Beyond the shore: Linux from a newbie's perspective

Linux is well-known for its extensive customization options and endless possibilities, but if you're not familiar with it, things can get complicated quickly. This complexity is one of the reasons why Linux holds only about 2% of the desktop operating system market. Despite this, I decided to give it a shot and install a Linux distribution on my Lenovo Ideapad Duet 3. I figured, how hard could it be?

Picking the Right Distro

Choosing the right Linux distro (short for distribution) was relatively straightforward for me because I knew what I wanted: x86 emulation and the ability to dual-boot Windows. Essentially, I wanted to turn my device into both a tablet and a laptop, depending on my needs. After some research, I settled on Android x86.

I followed the tutorials and opted for what seemed like the easiest route—using software to partition my SSD and flash the ISO file. The process was successful, and I eagerly restarted my laptop, but it booted straight into Windows. No Linux.

Troubleshooting the Boot Issue

Confused, I spent 30 minutes searching for a solution before discovering that I needed to disable Secure Boot in the BIOS. Once I did that, I finally saw the option to boot into Android x86. However, after selecting it, the screen froze on a code window that refused to go away, even after hours of waiting.

I tried reinstalling the OS but had no luck. Frustrated, I switched to Bliss OS, another Linux distribution. This time, it worked! I was thrilled—until I realized the OS was stuck in portrait mode. Switching to landscape made everything smaller, but it was still confined to a portrait screen.

The Switch to JingOS

After more research, I found a distro called JingOS, which promised an iPad-like experience. I uninstalled Bliss and flashed JingOS onto my system. Unfortunately, it crashed right after the installation. When I booted back into Windows, I was greeted by the dreaded blue screen of death. My attempts to recover the system failed, and I had lost hope.

Finding the Right Fit: Ubuntu

The next day, while browsing YouTube, I came across a video by SomeOrdinaryGamers on Linux for beginners. I felt a renewed sense of motivation. The biggest lesson I had learned so far was the importance of choosing a well-supported and popular Linux distribution. Since I was still new to Linux and unfamiliar with the terminal, I opted for Ubuntu, one of the most widely used and beginner-friendly distros.

This time, I used Balena Etcher to flash the USB drive. Unfortunately, I had neglected to back up my data and lost everything. Still, I successfully installed Ubuntu and finally had a stable system to work with.

Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

My journey involved installing and switching between four to five different operating systems in just two days—a feat I had never attempted before. It was stressful and time-consuming, but ultimately rewarding.

Here’s what I learned along the way:

• Research is key. Take time to watch tutorials, but make sure they align with what you're trying to achieve.
• Popular distributions matter. Well-supported distros like Ubuntu have large communities that can help you troubleshoot.
• Backup your data. Before making any significant changes to your system, always have a backup.
• Be prepared for a learning curve. Linux is different from other operating systems, especially if you're new to it, but the learning experience is worth the effort.

Linux may have a steep learning curve, but it opens the door to a world of customization and flexibility that other operating systems don’t offer. For anyone new to Linux, I highly recommend starting with a beginner-friendly distribution like Ubuntu or Linux Mint. As you gain more experience, you can explore other, more specialized distros.

Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone curious about tech, the world of Linux has something to offer, and the journey is well worth the effort.