this post was submitted on 19 Feb 2026
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If you're interested in Linux, you can boot from it without installing to try it out. Nearly every distribution has a live boot option.
As for differences, the entire OS is different, but with something like KDE, it's still very much "point and click". You don't need to be a programmer to use it. This is especially true if you run most things through a browser.
The biggest disadvantage is program compatibility. Windows applications need translation layers for Windows apps to run on Linux and they don't always work. Many application makers, including people like Steam for gaming, have full Linux support (all of Valve's hardware like the Steam deck runs Linux).
If you want to try it out in a non-live way with a "safety net", you can run a dual boot with both Windows and Linux and choose between them at boot. Or you can install Windows in a VM and run your Windows-specific programs until you find Linux alternatives.
It's a bit of work, but it truly frees your PC. I made the switch from Windows to Linux first with a dual boot.....then only Windows for VR, and now I've got everything on Linux. I haven't booted into Windows on any of my PCs in 4+ years at this point and I couldn't be happier.
That said, use what works for you. If that's Windows or MacOS, that's fine. Just know the advantages and disadvantages.