Windows to Linux

Ready to switch between Windows and Linux? Discover easy ways to master both operating systems and make your transition smooth!

Here’s a comparison table that highlights how to accomplish certain tasks in Windows vs. Linux:

Common Tasks

Install software

Execute.exe or .msi installers or via Microsoft Store

Package managers like apt, dnf, yum, or install via .deb/.rpm packages

File Management

File Explorer

File managers like Nautilus (GNOME) or Dolphin (KDE), or terminal commands (e.g., ls, cp, mv)

View system information

Control Panel > System and Security

uname -a, top, htop, lscpu, or graphical system tools

Update system

Windows Update in Settings

  • Debian/Ubuntu-based: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
  • Arch-based (e.g., Arch Linux, Manjaro): sudo pacman -Syu
  • Fedora: sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
  • CentOS/RHEL (8+ using dnf): sudo dnf upgrade
  • CentOS/RHEL (7 and below, using yum): sudo yum update
  • openSUSE: sudo zypper refresh && sudo zypper update
  • Alpine Linux: sudo apk update && sudo apk upgrade
  • Gentoo: sudo emerge --sync && sudo emerge --update --deep @world

Task management

Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc)

top, htop, or System Monitor (GNOME)

Change file permissions

Right-click file > Properties > Security

chmod and chown commands in terminal

Create a new file

Right-click on Desktop > New > File

Use a text editor (nano, vim, gedit) or terminal command like touch filename

View hidden files

Enable “Hidden items” in File Explorer

Press Ctrl+H in file manager or use terminal with ls -a

Install drivers

Use manufacturer’s driver installers

Often built-in kernel drivers or install manually with package managers (e.g., sudo apt install)

Edit system configuration

Edit files like system.ini, use GUI tools

Edit config files in /etc/ (e.g., /etc/fstab, /etc/hosts) using text editors in terminal

Compress/Uncompress files

Right-click file > Send to > Compressed folder

tar, gzip, zip, unzip, or use graphical archivers like Archive Manager

Change network settings

Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center

Use network management tools (e.g., nmcli, ifconfig, or GUI tools like NetworkManager)

Disk management

Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc)

Use fdisk, parted, gparted, or graphical disk utilities

Run a program as administrator

Right-click > Run as administrator

Use sudo before a command in terminal or Right-click > Open as Root

Find a file

Use Windows Search or File Explorer search

Execute find command or GUI search tools

Check disk space

This PC > Properties

Use df -h in terminal or Disk Usage Analyzer (GUI)

Remote desktop

Remote Desktop Connection

ssh, VNC, or Remmina (for graphical remote desktop)

Create a new user

Control Panel > User Accounts

adduser or useradd in terminal

Network status

Run ipconfig in cmd

ifconfig or ip addr commands

Schedule a task

Task Scheduler

crontab

Take screenshot

Press Win Key + PrtSc keys then paste to Paint app or Win Key + Shift + S to open Snipping Tool then draw the region to save as a screenshot

Press PrtSc key

Batch rename files

Select files > Right-click > Rename > Enter name (names will auto-increment)

rename 's/oldname/newname/' * or mv oldname newname in a loop

Software Alternatives

CategoryWindows SoftwareLinux Alternatives
Command-line InterfaceCommand Prompt, PowerShellBash shell (bash, zsh, fish), Terminal app
Office & ProductivityMicrosoft OfficeGoogle Docs, FreeOffice, LibreOffice, OpenOffice, OnlyOffice
OutlookThunderbird, Evolution
OneNoteJoplin, Obsidian
QuickBooks Wave
Graphics & DesignAdobe PhotoshopGIMP
Adobe IllustratorInkscape
Adobe PremiereKdenlive, DaVinci Resolve
Adobe After EffectsBlender
Maya, 3DS Max Blender
Paint.NETPinta, Krita
AutoCADFreeCAD, LibreCAD
DevelopmentNotepad++Kate, Gedit, VSCodium
Visual StudioEclipse, Code::Blocks
WinSCPFileZilla
PuTTYTerminal (built-in)
MediaWindows Media PlayerVLC, SMPlayer
WinampAudacious
iTunesRhythmbox, Clementine
System ToolsRecuvaTestDisk
Task Managerhtop, System Monitor
WinZip/WinRAR7-Zip, File Roller

Common Terms

Windows TermLinux TermDescription
FolderDirectoryA container for files and other directories.
FileFileA single unit of data storage, same in both OS.
Drive (C:, D:)Root directory /Linux uses a single root directory, no drive letters.
ExplorerFile Manager (varies, e.g., Nautilus, Dolphin)The graphical tool to navigate files and directories.
Command PromptTerminal / ShellInterface for command-line input (Bash, Zsh, etc.).
DIR commandls commandLists files and directories within a directory.
Path separator ()Path separator (/)Character used between directories in a path.
ProgramsPackagesApplications are managed as packages in Linux.
Task ManagerSystem Monitor (varies, e.g., htop, GNOME System Monitor)Monitors processes and system performance.
RegistryConfiguration Files (e.g., /etc)Linux uses config files instead of a registry database.
Shortcut (.lnk)Symbolic Link / symlinkLink pointing to another file or directory.
Control PanelSettings / Config FilesLinux system settings are managed via various config files or GUIs.
Recycle BinTrashTemporary storage for deleted files before permanent deletion.
User Account Control (UAC)SudoProvides privilege escalation for administrative tasks.
System Drive (C:)Root Partition (/)The primary storage location for system files.
Network Drive MappingMountingLinux mounts drives and network shares to directories.
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