Quote:I would argue with you that Linux would probably work just fine on your current laptop.  I've been using Linux since the mid-to-late 90's and have installed it on several different platforms.  I would recommend attempting to install Mint on your current laptop (after backing up your current installation of course).  The "regular" Mint distro is based on Ubuntu, but gives you a choice regarding the interface.

 

One big difference between Linux and Windows to keep in mind.  The drivers for hardware in Linux is built into the operating system.  Windows on the other hand requires hardware vendors to provide their own drivers.  Contrary to popular belief, pretty much any modern Linux distribution is going to support pretty much any hardware.

 

I personally prefer Debian as my distro, but I am a bit more "advanced" when it comes to Linux.  Mint is good for anyone making the switch from say Windows XP or even Windows 7.  Ubuntu is more like Windows 8/8.1.

 

If you want some assistance with making the switch, feel free to PM me and I'll do my best to give you some support.

 

I have different laptops, but the one i use the most at home is a cheap asus netbook (similar to hp stream/chromebooks).   I looked it up before and it would likely take more effort than makes sense for me to try to install Linux on it.  As far as Linux hardware compatability, I don't know much about that.  But I do know there is a list of "Ubuntu certified hardware" so I figured it was at least somewhat of an issue.      

 

I wouldn't mind Debian.  I'm already using "Raspbian".  But I really haven't thought much about Linux desktop environment.  I've used a few (whether in a virtual machine or not), but didn't play with the desktop environment enough to tell much of a difference.  I do want to maybe take advantage of multiple desktops but other than that I don't have a preference.   I just heard Mint was the best and it's Debian based so why not.

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