Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
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Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
Hi everyone,
I'm getting fed up with Windows and I need your help and advice selecting the best distro for me considering my laptop hardware and most important features for me..
The laptop is a Samsung 530U3C and specs are: i5 3317U, intel HD4000, 8Gb RAM, 500GB HDD and 24GB iSSD ExpressCache.
- Important HW functions I'd like to ensure working are: CPU clock not fixed to low or high but hybrid (a bit similar to Samsung Optimized power plan), Fn keys working, ExpressCache configured for Cache and Hibernation, for faster performance and boot, and USB 3.0.
- I use some programming tools like Odin to flash my phone, Samsung Smart Switch and others..
- I use Samsung Link to connect my laptop to my Smart TV and stream media, and I'd like to know if there's any type of allshare solution like in my Android devices..
- I play PokerStars..
- Do I need any anti-virus or firewall? What are my options? Also, I use BatteryCare to monitor my CPU and HDD temp, and personalize power plans.. Any alternative there?
In addition, I've browsed through Mint page, and I've noticed 4 different desktops available, Cinnamon, MATE, KDE and Xfce.. Is this important to me or should I just roll with Cinnamon and that's it?
I'm getting fed up with Windows and I need your help and advice selecting the best distro for me considering my laptop hardware and most important features for me..
The laptop is a Samsung 530U3C and specs are: i5 3317U, intel HD4000, 8Gb RAM, 500GB HDD and 24GB iSSD ExpressCache.
- Important HW functions I'd like to ensure working are: CPU clock not fixed to low or high but hybrid (a bit similar to Samsung Optimized power plan), Fn keys working, ExpressCache configured for Cache and Hibernation, for faster performance and boot, and USB 3.0.
- I use some programming tools like Odin to flash my phone, Samsung Smart Switch and others..
- I use Samsung Link to connect my laptop to my Smart TV and stream media, and I'd like to know if there's any type of allshare solution like in my Android devices..
- I play PokerStars..
- Do I need any anti-virus or firewall? What are my options? Also, I use BatteryCare to monitor my CPU and HDD temp, and personalize power plans.. Any alternative there?
In addition, I've browsed through Mint page, and I've noticed 4 different desktops available, Cinnamon, MATE, KDE and Xfce.. Is this important to me or should I just roll with Cinnamon and that's it?
Last edited by LockBot on Wed Dec 28, 2022 7:16 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Topic automatically closed 6 months after creation. New replies are no longer allowed.
Reason: Topic automatically closed 6 months after creation. New replies are no longer allowed.
Re: Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
You need to realise that Linux is not Windows, it is not a direct replacement and you need to learn about it before you start using it.
For starters, - 'Questions about Defragging or Antivirus? Look here first!' http://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?f=90&t=31723
Also read this ' Linux is not Windows ' - http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm
For starters, - 'Questions about Defragging or Antivirus? Look here first!' http://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?f=90&t=31723
Also read this ' Linux is not Windows ' - http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm
Re: Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
Linux is not a replacement for Windows, It is an alternative to it.
Re: Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
Not so!Habitual wrote:Linux is not a replacement for Windows, It is an alternative to it.
- http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htmLinux was not created to make money. Linux does not have the goal of being the most popular and widespread OS on the planet. If you really just want Windows without the malware and security issues: Read up on good security practices; install a good firewall, malware-detector, and anti-virus; replace IE with a more secure browser; and keep yourself up-to-date with security updates.
Re: Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
I do understand that linux is an alternative and does not replace Win OS, but my questions about HW and SW are simply to know if replacing Windows with a Linux alternative is possible or not.
I will read the posted links, but can you please provide some simple answers about the drivers and SW alternatives?
Thanks.
I will read the posted links, but can you please provide some simple answers about the drivers and SW alternatives?
Thanks.
Re: Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
Read the links first, they give you the answers to why I can't be bothered to go through all of your software and hardware and find answers for you. Read the links.
Re: Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
It just replaced mine, windows 10 is a spy program and i am not going to let microsoft spy on me. Last year i tested mint 17.0 and 17.1 and i really fell in love with it. The reason i changed to windows was simply duo a game i wanted to try and mint started to freeze randomly. Now i saw it was fixed in 17.2 so windows is deleted and it will never come back in my life again. I will keep using mint 17 for the basics and learn more about linux.Habitual wrote:Linux is not a replacement for Windows, It is an alternative to it.
Back in January i also tested arch with tutorials, i managed to get a working cinnamon desktop but i could not get in my network stuff. (something about ssh error).
Re: Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
Linux is way too hard to get up and running. That's the threshold.
Actually using Linux for basic computing is probably more intuitive even than Windows. But that doesn't matter, if the users cannot get up and running to begin with.
The installation process must be absolutely dummy-proof, or ideally Linux should be pre-loaded on the computer, in order for non-techie people to catch on.
However there are lots of example on Youtube and the like - of people installing Linux for their parents, grandparents, girlfriends etc. With the people in question quite happily using the Linux box for browsing, emails and photos.
But that situation would never have happened if the techie hadn't installed Linux for the non-techie!
However, if you had a Linux distro that looked like Windows and was pre-loaded, a lot of users would probably never know the difference. My sister, brother, many of my friends...
They might start noticing something a couple of months later, like:
"Why is there a penguin against the Windows logo? Did I get a virus?
"I called Microsoft for support, but they were talking about Linus or something and refused to help me! "
So my criteria for Linux mass-appeal is:
Average users don't even care if they are on XP or Windows 10 most of the time.
And Mac to them, is just about being chic and trendy. The actual technology under the hood is nothing they worry about.
As long as Facebook, Ebay, Amazon, their photos and the printer work without any hassle--- they are good!
This is based on my non-technical friends of both genders, business users at work (non-IT) and family members.
Actually using Linux for basic computing is probably more intuitive even than Windows. But that doesn't matter, if the users cannot get up and running to begin with.
The installation process must be absolutely dummy-proof, or ideally Linux should be pre-loaded on the computer, in order for non-techie people to catch on.
However there are lots of example on Youtube and the like - of people installing Linux for their parents, grandparents, girlfriends etc. With the people in question quite happily using the Linux box for browsing, emails and photos.
But that situation would never have happened if the techie hadn't installed Linux for the non-techie!
However, if you had a Linux distro that looked like Windows and was pre-loaded, a lot of users would probably never know the difference. My sister, brother, many of my friends...
They might start noticing something a couple of months later, like:
"Why is there a penguin against the Windows logo? Did I get a virus?
"I called Microsoft for support, but they were talking about Linus or something and refused to help me! "
So my criteria for Linux mass-appeal is:
- Super easy installation that can't fail and talks the user through every single step.
- Alternatively laptops that are pre-loaded with Linux, removing the choice for normal users. That's how Windows became big. The IBM PCs were pre-loaded with it.
Average users don't even care if they are on XP or Windows 10 most of the time.
And Mac to them, is just about being chic and trendy. The actual technology under the hood is nothing they worry about.
As long as Facebook, Ebay, Amazon, their photos and the printer work without any hassle--- they are good!
This is based on my non-technical friends of both genders, business users at work (non-IT) and family members.
Last edited by martienne on Sun Nov 15, 2015 6:29 pm, edited 8 times in total.
Re: Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
Odin is a no-go
Pokerstars?
See http://www.pokerlinux.net/pokerstars-linux/
Wine is a software package in Linux that can run some Windows applications.
Firewall? Have a router? Linux has ufw and gufw for pointyclicky types that need GUIs.
A/V - Not necessary on a desktop Linux system.
BatteryCare - Linux can monitor CPU/HDD temp. (BatteryCare sounds like some support software implemented in a laptop)
If you are waiting for "all the lights to be green" to install Linux, Don't. You'll never make the journey.
Good Luck.
Pokerstars?
See http://www.pokerlinux.net/pokerstars-linux/
Wine is a software package in Linux that can run some Windows applications.
Firewall? Have a router? Linux has ufw and gufw for pointyclicky types that need GUIs.
A/V - Not necessary on a desktop Linux system.
BatteryCare - Linux can monitor CPU/HDD temp. (BatteryCare sounds like some support software implemented in a laptop)
If you are waiting for "all the lights to be green" to install Linux, Don't. You'll never make the journey.
Good Luck.
Re: Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
I've read the links, however, they don't do much for my questions.. I don't expect you to answer everything for me, just a quick answer on whatever you know.turtlebay wrote:Read the links first, they give you the answers to why I can't be bothered to go through all of your software and hardware and find answers for you. Read the links.
This is becoming a huge off-topic discussion and for me is only important to know what functionalities I expect to work and which won't. This way I can make a viable choice to replace it or not.
Thanks.
Re: Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
I don't have a laptop like yours, so I can't say for sure, but based on what I've seen on the forums, I would guess that Mint would run fine on your computer. Linux does support variable CPU speed. Fn keys might require a bit of configuring. ExpressCache is a windows thing, but I would imagine equivalent functionality is available in Linux. Linux does support USB 3. Odin is Windows software. There is a program called Wine that will run some Windows software, but I don't know whether it will run Odin or not, nor do I know if there is a Linux equivalent program. Same with Samsung Smart Switch. Don't know a thing about Samsung Link, but I do know that Linux will interface with a whole lot of devices. I tried to have a look at the pokerstars.com website, but couldn't access any page on pokerstars. Maybe they're having server problems now. Again, you might try pokerstars in Wine if they don't have a Linux version. You don't need an antivirus. There are firewalls available for Linux. There are applications for Linux to monitor CPU and HDD temperatures, and you can set timers to shut off the display and that sort of thing to save power.
I use Cinnamon, but there are plenty of people here who prefer other desktop environments. You can boot Mint from a DVD or USB stick, and this is a good way to test it and see how it works with your hardware before you install. (It will be slower running from DVD or USB than running from HDD, but it's a good way to "try before you buy." Also, you could test all four desktops and see which one you like best before you install. You can install Linux in "dual boot" mode, where you can select which operating system you want to run at each bootup. A lot of people start with Linux by dual booting.
Hope this helps.
I use Cinnamon, but there are plenty of people here who prefer other desktop environments. You can boot Mint from a DVD or USB stick, and this is a good way to test it and see how it works with your hardware before you install. (It will be slower running from DVD or USB than running from HDD, but it's a good way to "try before you buy." Also, you could test all four desktops and see which one you like best before you install. You can install Linux in "dual boot" mode, where you can select which operating system you want to run at each bootup. A lot of people start with Linux by dual booting.
Hope this helps.
“If the government were coming for your TVs and cars, then you'd be upset. But, as it is, they're only coming for your sons.” - Daniel Berrigan
Re: Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
Thanks for this.Habitual wrote:Odin is a no-go
Pokerstars?
See http://www.pokerlinux.net/pokerstars-linux/
Wine is a software package in Linux that can run some Windows applications.
Firewall? Have a router? Linux has ufw and gufw for pointyclicky types that need GUIs.
A/V - Not necessary on a desktop Linux system.
BatteryCare - Linux can monitor CPU/HDD temp. (BatteryCare sounds like some support software implemented in a laptop)
If you are waiting for "all the lights to be green" to install Linux, Don't. You'll never make the journey.
Good Luck.
Where can I monitor CPU/HDD temp? Is it possible to put the temps in tray bar?
I don't expect all lights green, but at least enough to make the change viable..
Re: Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
Based on the above: Linux Mint..Madz wrote:Hi everyone,
I'm getting fed up with Windows and I need your help and advice selecting the best distro for me considering my laptop hardware and most important features for me..
The laptop is a Samsung 530U3C and specs are: i5 3317U, intel HD4000, 8Gb RAM, 500GB HDD and 24GB iSSD ExpressCache.
- Important HW functions I'd like to ensure working are: CPU clock not fixed to low or high but hybrid (a bit similar to Samsung Optimized power plan), Fn keys working, ExpressCache configured for Cache and Hibernation, for faster performance and boot, and USB 3.0.
- I use some programming tools like Odin to flash my phone, Samsung Smart Switch and others..
- I use Samsung Link to connect my laptop to my Smart TV and stream media, and I'd like to know if there's any type of allshare solution like in my Android devices..
- I play PokerStars..
- Do I need any anti-virus or firewall? What are my options? Also, I use BatteryCare to monitor my CPU and HDD temp, and personalize power plans.. Any alternative there?
In addition, I've browsed through Mint page, and I've noticed 4 different desktops available, Cinnamon, MATE, KDE and Xfce.. Is this important to me or should I just roll with Cinnamon and that's it?
Your machine has a good spec, performance won't be an issue.
You'll get great support here.
However you must accept that you cannot replicate your Windows experience in full -100%
Compare it with moving to a new house in a different town. The house can be just as good or better. But there will inevitably be some feature of your old house that you can't quite replace.
You can still play poker and hack your phone on Linux.
Anything geeky like hardware monitors will be better on Linux.
I agree with previous posters. Just do it. Nobody will force you to stay with it, if you seriously don't like it.
Ensure you have Windows intact and you are taking no risk.
Set aside a weekend - if you want to do it properly it takes a while.
Mentally prepare for some glitches - no pain, no gain!
Re: Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
Thank you for a very complete and on-topic answer. I see after installing It will require a lot config on my end, however I'm glad to know I already have somethings solved.jimallyn wrote:I don't have a laptop like yours, so I can't say for sure, but based on what I've seen on the forums, I would guess that Mint would run fine on your computer. Linux does support variable CPU speed. Fn keys might require a bit of configuring. ExpressCache is a windows thing, but I would imagine equivalent functionality is available in Linux. Linux does support USB 3. Odin is Windows software. There is a program called Wine that will run some Windows software, but I don't know whether it will run Odin or not, nor do I know if there is a Linux equivalent program. Same with Samsung Smart Switch. Don't know a thing about Samsung Link, but I do know that Linux will interface with a whole lot of devices. I tried to have a look at the pokerstars.com website, but couldn't access any page on pokerstars. Maybe they're having server problems now. Again, you might try pokerstars in Wine if they don't have a Linux version. You don't need an antivirus. There are firewalls available for Linux. There are applications for Linux to monitor CPU and HDD temperatures, and you can set timers to shut off the display and that sort of thing to save power.
I use Cinnamon, but there are plenty of people here who prefer other desktop environments. You can boot Mint from a DVD or USB stick, and this is a good way to test it and see how it works with your hardware before you install. (It will be slower running from DVD or USB than running from HDD, but it's a good way to "try before you buy." Also, you could test all four desktops and see which one you like best before you install. You can install Linux in "dual boot" mode, where you can select which operating system you want to run at each bootup. A lot of people start with Linux by dual booting.
Hope this helps.
Thanks again.
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Re: Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
Don't force things.... Take your time. A dual boot is ideal for getting used to Linux gradually.
Tip: 10 things to do after installing Linux Mint 21.3 Virginia
Keep your Linux Mint healthy: Avoid these 10 fatal mistakes
Twitter: twitter.com/easylinuxtips
All in all, horse sense simply makes sense.
Keep your Linux Mint healthy: Avoid these 10 fatal mistakes
Twitter: twitter.com/easylinuxtips
All in all, horse sense simply makes sense.
Re: Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
I think it will depend on the desktop environment you choose.Madz wrote:Where can I monitor CPU/HDD temp? Is it possible to put the temps in tray bar?
I don't expect all lights green, but at least enough to make the change viable..
I run Xfce, so I can't speak for Mate, or Cinnamon, or KDE.
There are addons, galore, and utilities galore, ('goodies')
I suspect KDE has quite a few of these, and some new users of Linux have mentioned that KDE is "close" to a Windows experience.
It certainly does remind me of Windows.
xfce4-battery-plugin, xfce4-cpufreq-plugin, xfce4-cpugraph-plugin, xfce4-sensors-plugin
These run in the Xfce panel.
There are non-Xfce goodies that can do this also.
conky and gkrellm come to mind.
gkrellm out of the box with a little configuration can likely satisfy your CPU/HDD request.
conky would require some scripting. We should learn to walk, before we try to run.
You can "roll" with Cinnamon, and install other Desktop Environments later.
Hope that helps.
Re: Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
Everything helps! Thank you so much!
I want to share some discoveries with everyone..
Regarding my Smart TV issue I've found a great DLNA server that works in linux - Serviio: http://www.serviio.org/ - Awesome app, and much easier to use in a Smart TV than Samsung link!
Also, although not useful so far, a good place to look for Linux-equivalent applications for Windows apps is http://osalt.com
A big fear I have is reading about all the problems with the ExpressCache iSSD, specially on Samsung laptops. Many of these issues are with people trying to install mint directly into the iSSD, which is not my intention, but still, I'm a bit afraid to get a bootloop or worse, brick my laptop.. Any thoughs on this?
Thanks.
I want to share some discoveries with everyone..
Regarding my Smart TV issue I've found a great DLNA server that works in linux - Serviio: http://www.serviio.org/ - Awesome app, and much easier to use in a Smart TV than Samsung link!
Also, although not useful so far, a good place to look for Linux-equivalent applications for Windows apps is http://osalt.com
A big fear I have is reading about all the problems with the ExpressCache iSSD, specially on Samsung laptops. Many of these issues are with people trying to install mint directly into the iSSD, which is not my intention, but still, I'm a bit afraid to get a bootloop or worse, brick my laptop.. Any thoughs on this?
Thanks.
Re: Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
I saw your post in the "other forum".Madz wrote:Everything helps! Thank you so much!
I want to share some discoveries with everyone..
Regarding my Smart TV issue I've found a great DLNA server that works in linux - Serviio: http://www.serviio.org/ - Awesome app, and much easier to use in a Smart TV than Samsung link!
Also, although not useful so far, a good place to look for Linux-equivalent applications for Windows apps is http://osalt.com
Good to get some perspectives on such a difficult subject.
Nothing worth having ever came easy, and a Pjotr said "Don't force things.... Take your time"
Just make certain that you install to the 500GB HDD and not the iSSD drive.
These devices and their identities can be known prior to install.
Some one else can help with that. I've never done it (SSD)
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Re: Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
Try this for poker:- I play PokerStars..
- Do I need any anti-virus or firewall? What are my options? Also, I use BatteryCare to monitor my CPU and HDD temp, and personalize power plans.. Any alternative there?
http://community.linuxmint.com/software/view/pokerth
Anti-virus? Nope, shouldn't be a problem, and in any case the Linux anti-virus software scans for Windows malware which wouldn't have been able to affect your machine.
Temps? There are plenty of applets and desklets that whill be able to fill this gap.
Good luck and welcome to freedom.
WinXP > WinVista > Ubuntu 12.10 > Ubuntu 12.04 > Mint 15 > Mint 17 and Win10 on laptop
Go ~ you're drunk
Go ~ you're drunk
Re: Which Linux Mint Distro to completely replace Windows?
OP
I think the best way to go about this is to DUAL boot, so you keep your windows as you try and see if Linux works for you. Install takes 20-30 mins.
After you do install, then see what works, and if you have problems post them.
Before you install DUAL BOOT, watch YOUTUBE videos on how to do it. And do google search on it.
Once you install Linux, take your time with it, give it 1 week to figure out how to do stuff. Going back to windows partition when you get frustrated, then going back to Linux to experiment again. This way there is NO PRESSURE to have it work OUT OF THE BOX.
I think the best way to go about this is to DUAL boot, so you keep your windows as you try and see if Linux works for you. Install takes 20-30 mins.
After you do install, then see what works, and if you have problems post them.
Before you install DUAL BOOT, watch YOUTUBE videos on how to do it. And do google search on it.
Once you install Linux, take your time with it, give it 1 week to figure out how to do stuff. Going back to windows partition when you get frustrated, then going back to Linux to experiment again. This way there is NO PRESSURE to have it work OUT OF THE BOX.