Windows 10 users after 14 October 2025

[HMS_Dave]

After Linux Distro hopping using a USB as mentioned upthread I have now done a full install of the Zorin 17.2 Core. Initially it was not my first choice, 'Mint' did not seem to work consistently, especially allowing access to my C Drive, sometimes it would work, often it wouldn't; this may not have been an issue if I had done a full install but it was a deterrent. 'Chrome Flex' I really liked but one of my two laptops did not have a compatible specification, which is a shame as it was by far the quickest, their forum support was also proved to be less helpful, I asked two questions and got no response from each. 'Zorin', is based on 'Ubuntu'; understandably both felt very similar. 'Zorin' had a few things that won me over, you can change a folder colour for example, I often don't wear my glasses when using my laptop so that's a feature I quickly realised that I really like. I did watch many Zorin YouTube review videos that were very favourable, Christopher Barnatt and Destination Linux were just two that influenced my decision.

First impressions are yes you have to get used to a different layout, it does look more archaic; for me that translates to simple and straightforward! It's been relatively painless and intuitive so far, to be fair that is exactly what 'Zorin' promote, it is aimed at being an easy transition for those switching from Windows. There are less apps, but in reality apart from 'iTunes' personally I can do everything I could on W10, just in a slightly different way. I have tried to embrace what they offer by default, 'Firefox' instead of' Edge' or 'Chrome' as a browser is definitely no deal breaker. There are quite a few apps in their store for things like view and editing pictures, music, they even have solitaire; although to be fair Microsoft still has the edge with the latter. I was already using LibreOffice but as I have an Outlook email account I can use 'Word Online' if I need to.

An app or programme does not have the been in their store to be installed, I can run BikeCAD, it's not quite as straightforward to install as it was with W10, but I got there, which seems to be a theme with Linux, often you have to do an additional process which may need a bit of head scratching to achieve what you are trying to do, but by the same token you don't have to be 'Alan Turing' to get the results you need either. I'm actually quite enjoying learning something a bit new that will hopefully mean I don't have to buy new hardware just because Microsoft are trying to force me to; 'Open Source' may well be just what I need.

Microsoft and Google do have native browser support for Linux, so don't feel you must stick to Firefox if you're not happy. For me open source is about choice and not necessarily something you must embrace. Typically, you're spoilt for choice for web browsers.

 

[Paul_Smith SRCC]

Microsoft and Google do have native browser support for Linux, so don't feel you must stick to Firefox if you're not happy. For me open source is about choice and not necessarily something you must embrace. Typically, you're spoilt for choice for web browsers.

I totally agree HMS_Dave, it's why I am more than happy to give Firefox a go, I've never been that bothered about what browser I am using, so far Firefox seems fine to me.

I really like the open source nature of Linux and associated add ons. I have never had 'Word' on my home use laptops so I have used LibreOffice for many years, I have been so impressed with Libre it actually helped with my decision in giving Linux and embracing more open source features a try

 

[HMS_Dave]

I totally agree HMS_Dave, it's why I am more than happy to give Firefox a go, I've never been that bothered about what browser I am using, so far Firefox seems fine to me. I really like the open source nature of Linux and associated add ons, as a LibreOffice user for many years (I have never had 'Word' on my home use laptops) that has helped with my decision in giving Linux and embracing more open source features a try

I've use libreoffice for many years and it's gotten really good these days, the best open source office suite by far. Thunderbird is my go to mailbox app. Shortwave is an excellent ip radio app which allows you to download the songs played. Lots to explore out there.

 

[Paul_Smith SRCC]

I've use libreoffice for many years and it's gotten really good these days, the best open source office suite by far. Thunderbird is my go to mailbox app. Shortwave is an excellent ip radio app which allows you to download the songs played. Lots to explore out there.

As an update I have tried several browsers, by far the quickest in use is Google Chrome, especially when accessing and editing my 'One Drive' files and folders via my Outlook/Hotmail email account, with Firefox a click through would often be so slow I'd get a 'Force Quit' or 'Wait' pop up. I emphasised 'in use' as in 'once opened'; Firefox was quickest to open initially but then much slower.

On a separate note HMS_Dave is your icon 'HMS Warspite'? Her along with the 'Rodney' are my two favourites, as much as I love the 'Belfast' being on the Thames I'd love it to have been Warspite or Rodney.

 

[HMS_Dave]

As an update I have tried several browsers, by far the quickest in use is Google Chrome, especially when accessing my 'One Drive' via my Outlook/Hotmail email account, with Firefox it a click through would often be slow I'd get a 'Force Quit' or 'Wait' pop up. I emphasised 'in use' as in once opened, Firefox was quickest to open initially but then much slower.

On a separate note HMS_Dave is your Icon 'HMS Warspite'? Her along with the 'Rodney' are my two favourites, as much as I love the 'Belfast' being on the Thames I'd love it to have been Warspite or Rodney.

I used Chrome on Linux for the first few years, having using it on Windows previously for years. Worked really well, as good as on Windows. I gave MS edge a go on linux too. Microsoft do seem to update it regularly and is well supported. It's a good way for those on windows to keep some familiarity in Linux if they decide to give Linux a try. I found it a good experience. I do use Firefox now. I use it mostly due to privacy concerns but like you, I find it has its quirks, and is not as light on resources as it once was and if I find myself opening lots of tabs, it can cause momentary system freezes which I do not experience in the other mainstream browsers.

The avatar picture is indeed HMS Warspite. I did a brief write up on it here https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/a...f-anything-thread.262567/page-79#post-6923699

Warspite is one ship that should have been kept as a museum ship. It's service history surely deserved it.
Rodney and Nelson are fascinating battleships in their own right. Controversial at the time because of its design but they definitely packed a punch with their 16 inch guns.