Guide
The Linux Basics
Everything a Windows switcher needs to know — explained without the jargon. Read it front-to-back or jump to any section.
What is a Distro?
A "distro" (distribution) is a version of Linux bundled with a desktop, default apps, and a package manager. Think of it like this: Linux is the engine, and a distro is the whole car — engine, body, dashboard and all.
Windows ships one way, from Microsoft. Linux ships hundreds of ways, by different communities. That sounds overwhelming, but in practice there are really just three major families. Everything else branches off them.
You don't need to understand the family tree to use Linux — but it helps to know which "branch" you're on, because it decides how you install software.
The three main families
How to Pick a Distro
There are hundreds of distros but the decision is simpler than it looks. It mostly comes down to one question: how much do you want things to "just work" versus having the latest and greatest?
Think of it like a risk spectrum. Stable distros update slowly — fewer surprises, but sometimes older software. Rolling distros update constantly — you always have the newest stuff, but occasionally something might break after an update.
"Just works"
Maximum stability. Updates are tested extensively before they reach you. Perfect if you want a computer that stays out of your way.
"Best of both"
Reasonably fresh software with a major release every ~6 months. A great middle ground between stability and keeping things current.
"Cutting edge"
Rolling release — you always have the newest kernel, drivers, and software. Great if you tinker, and you're comfortable occasionally fixing something after an update.
Still not sure? Start with Linux Mint. You can always switch later — Linux makes it easy to try things out.
Package Managers
On Windows, you download installers from random websites. On Linux, almost all your software comes from one trusted place: the package manager. Think of it as a built-in app store, except it's free, open source, and handles updates automatically.
Every distro family has its own package manager. They all do the same thing — install, update, and remove software — they just use different commands:
Debian / Ubuntu / Mint
sudo apt install firefox
Fedora / Bazzite / Nobara
sudo dnf install firefox
Arch / CachyOS / EndeavourOS
sudo pacman -S firefox
To update everything on your system — not just apps, but the entire OS — it's usually one command:
Debian-based
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
Fedora-based
sudo dnf upgrade
Arch-based
sudo pacman -Syu
Most distros also have a graphical software centre — you don't have to use the terminal if you don't want to. But the terminal is usually faster once you get used to it.
Flatpak & Flathub
Flatpak is a universal packaging format that works on any Linux distro. Instead of relying on your distro's own package manager, Flatpak apps come pre-bundled with everything they need — so the same app works identically on Mint, Fedora, Arch, or anything else.
Flathub is the main Flatpak app store. It has thousands of apps — from Firefox and LibreOffice to Steam, Discord, Spotify, and OBS. Many apps that NeutronDB lists are available on Flathub.
Why Flatpak is great
- Works on every distro — install once, runs everywhere
- Apps are sandboxed for better security
- Always the latest version, regardless of your distro's release cycle
- Easy to install from Flathub.org or your software centre
Good to know
- Flatpaks can use more disk space (they bundle dependencies)
- First launch may be slightly slower than native packages
- Some distros (like Fedora, Mint) have Flatpak built in; others need a quick setup
Installing an app via Flatpak (works on any distro)
flatpak install flathub com.spotify.Client
What is Wayland?
On Windows, you never think about the "display server" — it's just part of Windows. On Linux, there are two systems that handle drawing windows on your screen:
X11 (Xorg)
LegacyThe old system. Has been around since 1984. Everything supports it, but it has security and performance limitations that are hard to fix.
Wayland
ModernThe modern replacement. Better security, smoother rendering, proper HiDPI support, and no screen tearing. Most major distros now default to Wayland.
Why should you care?
Most of the time, you won't notice the difference. But some apps — especially older ones or apps that capture your screen (like screen recorders) — may not work perfectly under Wayland yet. That's why NeutronDB shows Wayland compatibility on every app listing, so you know what to expect before you install.
If an app doesn't work under Wayland, you can usually fall back to X11 by logging out and choosing "GNOME on Xorg" (or similar) from your login screen. No reinstalling needed.
Terminal — It's Not Scary
The terminal is just a text-based way to talk to your computer. You type a command, it does something. That's it. You don't need to be a programmer to use it.
Linux guides often mention the terminal because it's the fastest, most universal way to give instructions. A terminal command works the same on every distro, while GUI menus vary. Here are the ones you'll actually use:
lscd Documentscp file.txt backup.txtmv old.txt new.txtsudoYou can do 99% of everyday computing without ever opening a terminal. But when you do need it, it's your most powerful tool. Don't be afraid to paste in a command from a guide — that's how most people use it.
What Next?
You've got the fundamentals. Now find the Linux alternatives for the apps you use every day — and read real community reports from people who already made the switch.