KDE creates a safe haven for Windows 10 exiles.
In the context of the @Endof10 campaign, we have created a new “for” page, this time “for Windows 10 exiles”:
https://kde.org/for/w10-exiles/
In it we explain how Linux with Plasma can help users escape the deranged cycle of having to buy a new computer every time Microsoft force-upgrades their operating system.
Exactly how can Windows break my computer. My wife has a computer still running Windows XP and it still works. She never connects it to the internet, think that’s the way.
Will I be able to run my steam and Epic games with this? What about another PC games I own? And my hundreds of mp3 books and thousands of music files. I have them on internal harddrives. If I upgrade my main hard drive to this will I be able to access the files and docs on the two another drives?
Possibly yes, and incressingly possible over time. Check out ProtonDB. Proton is built into Steam. I don’t know anything about Epic.
Absolutely yes.
Yep, there’s support for multiple hard drives, and Linux can read NTFS-formatted drives. But what’s more, Linux installers have long supported “guided partitioning,” which helps you install the OS alongside an existing one like Windows, and then choose between the two when you boot. Of course, when you’re installing any new OS, even Windows, you should make sure you have backups of all your stuff, just in case.
I still recommend getting a new SSD to install Linux on if you want to keep the ability to run your old Windows on that same machine. It is cheap, safe for both your Windows and Linux installs, usually allows you to take advantage of advancements in SSD speeds, lets you have access to your old files so you can transfer them over and makes the whole process far less terrifying.
At some point you’ll realize you haven’t used your Windows drive in a year and it will be a lot easier to make the decision to finally erase it all and repurpose the drive for something else.
games some but not all. music and video files no problem. I don’t know of a disk format linux cannot use its only with windows that it does not natively read the unix ones. ntfs and fat should be no issue.
@Fredselfish @kde yes, most of them, if not all. I recommend using heroic games launcher, it has a direct portal to get and install your epic and gog games. Don’t hesitate to ask me if you need help 🙂
Thank you saving this for when I make that jump.