It's FOSSComment 🐧
Marjan@itsfoss start slow and don't let yourself be overwhelmed with a plethora of distros... Just relax and enjoy the journey. A distro I would recommend to start with is popOs! I use it on all my machines and I think it's great.
Nordnick 
Just do it.
Matv1@itsfoss Don't do it 😃
TheZorseIgnore everything that talks about the command line, the 1000 different distros, and anything that sounds complicated. The only thing that's complicated that you need to know in order to switch is how to put Linux on your computer.
As far as choosing which variety of Linux, don't dig too deep. You don't have to commit your life to anything. If you've seen a family member or friend use Linux and you like what you see... use that. If you're buying a computer with Linux installed... use that. Otherwise, Linux Mint will possibly be the easiest to get used to coming from Windows - it's very user friendly, it's been around a long time, and there is a big help community online if you need it. (I don't personally use it, but I recommend it for a beginner, or really for anyone who doesn't know what they want.)
Once you have Linux up and running, it's easy to use and the things you'll need to learn here and there can be taken as they come, as would be the case with Windows or Mac.
(No offense to @wonderingchimp . If Pop looks appealing... use that.)
75watt
Hope DestructionLinux is NOT Windows, be open minded to understand your computer in a new way, don't try to find and do everything the same way.
Gabriel@hopedestruction @itsfoss This is one of the best beginner advices I've read, Linux distros aren't like Microsoft Windows, and that's great.
@Gabriel4340 Thank you so much!! 
It would be great if more Linux users would tell this kind of “tips” to people who are considering making the switch, I think it would certainly increase the success in their adaptation periods.
It would be great if more Linux users would tell this kind of “tips” to people who are considering making the switch, I think it would certainly increase the success in their adaptation periods.
Monoka1st: Have a look at cross-platform applications that are available on the current platform and Linux, and see if they are good for you (e.g. #LibreOffice, #Zotero, #Firefox, #Thunderbird, #Qoppa #PDFStudio, ...)
2nd: Is your computer/notebook and your printer etc. well supported by #Linux? Check the internet for it.
3rd: After switching: Look first for software in the distribution repositories and not on the websites of the projects. Install it from the distribution if available.
Daedalous Eros@itsfoss Please, for the love of God, dual-boot first! Linux Mint makes it so easy to do and it could save you a lot of pain.
sarcastictoast@itsfoss don't do it if you're happy with your current OS (non Linux). Do it if you're unhappy with it, or do it while thinking of the issues you've had with it. Maybe start slow, dual boot at first. But it's 2024 now, not 2004, so you'll be fine even with Wine
eshep@itsfoss Consider why you want to use it, and what you want from it.
Jak2k 🏳️🌈@itsfoss
Don't use Ubuntu.
Don't use Ubuntu.
LuckyStoat@itsfoss
Please start by dual booting if possible. Linux isn't Windows and if you depend on specific proprietary software, you may find the open source equivalent might not be enough, or there might not even be one at all. But never the less, give it a week or two as your primary OS and give it a serious chance. And please choose a distro that tries to make it easy for new users, like Mint for example. There's no shame in wanting to have things just work.
Please start by dual booting if possible. Linux isn't Windows and if you depend on specific proprietary software, you may find the open source equivalent might not be enough, or there might not even be one at all. But never the less, give it a week or two as your primary OS and give it a serious chance. And please choose a distro that tries to make it easy for new users, like Mint for example. There's no shame in wanting to have things just work.
Dan@itsfoss sudo rm -rf /
theslik 
@itsfoss
Dont use linux like you use windows.
Dont use linux like you use windows.
Laura Orchid@itsfoss don't be afraid of the terminal :)
Gustavo@itsfoss Since we are talking about that, I notice that there are lots of cases: people who aren't affected by their OS (only use a browser and other applications that are available in many OSes), people that can't use Linux for leisure (some games don't run well on Linux yet because anti-cheat) or for work (my case, mostly because of Autodesk and structural analysis software, although Blender is little by little improving this situation).
Some suggest dual-booting, but, from experience, that's annoying!!! You have to manage files from different partitions and so on! Fireship talked about WSL in his latest OS video. What do you think of it?
Lucifer@itsfoss Don't. Honestly, I'm skeptical about the benefits of Linux going mainstream. It could lead to unwanted regulation and the interference of big tech companies. Take #RedHat, for example—they made controversial moves without facing consequences. So, unless you're genuinely passionate about #Linux or appreciate the freedom it offers (which, let's face it, most people don't—they prefer a dumb, uniform, user-friendly experience like #Apple 's), it might not be the best direction to push for.