this post was submitted on 25 Nov 2023
95 points (95.2% liked)

Linux

48036 readers
780 users here now

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

Rules

Related Communities

Community icon by Alpár-Etele Méder, licensed under CC BY 3.0

founded 5 years ago
MODERATORS
 

Hello, apparently hanging out in Lemmy inadvertently makes you thinking about using Linux. I am planning to install Linux Mint cinnamon on an older laptop, which I want to bring to LAN Parties. From what I read I can just format my C:\ windows disk, install Linux via bootable drive and from what I understand, proton is basically included when installing steam after setting up my new Linux OS? Thanks for your comments:)

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] 01189998819991197253@infosec.pub 7 points 11 months ago (1 children)

You don't need to worry about formatting. The installer can do that for you as part of the process. Just make sure you merge all of the existing Windows partitions into one, then let the installer partition as needed. I'm not 100% sure about the Steam question, but I think I remember reading somewhere that this is the case.

Keep in mind, Linux isn't magic. If the hardware sucks, the hardware sucks. Games can take a lot of resources. Just make sure your old LAN party laptop can handle the games you want to play on it.

Side note: Mint Cinnamon is a perfect choice for a starter distro.

[–] Rubanski@lemm.ee 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I made sure that only the OS is on C. That's my MO since I had some bad experiences concerning windows installations (my first PC was running Windows ME)

[–] 01189998819991197253@infosec.pub 1 points 11 months ago

That's a good MO to have. I was talking about the partitions that Windows does on its own, depending on the version, of course, and the ones that the manufacturer does. For example, Lenovo has a recovery partition with a (supposedly) untouched installer for the Lenovo bloatwared OOTB Windows installation. Since you never plan on using that laptop for that version of windows again, you can just merge all partitions on that drive, and let the Mint installer use the whole drive for its purpose.