I switched from Windows to Linux and these 4 habits held me back - How-To Geek

I switched from Windows to Linux: 4 old habits that slowed me down (and what to do instead)

Switching from Windows to Linux can feel smooth until old Windows habits creep in. Here are the four behaviors that held me back and the Linux-first workflows that boosted my productivity.

1. Rebooting to fix or manage services

• The Windows way: Opening Services.msc or rebooting whenever a service misbehaved.
• The Linux way: Manage services directly from the terminal without a reboot.
  • Restart NetworkManager when Wi‑Fi drops: sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager.service
  • Toggle networking with nmcli: sudo nmcli networking off, then nmcli networking on
    Result: Faster fixes, no productivity-killing restarts, and a better grasp of Linux service management.

2. Installing software like on Windows

• The Windows way: Hunting for .exe or .msi files and clicking through installers.
• The Linux way: Use your package manager for faster, safer installs and updates.
  • Update and batch install in one go: sudo apt update && sudo apt install vlc guake htop gimp -y
  • Why it works: The && operator ensures the install runs only after a successful update; -y skips prompts for a hands-off setup.
    Result: Quicker installs, painless updates, and easy multi-app setups across machines.

3. Customizing the desktop like Windows skin packs

• The Windows way: Downloading skin packs and hoping they work together.
• The Linux way: Mix themes, icon packs, and extensions for deeper, cleaner customization.
  • Example: Add Papirus and switch icons via GNOME Tweaks.
    • Add repo: sudo add-apt-repository ppa:papirus/papirus
    • Install: sudo apt install papirus-icon-theme
      Result: A personalized desktop in minutes, not hours, with system-friendly components.

4. Avoiding the command line

• The Windows habit: Prefer GUI-only solutions and avoid the terminal.
• The Linux truth: Most reliable fixes and power-user workflows live in the CLI.
  • Tip: Start with practical commands you need today (systemctl, nmcli, apt). Confidence grows fast when you solve real problems.
    Result: Less intimidation, more control, and a major boost in efficiency.

Key takeaways for new switchers

• Learn a few essential terminal commands and use them daily.
• Prefer your distro’s package manager over manual downloads.
• Customize with themes and icon packs via repos, then apply with GNOME Tweaks.
• Treat reboots as a last resort; restart services or network components first.

If you’ve just switched and old habits are slowing you down, you’re not alone. Keep unlearning and relearning—the CLI and Linux workflows will quickly pay off.

Source: https://www.howtogeek.com/habits-that-slowed-me-down-when-i-switched-from-windows-to-linux/