You should feel like you own the computer you use.
- Apple has you sign an agreement at setup, but at least doesn't force Apple ID
- Linux has no agreement at all
- Microsoft wants you to sign an agreement and identify yourself with a Microsoft account in setup. They've already got you and your information before you've even hit the desktop.
So what username did Windows assign you? C:/Users/fullname
The files on your desktop, that's not C:/Users/fullname/Desktop that's actually C:/Users/fullname/OneDrive/Desktop
The first question when you install Windows is no longer "what do I install first?" but now "what do I uninstall first?", and it shouldn't be that way.
Afraid of change?
You can dual boot Windows and Linux, then decide for yourself what to do next. Maybe you will keep around Windows for a while while you test the waters? Or do what I did and format that years-old Windows drive.
There are many Linux distros to choose from. If you just want to get out of Windows in the easiest way possible onto a Linux OS that feels like Windows, I recommend Linux Mint always. If you have hours of your life available to geek out and really get more control and knowhow of how your Linux OS works, I recommend Arch Linux. Sound good? Read the wikis, YouTube videos, or ask questions to the community behind the distro. Many people can help you out.
But my apps!
If it's a Windows app, there's a good chance there's a good or better Linux equivalent. I assure you there is a way. For Steam games, there is Proton. For your creative app on Windows that you must run, there are compatibility layers that can get it to run like it did on Windows.
Even the new Affinity by Canva has tutorials on how to get it to run on Linux.
- Affinity-CLI - AffinityOnLinux
Think of an app you like on Windows. It's highly likely someone out there also likes that app and has documented or coded a way for you to run it on Linux.
The only thing, at the time of this writing, that absolutely can't run on Linux are multiplayer games from big name companies (Fortnite, League). This does not concern me, but if it does concern you, then you can dual boot Windows or not care about running MicroSlop Windows.
