Background information
Linux instead of Windows: SteamOS makes the Asus ROG Ally X faster and better
by Philipp Rüegg
Switching to Linux: not even that hard
20/4/2025
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Pictures: Kevin Hofer
After years of going back and forth, I finally took the plunge. I’ve turned my back on Windows, installing only Linux on my new computer. I want to work and game with it for at least a month. And who knows, maybe I’ll never go back to Microsoft.
Microsoft and all the other big, purely profit-driven tech companies have been getting on my nerves for a long time. Nevertheless, I’ve been using Windows, Chrome and the like for years out of habit. But I just don’t want to be dependent on them going forward, at least on desktop. While recently assembling a test PC, the time had come: instead of Windows, I installed the Linux distribution Bazzite.
My first steps into the world of Linux were sometimes easy, sometimes annoying. I was also presented with (still) unsolvable problems. I can work and game with it now, I just have to relearn a few things.
Why Bazzite?
There’s an endless number of Linux distributions. But I had several reasons for choosing Bazzite. First, my colleagues Martin and Phil, who’ve installed the distro on their handhelds, both recommend it. Second, plenty of gaming features come pre-installed on Bazzite, removing a bit of hassle for me, a Linux noob. Maybe another distro – I also looked at PopOS – would be better for me. But it’s a first step away from Windows, and I can always try something else later.
Installation is a breeze
Even during installation, Linux is refreshingly different from Windows. Instead of constantly clicking away at tracking options, I simply select my language, keyboard layout and region. That’s it. No need to set up an account or anything of the sort. Now that’s fun.
Right after installing the OS, I’ve already got some basic tools to play around with. Steam’s already installed – I’ve purchased over 90 per cent of my games on that distribution platform. I know from experience with the Steam Deck that they all run smoothly on Linux.
Still, I’m struggling with my controller. I can’t control my games, neither by cable nor with the 2.4 GHz dongle. However, Bluetooth works. Since I don’t play FPS games with a controller, the transmission speed via Bluetooth is enough. Still, I’d prefer using the connection via a cable or dongle. I haven’t found a fix for this yet.
When browsing, I use Firefox instead of Chrome. The Mozilla Corporation behind it is profit-oriented like Google – and makes most of its revenue by setting Google as the default search engine – but I still like it better than Google.
I need to do a bit more work to install office tools, though.
Learning new programs
I use my private computer for work. Most of my tools are browser-based, but there are also some programs I have to install. Most of them are quickly installed via the Discover Software Center.
There’s a stable version of Teams for Linux – even if that unfortunately puts another Microsoft program on my computer. Bummer, but it’s our main means of internal communication.
There are numerous alternatives to Adobe Suite in Linux, and I’ve used a few for video editing and image processing. So far, I’ve mainly used Photoshop for image editing, although Lightroom would’ve been perfectly adequate for my needs. I was just too lazy to familiarise myself with it. That’s why I’m leaving the most obvious Linux alternative to Photoshop – GIMP – to one side for now, opting for the Lightroom alternative Darktable instead – if I’m going to familiarise myself with it, I’ll use the right software.
For video editing, the switch to Linux goes hand in hand with a return to DaVinci Resolve. Before I started at Digitec Galaxus, this Black Magic software was my app of choice. I already know my way around here. Unfortunately, I can’t install the app via the Software Center, but only by using a terminal command I found after a long search on Reddit.
Until now, I’ve transferred data between my smartphone and computer using Smart Connect. Here, there’s Local Send, a good alternative for my purposes. With it, I mainly send photos and videos from my smartphone to my PC.
Unfortunately, I haven’t yet been able to install Fusion 360. I don’t need the CAD program as often as I used to, but I still like to design objects for 3D printing from time to time.
What happens now?
I can now work and play games on my Linux machine. It’s very likely I’ll encounter further problems to fix. But I’m sticking with it for at least a month now. After my first impressions, I can say I probably won’t go back to Windows in the future – I’ll know for sure in 30 days.
If you have any tips for Linux noobs like me, feel free to post them in the comments.
Kevin Hofer
Senior Editor
kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.chFrom big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.
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