Getting Started
STOP!
If you are not willing to potentially drastically change your workflow, DO NOT PROCEED!
While there are plenty of Desktop Environments that pretty closely mimic Windows in appearance and function, like KDE Plasma, it's not 1:1 and there is a learning curve.
Watch Out!
If you are coming from Windows, Linux has some pitfalls that may catch you out or software incompatibilities that could be straight up deal-breakers for you.
I will try my best to highlight any of these issues throughout this documentation so you can avoid making the same mistakes those before you have!
So, you want to install Linux?
An important question to ask yourself at this point, before you get started:
"Is Linux right for me?"
Generally speaking, the answer can always be some kind of "Yes", but I do urge caution, particularly when it comes down to software compatibility.
Thanks to the fantastic work of the WINE project, as well as Valve and Proton, running Games designed for Windows on Linux is a breeze these days. At least for games distributed through Steam, other platforms may require a bit of tinkering, but we'll get into that later.
If you primarily use your computer to play games and surf the internet, then Yes! Absolutely! You can switch to Linux.
Caveat - Nvidia Graphics
This carries its own caveat, because of course it does.
If you have an Nvidia graphics card older than the 16xx series you may struggle to run Linux without some extra work, this will be covered in other sections of the site.
Blame Nvidia and their terrible drivers...
If you use specific Windows Only creative applications such as SAI, Clip Studio Paint or Photoshop, you may struggle getting those to run.
If you are already using cross-platform applications like Krita and Blender, however, most modern distributions have full tablet support built in to their desktop environments and you should have no trouble at all moving over to Linux full time!
Another ideal use case for Linux is older machines or laptops that will just be used to surf the internet or write documents.
What Distribution Should I Use?
Danger of Data Loss
Installing Linux can cause irreversible data loss if you are not careful!
Do not install Linux unless you are 100% sure you have your data backed up, and you're ok reinstalling Windows from scratch if you do not like the result.
Make sure you follow the instructions during your selected distributions installer slowly and carefully your first few times round.
Like a lot of Linux users you may end up "Distrohopping" until you find a distribution and desktop environment you're comfortable with.
This is normal. Unlike Windows, Linux has a lot of variability, is extremely versatile and modular. Different distributions offer different experiences.
Below are some distributions I have personal experience with ordered by "difficulty" for new and casual users.
I'm totally new to Linux / I don't want to tinker [EASY]
I'm ok with sometimes getting my hands dirty / I like to tinker a bit [INTERMEDIATE]
I know what I'm doing! / I want lots of flexibility [ADVANCED]
Honourable Mentions
I want to build it myself! [EXPERT]
Dishonourable Mentions
Todo
Write the rest of this guide!