If you're used to Windows, I really recommend Linux Mint. I found it pretty easy to install, and once installed you sometimes almost forget you've changed your operating system :)
The point is to stop sending money to the US, not to be religiously anti-american. Using Fedora doesn't make any oligarch richer. The US trade deficit isn't made smaller either.
Country of origin is a bit of a fuzzy concept when we talk about Linux. For example, Linux Mint (Ireland) is based on Ubuntu (UK), which is based on Debian (Global, but founded by American). So is Linux Mint Irish, British, Global or American? Also, every Linux distribution comes with software that has been written by numerous people all around the world.
@ClassyHatter
While I generally agree, one should beware if the project is backed/owned by a company, foundation or somesuch, as it would be legally-bound to their country's laws. @skitazd
Come on! It's good, it's free, without ads nor legal corporate spywares, if you want to resurrect your 10 years old computer it will work, if you want gaming on your super PC it will work too, what else can you ask for?
If someone needs help to do the change just tell me :)
Macs are crazy expensive and nothing has gotten cheaper in terms of cost of living. Most people will assume that if it keeps working they don't need to upgrade/replace.
My MacBook is over 10 years old and doesn't get updates for years now, still works great. I ditched iPhone because of the high price and will probably not buy another MacBook when this one dies but I am really surprised how long they last. I do not run heavy apps or games so that probably makes a big difference but I can run 100 tabs and watch full hd movie without it slowing down cannot believe it. Also retina display and ssd so even after 10 years, if I were to replace it with a budget or midrange windows laptop tomorrow I don't think it will feel like an update.
How are Linux users handling software that doesn't exist on Linux. For example I bought the affinity software (photo, designer, etc) and I'd rather not lose that to use gimp or something.
Like the other person said, Wine is the way to go to run Windows specific software on Linux.
The cool thing about Linux is that you always find a guide for whatever problem you may have and also the community is huge and super nice to help you with any issue.
Also you can always have Linux + Windows with dual boot and try out things until you are comfortable to do the change, or just abandon Linux if it is not your cup of tea, but at least you have tried.
I have a Panasonic Toughbook CF-30 with Ubuntu on it. IIRC, it's 18, and the specs don't support upgrading it anymore with Ubuntu. I was thinking of going to Mint, but I haven't really kept up with the various available Linux flavors, for the last few years. 2 of the 3 USBports have stopped working, but that's a $30 part replacement. The wifi see,s really slow as well, but I'm not sure whether that's a hardware or software issue.
It's not European, but antiX and by extension MX Linux (as @mutual_ayed@sh.itjust.works also mention) are great for lower spec computers if you want something somewhat modern (Debian packages are a little crusty, but workable).
I wanted to try dual booting for a bit to try getting used to it before Windows 10 loses support, but last time I tried dual booting I accidentally wiped my drive lol
I now have an Ubuntu installation on an external SSD. I only chose it because itโs the distro Iโm most used to, although that experience is only on servers. Is it good, or is there a better distro to potentially migrate from Windows to at some point?
If you're a gamer like me and you play a wide range of games and vr, dual boot mint on another drive to test it. If you enjoy tinkering and learning, it's awesome. If you want to jump in and instantly game, you won't have a good time. I treat it like a classic car. Sometimes you want to tinker and get things running good, but you don't want to daily drive a 69 Chevelle, unless it's restomodded. Move slowly away from windows and bolster the linux community !
Everyone has opinions but mint has been the most stable for me. Plus large user base. It doesn't come with everything built in like bazzite, but it's so easy to install wine, steam, proton, etc anyway.