Is now the right time to switch to Linux?
Is now the right time to switch to Linux?
Experience: I have a bit of experience with Linux. I started around 2008, distro-hopped weekly, decided on Debian until around 2011, when I switched to Windows as I started getting interested in gaming. Tried switching back around 2015, this time using Arch Linux for about a month, but had some bad experiences with gaming and switched back to Windows. I have had a Debian and Arch VM in Virtual Box since then for testing different applications and a more coherent environment to work with servers.
Understanding: Which brings me to now, I am really interested in using Linux for gaming, I know there is Proton from Valve and that they have been really pushing Linux gaming forward with it.
Thoughts: I have been contemplating dual booting by installing Debian to an SSD and simply using the UEFI boot menu to choose instead of having to install to the EFI of Windows.
I guess, I should just do it, as it won't affect my Windows installation, and I could test different games and if all works well, move over. This would also allow me to try different distributions, though my heart is for Debian, I even like Debian Unstable.
Note: I am sorry for the wall of text, I am just kind of anxious I guess.
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I would ask myself "What are the games I play and how important is it to be able to play the latest AAA games when they come out?"
Proton is doing a wonderful job with compatibility, but it will likely always be behind by a bit.
If gaming is your primary focus and you play a lot of new games when they first come out, dual booting might be the best option.
On the other hand, if you are more patient and don't have to play things on release day or just like going through the catalogue of older good games, you can probably get away with a full switch.
Personally, I'm in a more privileged scenario. I have a laptop with Linux and a desktop with Windows for gaming. I do most of my gaming on the steam deck, PS5, or switch but any first person or games that benefit from good reaction time with a mouse get played on my desktop. Some of my games just won't work on proton because they are too intensive to run through emulation or just in too early a state to consider trying.
With all of that, if I could only have one machine it would likely be running Windows in some capacity.
I recommend you evaluate that question for yourself and go look at ProtonDB to figure out what state you'll be in.
Thank you for this, really helpful advice, ProtonDB looks really useful. I tend to be a bit more patient with games and buy later when on sale. I might just wipe Windows and reinstall it with the bare necessities for only the games that I need it for.