How to switch from macOS to Linux

Not everybody is happy with Apple’s recent Mac hardware updates, and some folks have been thinking about jumping ship and leaving macOS altogether. If you’re one of them, then Linux might be just what the doctor ordered.

In this post I’ve included a number of distributions that might work well as alternatives to macOS. I’ve also included some helpful links that will ease the transition from macOS to Linux.

How to switch from macOS to Linux

Before we talk about distributions, it’s good to have an overview of what to expect when you move to Linux. If you’re considering switching from macOS to Linux, these articles will ease the transition from Apple’s operating system to Linux:

Switching from macOS: The Basics

Switching from macOS: Developer Environment

Switching from macOS: Creative Work

Switching from macOS: Hardware

Switching from macOS: Open Source

My advice is to take your time, and learn as much as you can about what to expect when you move from macOS to Linux. Read through each article carefully and then apply what’s there to your own unique computing needs.

Linux distributions for Mac users

I’ve been a fan of Linux for many years now, and I’ve used a wide variety of distributions. One of the best things about Linux is that there really is a distro for everybody, including macOS users who want to switch to Linux.

Here’s a list of Linux distributions that might work well as alternatives to macOS:

PCLinuxOS

Ubuntu MATE

Lubuntu

KDE neon

Xubuntu

Elementary OS

Solus

Linux Mint

Ubuntu GNOME

As always, beauty is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to computer operating systems. I recommend trying each of the distributions included above to see which one will work best for your needs.

How to try a Linux distribution on your computer

So how can you experience a Linux distro without actually installing it as your main operating system? VirtualBox is probably the best way to go. It’s free and open source software, and you can install it on your computer right now.

Once you have VirtualBox installed, you can then install each of the distributions included in this post to see which one you like best. I suggest that you take your time and poke around with each distribution for a while before making a final decision about which one you want to use.

If you find that none of the distributions mentioned in this post meet your needs then you might want to visit DistroWatch to check out some other possibilities. DistroWatch is one of the best Linux sites on the Internet. You can see a list of the most popular distributions, and read reviews of various distros.

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