3 years on Linux?! WHAT
In 2021, when I was 13, I decided to switch to Linux as my primary operating system. Why? Honestly, I don't really know. I guess I was looking for a new experience since computing was getting boring for me. Little did I know I would be running Linux on almost every single thing I own.
I am now 16, and I would like to talk about my experience.
Where did you start?
The first Linux distribution that I ever used was Ubuntu, however, this wasn't for my personal use and was actually for a Minecraft server at the time. This would've been around 2018 – 2019.
For the first distribution that I would daily drive, I started with Pop! OS. Since I heard that it would have NVIDIA drivers preconfigured, and I heard a lot of good things about it. However, this was cut short since certain games weren't working and (for some reason) I couldn't easily figure out why. Then, since the operating system was just slightly too annoying to use, I went to an even more annoying operating system (I am just a genius).
In that same year, I started to use Arch Linux. Which, I actually found less annoying to use (what). At the start, there was a learning curve since I wasn't used to using a computer through text, however, the terminal never really felt hard for me and I quickly adapted to using it quite frequently. But, the experience wasn't all perfect.
Getting NVIDIA Optimus to work was, let's just say, a chore. For some context, I have been using an Acer Nitro 5 AN515-55, which has an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650Ti and an Intel Core i5 10300H. This means that the laptop has both Intel and NVIDIA graphics. For most of my time using this laptop, I have wanted it to be using the Intel Integrated for less intensive things like the desktop and browsers, and the NVIDIA graphics for games and editing. Luckily, I found “Optimus Manager” which made this a lot easier. Now, the actual display is broken, so I no longer have a use for Optimus Manager. However, if you are struggling with hybrid graphics, do check it out.
Okay so, what is the actual experience???
Well, actually, it's been great! While some things like VR (which I just use Windows for) and doing single GPU passthrough aren't that easy on this laptop, everything else is great! Honestly, I think using Linux made computing a lot more enjoyable for me. I use Linux for my school work, personal work, and for casual stuff like gaming. There are so many things to learn about which makes it even more enjoyable.
However, don't expect to play any multiplayer games with Anti-Cheat with no issues. While a lot of multiplayer games have Linux support with their Anti-Cheat, games like Valorant and Fortnite will not let you join with their anti-cheats. So if you like to play the newest multiplayer experiences, probably have Windows dual-booted.
Should I switch to Linux?
Maybe, depends on how it works with your hardware, what you plan to do on Linux, and if you're willing to learn. Probably avoid doing this switch if you don't have much free time. Maybe also test some of your things on the Live USB, to see if they work and such. However, through time the Linux experience does get better so if your stuff isn't supported now, they might start to work later.