I’m 43 and not really starting using Linux. I’ve dabbled with distros on and off over the years, but I never made the full switch because work always had some program or policy that just wouldn’t play nice with Linux. With all the crappy Microsoft decisions, bloatware, and ads I decided to try and use Linux exclusively on a personal device, and I’m absolutely loving it!

I’ve been working with Ubuntu as my main distro, and I’ve also been playing around with distros on a Raspberry Pi. To really challenge myself, I installed Linux on an old Surface Pro 3, and guess what? It just works! I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth the setup was and how well it performs.

I missing any key steps or tips to make the experience even better on a Surface? Any insights would be greatly appreciated. I was planning to buy a new tablet that runs Linux but this is working better than expected. I’m really enjoying the flexibility and control Linux offers and want to keep this momentum going.

I have read up and tried plenty, just looking for some perspectives out there specific to your tablet experiences.

EDIT Thank you for all the suggestions and insights! I’m going to continue using the Ubuntu build for the next few months. Still lots more to learn, but I’m excited to see how this goes. I have everything setup I need to function as a Linux only tablet experience. <sigh of relief> no more dependency on Windoze.

EDIT 2 I have been using Ubuntu for a few weeks and it generally works. The touch has been great but I do notice it is a bit buggy at times and the virtual keyboard leaves a lot to be desired. I did read this article today that talks about their experience more on a Surface Pro 4. https://www.binwang.me/2024-07-12-A-Review-of-Linux-on-Surface-Pro-4.html

  • sic_semper_tyrannisEnglish
    62·
    6 months ago

    You can try Fedora on a Surface with the Ublue variants such as Aurora and Bluefin, there are ISOs specifically for the Surface. Fedora atomic variants work very well. I found Fedora Kinoite works great with a touchscreen laptop.

    • just_another_person@lemmy.world
      74·
      6 months ago

      Y’all need to really stop recommending immutable distros to people who aren’t even familiar or know what their regular setup will be. Like this poster who even said they are still going to have to work out Windows alternatives.

      • capital@lemmy.world
        73·
        6 months ago

        I think I disagree.

        After using Bazzite, if I had to set something up for my mom, it’d be Aurora.

        Updates are dead simple and most of what she would use would be flatpaks anyway.

        They seem like a rock solid way to get into Linux with a low chance of breaking something.

          • capital@lemmy.world
            32·
            6 months ago

            Hm… immutable distros are alternatives tho?

            And did you just downvote me for politely disagreeing?

            • just_another_person@lemmy.world
              35·
              6 months ago

              I downvoted because your comment had nothing to with the context of this thread or my comment, and just served to be an “AKSHUALLY ☝️” moment for yourself.

                  • capital@lemmy.world
                    23·
                    6 months ago

                    It was on topic and made perfect sense. What’s funny is that it was in response to you saying”AXSHHALLY you guys shouldn’t suggest immutable distros” because those don’t count as Windows alternatives for reasons?

                    If you’re gonna be a prick, at least be correct.

    • Abdoanmes@lemmy.worldOP
      3·
      6 months ago

      Thanks for these insights. From my laymen experience with Linux, I am a bit fuzzy on all the distros and variants. What’s the major difference between Ubuntu (or whatever distro) and what you described? From your perspective

      • sic_semper_tyrannisEnglish
        3·
        6 months ago

        You’re welcome. I find Fedora to be much more up to date and refined than Ubuntu but also very stable still, at least the atomic variants as those are what I use. Also Ubuntu has all the controversy about trying to force their own packages at you as well as other things