cujo

I would not say Fedora is hard to install and maintain. The biggest issue by far is a setup hurdle for getting "non-free packages" enabled -- Fedora (and a few other distros) is a "FOSS-only" distribution, meaning they don't include anything by default that is not "free, open-source software." That means media codecs for playing popular audio and video file formats, web browsers like Chrome (I would recommend migrating away from this platform if you're using it) and anything else that's "proprietary software."

There are ways to enable access to this software, but it requires configuring your software package repositories to point to them. It's not hard, just something to keep in mind.

Linux Mint is a great choice for newcomers to the space -- it includes access to non-free software OOTB, has sane default applications on all of its "flavors" with their separate desktop environments, provides decent utilities for configuring your system graphically without blocking you from learning how to do so by config file or terminal should you want to learn. It stays decently up-to-date with packages, you won't be on the bleeding edge but that's not a bad thing. If you aren't doing intense activities (gaming, video editing, etc) having the absolute latest packages won't really matter to you. It still gets security updates, so you're good there. It's a well documented distro with a friendly community and forum if you run into trouble with anything. All around a really solid choice, and would be my first recommendation for someone not looking to do any heavy gaming or other specialized work on their PC.

XFCE is my desktop environment of choice. Not only is it lightweight, it also comes with some of the better desktop environment defaults, in my opinion. Linux Mint will theme it nicely upon install, but it's a long-standing DE that has a huge backlog of support for customization and "beautifying" your install however you like. Lots of themes and cursor options for those who care, all without pushing your resources. It's a traditional desktop paradigm, so it won't try and force you to interact with your PC in new and unusual ways (looking at you, GNOME, you weirdo). It just... Gets out of your way and lets you use your PC the way you're used to.

Linux Mint + XFCE is my recommendation, for sure.

I have the sneaking suspicion this was supposed to be sarcastic, but the Internet doesn't carry "tone"... Am I correct? 😂

I have never had an issue with subtitles on Jellyfin, and my wife has turned our household into an always-on subtitles household. Are you making use of the Open Subtitles plugin?

Just gonna... Drop this here...

I was recently blown away by Pokemon Emerald Seaglass. It features a complete graphical overhaul in a style I find absolutely stunning, an upgraded Pokedex, includes all Pokemon from Gens 1-3, adds overworld sprites for Pokemon followers, upgrades the battle system (things like inclusion of Fairy type, Phys/Spec split, z-moves), adds some new mini games, and way more.

Find out more on the official site.

Agreed. It culminated in some elaborate multi-video click bait about him finding a fossil and stealing it, preying on the internet's obsession with the idea that there are/were great apes native to North America (aka Bigfoot) that the whole crew swore up and down wasn't a prank... Because it "wasn't a prank, it was an educational fiction." It was ridiculous, over the top, and annoying. Haven't watched anything they've put out since.

Doesn't work so well when it's your wife you're telling "no, I won't help you," to. 😂

I'm not gonna coerce her into using Linux, lol. That's a surefire way to make sure she hates it and blames any little hiccups on Linux, even if it's not the OS's fault.

I got tired of the subscription while I was still Windows-bound, so I trialed CaptureOne Pro. It didn't even have a subscription plan at the time, and I loved it so much I bought a perpetual license. I love the software, it's my favorite photo editing software period. They do offer a subscription now, as well as perpetual licenses, but you can't even begin to get it running under Linux so... Major bummer.

Just be sure to research your must-have titles on ProtonDB. It'll tell you pretty much everything you need to know if there's any tinkering to be done for your titles... And don't make the same mistake I did! 😂

I upgraded from an AMD Radeon RX580 to an Intel ARC A750... Works perfect, except the specific setup of Linux + Intel ARC can't play Halo Infinite... It worked fine (if subpar performance) on the RX580, but there's some software issues between Vulkan and Intel that means certain DX12 games that make a very particular graphics call will NOT work with an Intel GPU... Otherwise I love it!

I've been gaming on Linux for a loooong time, lol. I follow Proton's progress pretty closely since the beginning as it pertains to the Linux space, I just wasn't sure if it was considered a "solution" in the MacOS world or if it requires some finagling...

Thanks for the insight! I'll have to do a liiiittle more research, but I'm feeling more comfortable about it now.

Very compelling. I'm guessing Steam's Proton work doesn't do much if anything for Mac? I'm familiar with gaming on Linux, so I'm not afraid to get technical to get it all working, I'm just trying to get a feel for viability... It sounds like Sims 4 is the only thing up in the air, lol.

I need to find someone with a Mac willing to let me try it... 😂