For years, I was a Windows user. Like most people, when I thought of a computer, Windows was the first thing that came to mind. But after I started getting deeper into software development, I realized I needed something beyond what Windows could offer. I wanted a better development environment, more control over my system, and maybe a different experience. That search led me to the world of Linux — and eventually to Pop!_OS.
Why Pop!_OS?
Choosing between Linux distributions can be intimidating at first. Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch… the list goes on. But for me, Pop!_OS stood out for a few key reasons:
User-Friendly Interface: Pop!_OS has a modern, clean interface that’s especially easy to adapt to if you’re coming from Windows or macOS. Features like window management, virtual desktops, and keyboard shortcuts have dramatically improved my workflow.
Perfect for Developers: Developed by System76, this OS was designed with developers in mind. Essential tools and libraries can be installed easily, the terminal experience is smooth, and the system’s stability is impressive.
Performance and Stability: Even on my older computer, I noticed a significant speed boost compared to Windows. Pop!_OS uses system resources more efficiently, which translates into better overall performance.
The Transition: Nothing to Fear
My biggest concerns were losing my existing data and struggling with the installation process — but those worries turned out to be unfounded. Here’s the process I followed:
Backup: First, I backed up all my important files to an external drive or cloud storage. This ensured everything was safe in case something went wrong.
Pop!_OS Installation File: I downloaded the ISO file from Pop!_OS’s official website. If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, it’s better to choose the version that includes NVIDIA drivers.
Preparing the USB Drive: I used a program like Balena Etcher to write the ISO file to a USB drive, making it bootable.
Installation: I plugged the USB drive into my computer, restarted it, and selected the USB device from the BIOS/UEFI boot menu. The setup wizard guided me step by step, making the installation straightforward.
The Result: No Regrets
It’s been months since the switch, and I haven’t once thought about going back to Windows. Sure, the first few days required some adjustment, but the freedom, speed, and efficiency Pop!_OS offers make it all worth it.
If you’re looking for a more controllable, fast, and developer-friendly operating system, I highly recommend giving Pop!_OS a try.
Have you ever thought about switching from Windows to a different operating system? Or is there something specific you’d like to know about Pop!_OS?