Switching to Linux

[queer_scribbling]

I keep finding myself too busy to switch my main laptop to a Linux option, and Windows 10 ended support *mumble mumble* months ago. (I don't have enough space for Windows 11, and I'm not feeling very enthusiastic about what I've heard about it.) This weekend is when I need to make the switch. Right now, I'm thinking of Linux Mint (probably Cinnamon).

If there isn't a comment from me that I finally made the switch by Sunday, someone can leave something in the comments as a nudge.


Originally posted on Pillowfort on 15 January 2026 and cross-posted here on Dreamwidth on 21 January 2026 (comments will have 21st's date).

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[queer_scribbling]

Step Four: Boot from the USB.

It felt like it took forever to get this to happen, but I finally got to the BIOS page where I could choose to boot from the USB. The last time I put a Linux distro on a laptop, the start up page took a little more time and didn't seem so reluctant to accept F12.

I chose a live boot in compatibility mode. I showed the screen to the rest of my family, since my plan was to put the same distro on the family desktop as well. However, that's probably not going to be happening.

Theoretical Step Five: Install.

I double-clicked the Install icon on the boot desktop, chose my language within the installer, and then I found out that I need 0.1 more GB of space to install Linux Mint Cinnamon on my laptop. I logged out of the live session, and now, I'm back in Windows 10, considering my next step.

I keep running into mention of Linux Mint XFCE needing less space, so I may need to see if that would work instead of Cinnamon.