What are the pitfalls that Linux newbies are most likely to fall into?

Changing operating systems is a big deal for everyone—especially since many users have no idea what an operating system is.

However, switching from Windows to Linux is particularly difficult. The two operating systems have different premises and priorities, as well as different processing methods. The result is confusion among Linux newcomers because their experience with Windows no longer applies.

For example, here are 7 mistakes Windows “refugees” make when starting to use Linux (in no particular order):

7. Choosing the wrong Linux distribution

Linux has hundreds of different versions, or press Their name is called distribution. Many of them are specific to different versions or users. Choose the wrong version and your first intimate experience with Linux can quickly turn into a nightmare.

If you’re switching with the help of a friend, make sure their advice is for you, not them. There are tons of articles out there that can help you, just focus on the top 20 or so or those listed on Distrowatch and you're unlikely to get it wrong.

Better yet, try out a distribution’s Live DVD before you install it. Live DVD runs the distribution on a peripheral, allowing you to test it without making any changes to your hard drive. In fact, you won't see your hard drive unless you know how to make it accessible under Linux.

6. Expect everything to be the same

Due to limited experience, many Windows users don’t know that a new operating system means new programs and new ways of doing things. In fact, your Windows programs cannot run on Linux unless you use WINE or a Windows virtual machine. And you can’t use MS Office or PhotoShop yet – you have to learn to use LibreOffice and Krita. Over the years, these apps may have similar functionality to apps on Windows, but their features may have different names and be available from different menus or toolbars.

Even many things we took for granted are different. Windows users are especially likely to be surprised by the multiple desktop environments they have to choose from—at least one primary and many secondary ones.

5. Feeling overwhelmed when installing software

On Windows, new software is installed as a completely independent program. Usually it includes other required dependencies.

There are two package services called Flatpak and Snap that are currently introducing similar installation systems on Linux, but they are too large for mobile and embedded devices. In more cases, Linux relies on the package management system, which determines whether the software's dependency packages are necessary based on the installed packages, thereby providing other required dependency packages.

Package management on laptops and workstations is essentially the equivalent of Google Play on your phone or tablet: it’s fast and requires no physical media for installation. Not only that, it can also save 20%-35% of hard disk space because dependent packages will not be installed repeatedly.

4. Assume the software will update automatically

Linux users believe that control is important. Linux provides an update service, but it requires users to run it manually by default. For example, most distributions will let you know when software updates are available, but you'll need to choose to install them.

You can even decide on each update individually if you choose to update. For example, you may not want to update to a new kernel because you installed something that requires the current kernel. Or maybe you want to install all security updates, but don't want to update your distribution to a new version. The choice is yours.

3. Forgot Password

Many Windows users forget their passwords because of inconvenience in logging in. Or for convenience, run an administrative account frequently.

Both of these are not easy on Linux. Many distributions use sudo to avoid logging in as root, especially those based on Ubuntu, while most other distributions are installed to prevent root from running graphical interfaces. However, if you successfully circumvent these restrictions on Linux, please note that most of your Linux security benefits will be nullified (this is not recommended on Windows).

By the way, did you see an automatic login option on the installer? That is used in uncommon scenarios, such as virtual machines that do not contain private information.

2. Worry about not having defragmentation and anti-virus software

Linux occasionally needs to defragment, but only when the recovery partition or the partition is almost full. And since SSDs are becoming more and more popular, defragmentation is becoming a thing of the past, although SSDs do require trim to be run regularly on any operating system.

Again, antivirus software is only a major problem if your Linux installation frequently transfers files to Windows machines. Very few Linux viruses or malware exist, and daily use as a non-root user, using strong passwords, and frequently backing up current files are enough to deter viruses.

1. Think you have no software available

Software on Windows is paid, and most categories are exclusive to one company - for example, MS Office for office suites and Adobe for graphics and design. These conditions encourage users to stick with the same apps, even if they are riddled with bugs.

On Linux, the storyline is different. Only a few high-end programs are paid, and there are two or three alternatives for almost every category of software, all of which can be downloaded in 10 minutes or less. If a replacement doesn't suit your taste, you can delete it and install another one effortlessly. On Linux, you almost always have a choice.

Transition Period

There may not be that much advice to fully prepare Windows users for switching to Linux. Even saying that new users should keep an open mind is useless because their expectations are always so high that many users don't even realize they have such high expectations.

The best thing a new Linux user can do is to adjust their mindset and take a little time to get used to them. The transition will take some work, but your attempts will pay off in the long run.