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@ Ruben Storm
2024-07-15 14:35:27
This post is about my experience switching from ChromeOS to Linux on a refurbished ThinkPad T470s.
### Starting with a not-so-genuine Windows 10
I wasn't comfortable with the potentially hacked Windows 10 that came pre-installed on my ThinkPad, so I decided to replace it with Linux. My initial goal was to install Fedora, a distro I'd used happily since versions 2 or 3. Unfortunately, the installation failed due to a damaged image on a small USB stick.
### Ubuntu detour and Flatpak frustration
With Fedora out of the picture for now, I opted for Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. While I liked Ubuntu overall, the outdated snap packages were a letdown. Installing Flatpak for more options resulted in a bunch of errors.
### Back to Fedora, finally!
Determined to get Fedora running, I discovered the culprit behind the previous failed installation - a small and corrupted USB stick. With a bigger and healthy USB stick, Fedora 39 went in smoothly, followed by a successful upgrade to Fedora 40.
### Why Fedora?
Fedora has been my trusted Linux companion for years. I switched to Ubuntu around versions 13 or 14, mainly for Ubuntu One and Long Term Support (LTS), which unfortunately got discontinued later. After a life-changing event that required me to relearn basic skills (like walking, reading and writing), Linux felt overwhelming, so I opted for the simplicity of Windows, but I wasn’t happy with it. Eventually, I found myself on a Chromebook for its lightweight and I thought travel-friendly nature.
### Back on Linux with the ThinkPad
Now, with the ThinkPad, I'm back in the Linux world. The age of the machine isn't an issue, but I do miss the Nautilus image manipulation plugins I used to have. If anyone knows the package names or a setup guide to enable image resizing via right-click, please share in the comments!
### Bonus: Desktop Environment Dilemma
Is it worth installing KDE Plasma alongside Gnome to have a choice at login? Or is it too big of a package? Let me know your thoughts (Pro and Cons) in the comments!
**P.S.** My foot is healing, and let's just say some travel food choices weren't the best! It happens when you're on the road full-time.
**Images:** My current workspace and a screenshot of my Gnome desktop.
### Online
[Profile Page](https://rubenstorm.de.cool/) | [Support Page](https://rubenstorm.12hp.de/)
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