The move from Windows 10 to Linux remains a dreaded step for many, often hampered by persistent myths. In October 2025, with the end of official support for Windows 10, this transition becomes a necessity for many users who wish to extend the life of their hardware without incurring significant expenses. However, the preconceived ideas surrounding Linux – its apparent complexity, its lack of compatible applications, or even its alleged difficulties of use – still hold back a lot. Deciphering these prejudices through a technical and pragmatic approach, offering keys to understanding Linux with serenity and making an informed choice. Whether you are a beginner enthusiast, a professional looking for a reliable alternative, or simply curious, discover why the Linux world is open to you, with distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora or Linux Mint, which make migration accessible and productive.
Debunking the idea that Linux is not a gaming platform: progress and compatibility for gamers
One of the most stubborn misconceptions since the 2000s concerns the performance of Linux in the field of gaming. While video game compatibility on Linux was once a challenge, recent advances have largely changed the situation. Today, thanks to tools like Steam, Proton, and projects like Lutris, Linux offers a conducive environment for the gamer.
Steam, the market-dominating online game distribution platform, has significantly improved its support for Linux. Since 2018, its share of Linux users has experienced regular growth confirmed by data from GamingOnLinux, reflecting strong interest in this system. The proliferation of compatible titles thanks to Proton makes it possible to run native Windows titles without having to undertake complex installations of emulation or compatibility software like Wine. For example, a game like “Diablo III,” often cited as a historical example, can now be installed in just a few clicks, without laborious adjustments.
Gaming-oriented distributions are also becoming more accessible, with popular incarnations such as Manjaro or KDE Neonincorporating the latest versions of graphics drivers and optimizations for Nvidia or AMD cards. The appeal of these environments lies in their ability to provide up-to-date hardware compatibility and a seamless user experience, often with a simplified package manager facilitating access to specific dependencies. For users wishing to explore this field, it’s also important to note the abundance of active communities, such as those dedicated to Linux protocols and solutions, which offer tutorials for configuring games and resolving common performance or hardware recognition issues. It’s therefore wrong to believe that a modern gamer would be limited by Linux; quite the contrary. This platform, due to its open source nature, continues to benefit from constant improvements, ensuring a stable environment suitable for a wide variety of titles.
Steam and Proton make it easy to run Windows games on Linux. Distributions like Manjaro optimize the gaming experience with recent drivers.Dedicated communities offer ongoing support for technical issues.
- The Linux-compatible catalog is constantly growing.
- Simple and quick installation, without complex configuration requirements.
- Discover the main misconceptions about Linux and debunk the most common prejudices surrounding this free operating system. Learn more and break down the stereotypes about Linux!
- Reject the myth that Linux is too different: varied and customizable graphical environments
- A major psychological barrier for Windows users considering the transition to Linux is the fear that the system will be radically different, and therefore difficult to learn. Indeed, Linux offers a significant diversity of desktop environments (DEs): GNOME, KDE Plasma, Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce, among others. This plurality, far from being an obstacle, is actually a lever for adapting to varied preferences and hardware configurations.
Cinnamon
,
MATE , orKDE Plasma offer a familiar and refined interface, with a taskbar, a similar start menu, and intuitive window management. These options facilitate migration by preserving the visual and functional cues to which the user is accustomed.Other, more minimalist or modular environments, such as i3 or OpenBox, are aimed at users seeking lighter or more configurable solutions for their specific needs. This is especially important for older computers or those with limited resources, where distributions like Debian or
Mageia combined with lightweight interfaces offer an efficient second life to the machines. Finally, some distributions explicitly aim to ease the transition for Windows users with nearly identical interfaces, such as Zorin OS or AnduinOS, created with the aim of reassuring newcomers. Support for multiple application formats, such as Snap and Flatpak, makes it easy to access software without worrying about complex dependencies, thus enhancing accessibility.
Desktop environments like KDE Plasma and Cinnamon for a familiar lookLightweight options like Xfce or LXQt for older computers Distributions dedicated to a Windows-like experience like Zorin OS
- Support for universal Snap and Flatpak packages simplifying software installation
- Extensive customization according to needs and skills
- Why Linux borrows from Windows: transposed and simplified uses
- Another common cliché is the supposed complexity of using Linux due to interactions and mechanics that are completely different from Windows. In truth, common actions like clicking, dragging, dropping files, and navigating menus are all available on Linux, and sometimes with greater ergonomics. Using the keyboard and mouse remains the basis; Modern graphical interfaces clearly draw inspiration from traditional approaches.
- At the heart of this familiarity, Linux has tools similar to Windows File Explorer, task managers, and even built-in software centers that make it easy to install and update applications without complex commands. For example, Ubuntu and Linux Mint have integrated graphical management software that seamlessly handles all background processes.
Furthermore, terminals are not imposed on novice users. They are widely used to provide powerful tools for administrators and developers, but the majority of daily tasks are perfectly handled via the graphical environment. When the command line is necessary, it becomes an asset for faster automation, configuration, or troubleshooting, particularly in server or advanced contexts.
Many classic tasks in Windows—checking mail, listening to music, editing documents—are handled by very affordable applications, often included by default in distributions. The open source community also offers a multitude of alternative solutions that cover all productivity, creativity, and leisure needs. More information on Linux productivity applications is available at
this link
. Classic desktop actions are preserved (clicking, dragging, menus)
Graphically accessible file manager and task manager Software centers simplify installation and updatesTerminal for advanced use, no obligation for beginners
- Wide range of applications included or available for free
- Interfaces designed for productivity and compatibility
- Furthermore, distributions like
- Elementary OS
- work on very refined environments, both elegant and functional, which boost efficiency while being accessible to novices. The goal is clear: to make Linux as intuitive as Windows, if not more so, while offering the flexibility of open source.
Discover the truth behind the preconceived notions about Linux: stability, simplicity, security, compatibility… let’s debunk the clichés about this open source operating system together!
Is Linux really unstable? Technical analysis and feedback The claim that Linux is unstable deserves careful examination. Linux is actually a generic term for the kernel, the heart of the system, but more broadly refers to the distributions built around it. These distributions integrate a complete user layer that makes them perfectly operational and stable systems. Over the long term, experience shows that Linux is recognized for its robustness, particularly in server or critical infrastructure contexts. It’s not uncommon to encounter Linux machines in production with uptimes measured in hundreds, even thousands of days, without the need for a reboot. This level of stability far exceeds that of Windows or even macOS in some cases, as illustrated by the anecdote of an Apple system that recently froze and required a forced reboot.
Linux as a kernel serves as a very stable foundation for many distributions.
Frequent uptime records on Linux systems in corporate environments.
Frequent, but well-controlled and secure updates.
Enterprise adoption for reliability and security. Community responsiveness for troubleshooting and patches.This topic is explored in more depth in resources such as Linux Server Troubleshooting, which detail tools for fine-tuning incidents and optimizing stability. Discover the most common misconceptions about Linux and sort fact from fiction to better understand this open-source operating system.How to choose between the many Linux distributions? Simplicity and orientation
- The multitude of Linux distributions is both enriching and confusing for new users. With hundreds of variants available, it’s natural to wonder where to start. However, this diversity shouldn’t be an insurmountable obstacle.
- Major distributions like
- Ubuntu
- ,
- Linux Mint
, and Fedora are recommended for beginners thanks to their ease of installation, rich documentation, and a large user community ready to assist with technical difficulties. These distributions have defined default configurations designed to provide a consistent and efficient experience. By selecting one of these options, users benefit from a system where the choice of tools (browser, terminal, package manager) is already made by experts. Furthermore, the Linux community is actively working to further simplify installation and update processes, with ISO images offering support for a wide range of hardware, including specific architectures. For example, projects like the adaptation of
demonstrate openness to a wide variety of uses.
For users seeking a clear direction:
Ubuntu : the primary choice for its stability and broad software compatibilityLinux Mint : an option closer to Windows in terms of its interface and ease of useFedora : for teachers and developers looking for the latest software Debian
: renowned for its robustness, ideal for professional use and on serversElementary OS : for a polished and aesthetic user experience
This diversity is more of an advantage, as it allows Linux to be adapted to one’s actual needs and available hardware. It’s not essential to know all the intricacies to get started; common usage is found in a handful of popular distributions. A valuable supplement on this topic is offered in this article, which helps beginners make the transition.