Anybody writers getting by on a Linux computer only?

[Gregg Bell]

MS is sending out their 'get ready to use Windows 11' (and by the way you'll need a new computer to use it) messages. I have a Windows 10 computer and a Linux computer. There are one or two programs I can't get on the Linux computer, which is a Xubuntu distro. As far as formatting goes: Kindle Previewer 3 is a no-go for Linux. As far as proofreading: I have a Natural Reader downloaded app which I probably won't be able to transfer.

I would love to leave MS behind and just go Linux. Anybody doing it? If so, does not having KP3 not bother you? Pros/cons?

Thanks.

[Bill Hiatt]

I have no experience with Linux except reading comments from Linux users who can't make something work on Linux. But it sounds as if you've done your homework and know which things won't be able to follow you. If you're sure the applications you've confirmed are all that you're going to need, you're probably good to go.

Just keep in mind that there is far more consumer development going on for Windows (or Mac OS, for that matter) than there is for Linux. You might be cutting yourself off from future developments you could use. But I suppose in that event, you could buy a Windows PC at that time.

[R. C.]

... (and by the way you'll need a new computer to use it) ...

This is no longer true.

I successfully loaded Win 11 onto "older" Win 10 laptops. Of course, the process is "unapproved," but we have not experienced any issues.

Also, I have seen a few articles indicating Microsoft is (has/) dropped the minimum hardware requirements for Win 11.

R.C.

[JackT]

I've used Linux exclusively for years and have never had any problems. I use LibreOffice for word processing and Sigil for ebook formatting. There are lots of decent programmes for video, graphics and audio editing too.

[skeletor]

I'm too tech illiterate to chime in on Linux, but on the off-chance that you're open to using Windows 11 and want a cheap buy-in, I recently picked up an N-100 Mini PC from Amazon for less than $200. It works like a charm and didn't break the bank.

Regarding formatting on Linux, Atticus may be an option for you? It's browser-based, so should work fine on any modern machine.

[Gregg Bell]

I have no experience with Linux except reading comments from Linux users who can't make something work on Linux. But it sounds as if you've done your homework and know which things won't be able to follow you. If you're sure the applications you've confirmed are all that you're going to need, you're probably good to go.

Just keep in mind that there is far more consumer development going on for Windows (or Mac OS, for that matter) than there is for Linux. You might be cutting yourself off from future developments you could use. But I suppose in that event, you could buy a Windows PC at that time.

Thanks Bill. I like to tinker with new stuff on the Windows computer, but if I went 100% Linux, I would be able to have access to a Windows computer if I absolutely needed it.

[Gregg Bell]

... (and by the way you'll need a new computer to use it) ...

This is no longer true.

I successfully loaded Win 11 onto "older" Win 10 laptops. Of course, the process is "unapproved," but we have not experienced any issues.

Also, I have seen a few articles indicating Microsoft is (has/) dropped the minimum hardware requirements for Win 11.

R.C.

Certainly worth checking out. And thanks for the link.

[Gregg Bell]

I've used Linux exclusively for years and have never had any problems. I use LibreOffice for word processing and Sigil for ebook formatting. There are lots of decent programmes for video, graphics and audio editing too.

Thanks. I'm with you on LibreOffice and Sigil. I am used to checking the .epubs in Kindle Previewer 3, though.

[Gregg Bell]

I'm too tech illiterate to chime in on Linux, but on the off-chance that you're open to using Windows 11 and want a cheap buy-in, I recently picked up an N-100 Mini PC from Amazon for less than $200. It works like a charm and didn't break the bank.

Regarding formatting on Linux, Atticus may be an option for you? It's browser-based, so should work fine on any modern machine.

Good to have another option. Pretty impressive little computer. Thanks. Good to know about Atticus too.

[oganalp]

What is your computer motherboard model?

Win 11 cannot recognize the TPM 2.0 security thingy if it is disabled at the BIOS level. My computer sat in my room, Win 10 telling me the rig does not support Win 11. One day (a few weeks back), I got annoyed and dived into BIOS, thinking a 4-year-old motherboard should be able to accommodate TPM 2.0.

It turns out it was disabled at the bios level. Turn on the setting and voila, the system is now Win 11. Not that it is something worth celebrating, but it is what I have :D

[Gregg Bell]

What is your computer motherboard model?

Win 11 cannot recognize the TPM 2.0 security thingy if it is disabled at the BIOS level. My computer sat in my room, Win 10 telling me the rig does not support Win 11. One day (a few weeks back), I got annoyed and dived into BIOS, thinking a 4-year-old motherboard should be able to accommodate TPM 2.0.

It turns out it was disabled at the bios level. Turn on the setting and voila, the system is now Win 11. Not that it is something worth celebrating, but it is what I have :D

Thanks. I don't even know what my motherboard is. I did run the check MS provides and it tells me my computer is 11 years old. Thing is I put in an SSD hard drive and like it, but it may be time for a new one.

[Bill Hiatt]

Put it this way--computers do fail eventually. If you can afford to, it makes sense to upgrade periodically. (Also, people working with a new OS preinstalled on a new computer tend not to have as many problems as people who upgrade.) In the past, I've sometimes postponed getting a new computer if I knew a major OS update was about to come up.

[Gregg Bell]

Thanks Bill. Yeah, I've always done clean installs with the Linux computers to avoid glitches with the upgrades. I'm just not a big fan of M$. And on the flip side of the coin you have so many great people working to make Linux free for all.

[oganalp]

Okay, pretty sure your computer does not support TPM 2.0 as that was released in 2014.

[writeway]

Never heard of it so it's a no for me. I went to look it up. My goodness, why not just use Microsoft? Seems like that would be way easier.

[Gregg Bell]

Never heard of it so it's a no for me. I went to look it up. My goodness, why not just use Microsoft? Seems like that would be way easier.

Windows 11 = $139

Linux = Free

Linux has many advantages over Windows, including:

Stability
Linux is known for being stable and reliable, and can run for months or years without issues. Windows systems are known to slow down over time and require frequent updates and reboots.

Security
Linux is considered more secure than Windows due to its architecture and design. Linux systems are rarely attacked by viruses and other malware.

Customization
Linux allows users to customize their system, including replacing the desktop environment.

Open source
Linux is open source, so anyone can check out its source code and help treat bugs faster.

Compatibility
Linux is compatible with almost all file formats and virtually every hardware device.

Cost-effectiveness
Many Linux distributions are free of charge, and some can run off a USB flash drive.

[Bill Hiatt]

On price, your actual mileage may vary. A lot of computer manufacturers bundle Windows as part of the basic configuration. Those like Dell, that allow a switch from Windows to Linux on non-business configuration are sometimes cheaper, but not usually $139 cheaper, as far as I can tell from a quick glance.

Linux is very popular as a server OS, but it's only on 4.5% of desktop PCs, which means consumer software options are limited. That said, if you can get what you need on a Linux system, great! There are lots more Windows options, but no one needs every conceivable piece of software.