Like perhaps many others I am debating what to do with my PC at the end of support for windows 10 later this year. I have read a lot of discussions here about switching to Linux, and a lot of commentary that though it has gotten a lot more plug and play it maybe still has some weaknesses. I just want to know what those are, and if it can support what I currently do with my computer.

Basically my computer is just for gaming. I play a plethora of games both major titles and small indy games. I also use mods on my games sometimes. Beyond gaming it’s just basic web browsing.

More specific questions:

  1. I think I need to pick a “distro”, right? Based on the above, which distro may work best for me?

  2. what am I most likely to NOT be able to do, if anything? I have heard modding in particular can be challenging with Linux. Like Skyrim mods that use a script extender or rely on various Windows programs. Is that true? Are there some smaller indy games that don’t have Linux support (thinking back to the early mac days)?

  3. I would rate my computer technical ability at like… A 4/10. I haven’t done anything too crazy but can Google most issues and willing to learn. Is this realistically enough to get me up and running with Linux? I don’t have any programming experience or anything of the sort.

  4. if the final answer here involves running a windows partition, is it possible to safely still use a windows 10 partition, even after the end of support? Or does it need to be a windows 11 partition? Best case is no partition, but curious if it comes to that.

  5. anything else I might run into that I’m not expecting? Words of encouragement?

  • jumle@lemmy.world
    65·
    1 day ago

    If you own a pc to game on it, I cannot recommend Linux compared to Windows LTSC IoT (Don’t use LTSC versions for gaming and everyday use)

    It is possible to use Linux for gaming, but you’re gonna have to fidget a lot in order to get a good experience, where as Windows just has gaming out of the box.

    • If you play multiplayer games that has anti-cheat systems in place, those will most likely not work on Linux due to the anti-cheat only having support for non-linux systems.
    • Some games just straight up don’t run well on linux, so you should definitely check up on the games you play and intend to play before making the switch.

    Proton is a wonderful resource (Thanks Gabe) and I’m personally keeping an eye out for Bottles Next

    So it ultimately depends on how you want to spend your time during a gaming session, and the types of games you play.

    Summary:

    I’d recommend you to stay on Windows if your main concern is gaming.

    However, if you’re set on trying Linux, then I recommend Linux Mint: https://linuxmint.com/ (If you’re unsure which version to pick and just want to get started, pick the Cinnamon version)

    Edit: Formatting

    Edit 2.0 Correct definitions and better advice

    • TrousersMcPants@lemmy.world
      8·
      2 days ago

      My main usage of my PC is gaming and I have been happily using Linux Mint for a while now, Proton can do a lot for you. However you do have to write off certain games because of their anti-cheat and be willing to do a bit of fiddling sometimes.

    • gonzo-rand19@moist.catsweat.com
      5·
      2 days ago

      IoT means Internet of Things and it’s mostly for purpose-built commercial applications, like running a computer as a kiosk or industrial controller. You could maybe put it on a Raspberry Pi or something.

      If you want to run a gym, homelab, or office, Windows IoT may be for you. Otherwise, it’s not for you. The reason there’s no bloatware is to make your hardware run as smooth as possible so it can fulfill its fixed purpose.

      https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/iot/product-family/windows-iot

      • jumle@lemmy.world
        1·
        1 day ago

        True, I forgot about Internet of Things; That’s the correct definition.

        I have been using the IoT version of LTSC for a while now, but I’ll be giving the non-IoT LTSC version a shot on my next reinstall as I must admit the IoT version seems quite unstable/inefficient for everyday use.

        • Which makes sense given the intended purpose of the IoT version.

        Thank you for the reminder and link; I appreciate it.