Last Updated on April 25, 2026
A few years ago, I was looking for a way to breathe new life into an old laptop that was struggling to run the latest version of Windows. Back then, I thought Linux was only for hardcore geeks and programmers. I remember the days when installing Linux meant struggling with a command line and cryptic configuration files just to get a desktop to appear.
Today, the “nightmare” of the command line is largely a thing of the past. Modern Linux distributions (distros) are designed with a “user-first” mentality. The installation is often faster than Windows, and the interface is polished, stable, and incredibly fast—even on older hardware.
Even today Linux sounds scary and hard for many of the regular Windows users. It sounds geeky, something that’s only for programmers or system administrators.
But that’s no more true. And that’s why I’m writing this post. Today installing and using Linux is just as easy if not easier than using Windows. And here I’ll tell you how to go start.
Choose a Distribution
Assuming you are not experienced, there are just two appropriate choices: Ubuntu or Linux Mint.
Linux fans are attached to their favorite distribution and if you go and ask in a forum you’ll get tens of different opinions. I’m recommending these two only because, in my opinion, they are the easiest to use. Maybe to be on the safer side you’d better stick with Ubuntu because of its large user base.
How to get started:
- Choose your version: Ubuntu is the most popular for beginners, while Linux Mint is perfect for those who want a desktop that looks and feels exactly like Windows.
- Create a Bootable USB: Instead of CDs, we now use small USB flash drives. You can use a free tool like Rufus or Etcher to “burn” the Linux file onto the drive.
- Try Before You Buy: Most Linux distros have a “Live” mode. You can boot from the USB and use Linux without installing anything on your hard drive. If you like it, you just click “Install.”
First Steps
The User Interface: Modern Ubuntu uses the GNOME desktop, which is clean and mobile-friendly, while Mint uses Cinnamon, which features a familiar “Start” menu and taskbar.
Installing Apps: You don’t need the command line to install apps anymore. Both Ubuntu and Mint have a Software Manager (similar to the App Store on a phone). You just search for what you want, like Spotify, Discord, or Steam and click Install.
Replacements For Your Software
Here are some of the most popular programs on Windows and their most appropriate replacement for Linux:
Will My Apps Work?
- Browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge are all available natively on Linux.
- Office: LibreOffice comes pre-installed and is compatible with Word and Excel files. Alternatively, you can use Microsoft 365 or Google Docs in your browser perfectly.
- Gaming: Thanks to Steam and a technology called Proton, thousands of Windows games (including AAA titles) now run perfectly on Linux with a single click.
Email client: Outlook is not there but you can use Thunderbird Mail and many others.
Accessories: calculators, simple text editors, zip utilities, they are all there. If you have chosen Ubuntu just go to the Accessories category in the software center, browse and enjoy.
Media Players: While there is no Windows Media Player, you’ll find many free replacements. VLC Media Player, Gnome MPlayer, xine, are just a small part of the hundreds of players available.
Finally, even if you use more professional software like Photoshop or Illustrator, there are Linux alternatives too. Gimp can do almost everything that Photoshop does, and InkScape is decent alternative of Illustrator. (However if you spend most of your day using these two programs you have to know the Linux alternatives won’t compete well enough.)
But for the average home or office user Linux has all the software that they may need, and then some. And most of it is free.
Common Hurdles For The Newcomer
OK, it’s not all roses. There are few common problems than the beginner meets when switching to Linux. Here is how to deal with them:
– Permission denied! You are trying to copy, rename or delete a file but it just doesn’t happen. After searching a bit you may figure out you don’t have permissions to write to the folder or file. Don’t worry, it’s an easy fix. Press [control] + [alt] + T to open the terminal (or find it in the menu). Write “sudo su” and press [enter]. It will ask you for password. Hopefully you know it 🙂 Then navigate just above the folder you need to edit using “cd” command (same way as in Windows command line). And then write “chmod 0777 directory_name” where “directory_name” is of course the name of the directory you want to allow writing to. That’s it, problem solved.
– Where are my files? Linux stores files and folders in a bit different structure than Windows. Instead of “My documents”, “My pictures” etc, by default most of your files will be in Home directory and it’s sub folders – Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures etc. You can as well create files even above the Home directory. But if you are not comfortable with the structure yet just stick to everything under Home.
– Some strange error! Well things are never 100% trouble less. Sometimes you will get some strange error out of the blue saying things you don’t understand. Take it easy: just copy the error, drop it in Google and almost for sure you will end up in a place where the error is already discussed. Just follow the instructions and in most cases you will be able to solve it for few minutes. The major downside of Linux in the past – its high knowledge requirements – is now a huge advantage. The majority of Linux community is of knowledgeable users who will help you fix almost every problem.
This can’t be definitive guide of course. You will need some practice and time to get used to Linux. And if you can pass the first few days or weeks of confusion and uncertainty, you will never want to look back.
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