battery life
  • System stability
• Previous experience with Linux (Ubuntu 2014):
  • Found it difficult due to reliance on terminal usage
  • Decided to retry in 2022 to see if things have improved

Choosing a Distro

• Considered:
  • Pop!
  • Mint
  • Ubuntu
• Pop!_OS: Chosen based on community recommendations
• Ubuntu: Dismissed due to negative feedback

Installation Experience

• Initial attempts with Pop!_OS faced issues (installation errors)
• Successfully installed Mint but quickly discarded
• Successfully installed Pop!_OS after retrying
• Issue with dual-booting: Manual selection required at startup

Usage Experience

• Web Browsing
  • Firefox and Chrome installed easily
  • Google Docs worked perfectly
• Performance
  • Responsive and lightweight
  • Low RAM usage (4GB with multiple Chrome tabs)
• Drivers
  • No issues with graphics, touchpad, display, WiFi, etc.
• Battery Life
  • Good battery performance
• Touch Gestures
  • Slight differences but functional
• Bluetooth
  • Better performance than Windows

Software Availability

• Gaming
  • Minecraft, PCSX2, Dolphin: Worked well
  • Steam: Most games supported
• Productivity Tools
  • Lack of Premiere, Photoshop, Lightroom
  • Alternatives: RawTherapee (not as good as Lightroom)
  • OBS for screen recording: Worked flawlessly

Issues Encountered

• Browser/Internet Issues
  • Random window freezes (especially Firefox)
  • YouTube playback issues
• Touchpad Issues
  • Occasional scroll issues
• SMB File Sharing
  • Could not connect to SMB server despite multiple attempts
• Miscellaneous
  • Occasional complete shutdown when closing the laptop

Conclusion

• Positive experience overall
• Persistent issues with certain software and file sharing
• Might revert to Windows due to specific needs
• Future testing planned to fully evaluate Pop!_OS for longer-term use