I started the transition to Linux two years ago when WinXP reached EOL. I knew I would be installing a new OS, and I decided to see if Linux might be an option. I had tried Linux several times in the distant past, but it never impressed me enough to want to switch first from OS/2 and later from WinXP.

I looked at the top entries on DistroWatch, burned a half dozen or so to disk, and took them for a test drive. I narrowed the list and spent a couple of days lurking in the respective forums before deciding on Linux Mint-Mate.

The first week was frustrating, but it got easier the longer I used it. I now use Linux almost exclusively, and it has extended the useful life of my 11-year-old computer.

I still boot to Win7 when I need to do my taxes and sync my iThings - one is a once-a-year chore, and the other has gotten to the point where the only time I bother with it is when a new version of iOS is released. I have come to loathe the way software updates are handled under Windows.

I still rely somewhat on a few Windows programs; fortunately, they all run almost flawlessly under Wine. I have found a satisfactory Linux alternative for nearly every Windows program I use - even Photoshop.

I am an advanced amateur photographer, and I started using Photoshop when fully I went digital in 2003. A couple of months ago I forced myself to learn Darktable, and my need for Photoshop has almost disappeared.

Gosh I liked OS/2.

Hello and welcome to LQ.

Hello and welcome to the forum, I'm glad your migration to Linux Mint has gone well.

Welcome to the forum, thanks for the details.

Welcome to the forums, BenTrabetere!

Sounds like you're well on your way to 100% Linux all the time, all year.

Yeah ... I do my taxes online, so I'm not loading a program, just visiting an online account. Maybe that'll be a future possible option for you. Depends, I know that's a very personal choice for many.