Chapter 1: Setting Up Linux Mint

As I embark on my journey with Linux, my printer remains a looming challenge. I’m gearing up for the task of setting it up before diving into the highlight of my computer experience—gaming!

The initial phase of my Linux setup was daunting. I had heard that printer installation could be tricky depending on the Linux distribution, but I was optimistic that Linux Mint would provide a smooth experience.

My Mint desktop mirrors my previous Windows setup. By clicking on the LM button in the lower-left corner, similar to the Windows button, I access a start menu complete with a convenient search bar. A quick search for printers leads me to the "configure printer" panel.

Hoping to connect via Wi-Fi, I click on the search for printers option. To my surprise, my printer appears instantly, and I manage to print a test page faster than I anticipated.

“Where's the catch?” I pondered.

This turned out to be a straightforward process; I had expected hours of troubleshooting, yet it was as simple as a click. I was now printing and scanning without a hitch!

With that minor hurdle cleared, I turned my focus to the primary reason I hesitated to fully commit to Linux—gaming.

The first video showcases a gaming challenge on Linux, highlighting the ups and downs of this gaming platform.

So far, restoring my laptop has been quite simple, and it seems to be running faster. This could be due to the complete wipe and reinstall, eliminating all the clutter that typically slows it down.

My main concern with switching to Linux had been gaming. I enjoy playing during my downtime, and the thought of losing access to my Steam library was daunting.

In recent years, Linux has made significant strides in gaming, with many developers now offering native support. The launch of the Steam Deck, a handheld gaming console running a Linux-based OS, has been a game-changer for Linux gamers.

With my Linux Mint installation, I accessed the software manager—akin to an app store for Linux—and quickly searched for Steam. A few clicks later, I had it installed.

While browsing my library, I discovered that more than half of my games could install and run seamlessly. However, a few favorites were unavailable for installation.

To resolve this, I right-clicked on a non-installable title and selected "Properties." This led me to an intriguing menu option—Compatibility.

By checking the box labeled "force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool," I could choose a version of Proton, which allows some Windows programs to run on Linux. This enabled me to download the game and launch it directly through Steam.

The second video documents an individual's experience using Linux for 30 days, shedding light on various challenges and discoveries along the way.

This method worked well for most of my Steam games. But what about titles with their own launchers, like League of Legends or Diablo?

That's where Lutris comes in. This program serves as a central hub for Linux gaming, allowing users to launch games from various platforms. I installed Lutris since it’s not included with Mint by default. After syncing my Steam account, I found all my Steam library games accessible from there.

Eager to play the latest Diablo, I used Lutris to install the battle.net launcher and the game itself. Although it took a few attempts due to the absence of an automatic setup for that specific game, it ultimately required just a few clicks, and I was back to slaying demons without issues.

Though my laptop had failed, it pushed me to make the switch I had contemplated for quite some time. I’ve discovered that many of my concerns about transitioning to Linux were unfounded.

Having used Mint for several weeks now, everything functions smoothly. I’ve noticed an update notification in the bottom corner, but I can choose when to update, rather than being interrupted during my tasks.

For now, I’ve bid farewell to Windows and have no intention of returning.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey. If you enjoyed it, I appreciate your support! If not, thanks for reading anyway, and I’ll strive to improve next time!

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