1w ago

Is Linux safe to write and save stories on?

I just want to write stories again and haven't been able to at all since 2025 due to...2025 and all that has entailed. I no longer feel safe or secure using any of my current devices. I feel surveyed and watched 24/7. I'm absolutely not okay with things as they are currently. (.-.) For more context, I have pre-existing mental disorders and this year has just done me in.

I'm striving toward switching out at least one device with something that I can install linux on. I was thinking either a lenovo or a dell, and will start probably with linux mint, they say it's a good beginner distro.

Not being able to write is killing me. I love writing so much even though it's not anything special. It just felt good.

I've never used linux but want to learn and I will learn, because you have to if you want to use it. You can't just hop in a car and hope it will work without knowing how to drive it. I will learn the commands. I'll fail at it a couple times but learn. It'll be great. Bring it.

I appreciate you taking time to reply.

Edit: You guys are amazing. My hope for the future is restored. Thank you!

45 comments

I'm a little late to the party, I've written and edited four books, plus numerous short stories on Linux mint. Libreoffice does the job just fine, as others already mentioned.
The great thing about starting out is that it's pretty easy to try whatever distributions you want, piddle around a little, and choose what you like best. You're leaning towards mint, and that's actually what I use, and have used.
It's also a great beginner's distro because it's essentially plug and play. You install, open up, and you can jump right into basic activities with minimum effort. Which means that the Linux learning curve is much lighter than you'd think because you'll be working while you learn.
No bullshit, my mom transitioned to mint in one day. Only hurdles were installing chrome, because that's what she likes, and the five hours she took tweaking the theme. She's a low needs user: browser, email, pictures. Her PC was choking on Windows 10 after the "upgrade" years ago, and wanted to try something else just for the hell of it. Now she does her own updates, doesn't even bother to call me.
As a side note, I feel you. The last few years have been brutal. We're all feeling some degree of stress from it, but those of us with preexisting issues end up a notch higher than we should be. It ain't easy, but none of us are really alone in the struggle.
- That's okay, my reply is also late! ^_ It's all good. I'm grateful to hear from a writer on these topics. This is very encouraging to hear. Forgive me that I can't say it more effectively, but I'm truly grateful. Oh then this is perfect. I'm a low needs user as well. I care only about the browser, email, pictures, word documents and music files. The fact your Mom has no issues with it is fantastic. I feel good hearing this!
  As a side note, I feel you. The last few years have been brutal. We’re all feeling some degree of stress from it, but those of us with preexisting issues end up a notch higher than we should be. It ain’t easy, but none of us are really alone in the struggle.
  That means a lot, you know. It's just nice to have any sort of regular human contact. It feels real here. And you're right, we're all going through it. We will get through this.

45 comments