Is it finally time to switch to Linux?

[parismarx@mastodon.online]

Is it finally time to switch to Linux?

I’m not there yet, but after seeing a lot more interest in Linux over the past couple years while the hate for Microsoft has grown, this summer I want to give it a real shot. Maybe even with the new Framework laptop?

I explain why in this month’s recap!

Is it time to start using Linux?

Plus, a recap of stories you missed in April 2026

Disconnect (disconnect.blog)

#tech #linux #microsoft #windows

[sethmarinello@mastodon.online]

@parismarx I mean, yes it has long been time.

[pinhman@humanwords.party]

@parismarx
Every Linux Distro Explained in 17 Minutes

(but its not every version, just the most popular ..)

and writing?
https://www.lyx.org/

the typical linux foray, find an old 2nd handi (ish) had Thinkpad and put a linux on it.

- YouTube

Auf YouTube findest du die angesagtesten Videos und Tracks. Außerdem kannst du eigene Inhalte hochladen und mit Freunden oder gleich der ganzen Welt teilen.

(www.youtube.com)

[sethmarinello@mastodon.online]

@parismarx super excited about getting nice out of the box support from the framework pro. I have been using an original framework 13 for a while.

as a longtime apple user (going back to the Mac Plus) the jump can be a challenge mentally, but it really depends on your workflow. If most of your computing is handled in a browser then you are good to go. Audacity and other tools make podcasting easy as well.

There are good options for other desktop apps, but everyone has unique needs.

[sethmarinello@mastodon.online]

@parismarx for example, there are great spreadsheets, but if you depend on particular excel functions for tracking writing, that is harder. everything takes adjustment but overall its worth a shot. Everyone will have opinions about distros - that is the double edged sword of choice, but if you can get the framework with tech support for Ubunutu, try that.

A way to ease in would be to identify what programs run on linux and switch to those on your mac first.

[erikcats@dice.camp]

@parismarx if even a tech-thick luddite like myself can do it, you most certainly can!

[krig@goto.liten.app]

@parismarx Just FYI Framework are supporters of the right-wing extremist DHH, and continue to support him despite backlash

[categulario@mstdn.mx]

@parismarx you can do it!

[spdrnl@sigmoid.social]

@parismarx Don't overlook System76.

[paulnatsuo@scholar.social]

@parismarx I was also intrigued by Framework, but then they chose to co-sponsor software projects led by a real racist POS called 'DHH'. They were called on it and elected to double down.

Per Linux, I've been on Ubuntu nearly 20 years—it got me through grad school just fine and works great despite my current employer being a Microsoft client (for OS, e-mail, office, groupware, etc.) If you're on Apple hardware, a bootable USB stick and later dual boot can be great ways to get started.

[jozeldenrust@social.sdfeu.org]

@parismarx
I'd prefer it if you didn't use a Framework product: they've been really stupid about funding "anti-woke" open source projects, using the argument that software shouldn't be political.

IMO, you're better off with a refurbished ThinkPad. They're almost as repairable as Framework machines, and you won't be funding "apolitical" idiots.

If Framework change their mind and clearly take a stand against fascism in FOSS, then by all means get one of their machines. They are quite cool.

[macer@his.macer.life]

@parismarx imo gnome works just fine out the box. if you want to tweak everything then plasma/kde is fine. on the office side of things... a properly configured nextcloud server > o365 when you have collabora office configured on it. MS' success comes from institutionalizing children in schools by giving .edu deals but the libreoffice et al side is better imo.

[theashtonstarr@mastodon.social]

@parismarx this is great and hope you are supported in it!

[parismarx@mastodon.online]

@jozeldenrust Hadn't heard this about Framework until after publishing the article!

[gdorn@fedi.circuitlocution.com]

@parismarx Avahi Linux runs on some Apple Silicon, but not all yet. When I last looked into it, M4s wouldn't even boot. But older CPUs have had support worked out.

It's still not ideal, though, unless you are ready to compile everything not expressly ported to your arch...

But it's enough to see what's already available on a niche distro. I'd boot off a LiveCD though.

[pinhman@humanwords.party]

@parismarx As a media person you may like Ubuntu Studio

It sets up some more specific things for doing media production within linux

So much can be done with Ardour & Kdenlive
https://ubuntustudio.org/

Determined to use Apple hardware?
https://asahilinux.org/

[pinhman@humanwords.party]

@parismarx Or, don’t get a laptop, try a Pi 500+ the keyboard that’s a computer, and Pi’s 15 inch display

Both will fit in a laptop bag, but it’s like a desktop…

Just a moment...

(www.raspberrypi.com)

Just a moment...

(www.raspberrypi.com)