Myth Busters
Moving from Windows to Garuda is subject to many myths . Here, we hope to explain and 'de-myth' the reasons why and ease your transition to Garuda Linux.
Lets have some simple concepts on the differences. Windows is proprietary, Garuda is free - always - Garuda Linux | Home , what does that actually mean? Here are two quotes to show both sides of the coin. (All quotes from R. Stallman TOP 25 QUOTES BY RICHARD STALLMAN (of 93) | A-Z Quotes)
"Proprietary software tends to have malicious features. The point is with a proprietary program, when the users don't have the source code, we can never tell. So you must consider every proprietary program as potential malware."
"If the users don't control the program, the program controls the users. With proprietary software, there is always some entity, the "owner" of the program, that controls the program and through it, exercises power over its users. A non-free program is a yoke, an instrument of unjust power."
What about FOSS? (Free and Open Source Software)
"Sharing knowledge is the most fundamental act of friendship. Because it is a way you can give something without loosing something."
"Free software is software that respects your freedom and the social solidarity of your community. So it's free as in freedom."
"It's too hard"
Wasn't Windows, initially? It really is like learning a new language and to do so sucessfully, means thinking in that new language, not translating it on-the-fly, mentally.
"I'll dual-boot"
Ok, but that is not supported on this forum and runs many risks. We realise some people are stuck with no choice but to use proprietary software. It can be done, but is beyond the scope of this article. Dual boot with Windows - ArchWiki
"It's only for games"
No - it just stretches to using Windows exclusively. Like that toxic ex we all regret (better the devil you know.), once we determine to leave. Also, a lot of games now work on Linux with wine, Garuda Gaming Edition comes with game launchers like Steam and Lutris, built-into the distribution.
"How do I learn Linux?"
How did you learn Windows? Nowadays, there are so many resources available, there is no longer any excuse. Online courses, Videos and wikis help enormously.
"Linux is full of Developers/Sys Admins, or Hackers"
Well, the Garuda forum has a full range of ages, knowledge and users, who all contribute to help. The only caveat is this: You must have searched your problem yourself, first (see below: responsibility). It's obvious when this is not done. This link is good reading and info - How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
"What's this about responsibility?"
The 'Linux mind-set' if there is one, is one of responsibility, it really is now - your system! "With great power, comes great responsibility" - Stan Lee, Spider-man - The Peter Parker Principle. With great power comes great responsibility - Wikipedia Linux requires this change of mentality, to one of 'self-help first'. We encourage you to read, research, think and only then - ask others.
In this way, you move from simply stating problems, to stating goals (as you have read). You can give the steps you have taken thus far and your goals, saving yourself and helpers a lot of time. You will get to know your system, both Hardware and Software, intimately. You will swiftly go from needing help, to giving help.