linux4noobs

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linux4noobs

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Whether you're a seasoned pro or the noobiest of noobs, you've found the right place for Linux support and information. With a dedication to supporting free and open source software, this community aims to ensure Linux fits your needs and works for you. From troubleshooting to tutorials, practical tips, news and more, all aspects of Linux are warmly welcomed. Join a community of like-minded enthusiasts and professionals driving Linux's ongoing evolution.

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PlutoParty

Switching from Windows on an odd machine (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 month ago by [email protected] to c/linux4noobs

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Windows keeps reminding be that I have to switch to Linux if I want to keep using my computer. It's a rugged tablet from about 2011 that I still use daily for internet and some light Photoshop. Core i7 1.2 GHz, 4GB RAM, and the important part, a built-in touchscreen and Wacom digitizer. Keyboard is an external device that I don't generally have attached. I grew up on DOS, so I'm not afraid of fiddling, but I'd rather this machine just worked. Any recommendations?

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 weeks ago

I figure I should follow up on this.

I tried a bunch of distros and settled on Pop! OS. It has the most touchscreen support for the aging two-touch device I have. Mate was a close second, but some of the store and settings pages don't support touch scrolling. And I couldn't find the on-screen keyboard. Gnome was also solid, but had some similar issues to Mate. It's OSK popped up reliably, but would lose contact with the text field that I was trying to type in. Mint/Cinnamon was ok. Couldn't find the OSK, and required a bunch of mouse interaction. Lomiri has a very nice system tray for touch, long-holding expands the tray and swiping moves between the tray items. But a lot of the functionality is hidden off the sides of the screen which makes general interactions more challenging than I'm looking for. Feren is just bad. Lots of things either have no touch functionality, or touches highlight, but don't activate buttons. Had to use a mouse to do much of anything. I also made an attempt at Postmarket OS, but couldn't get it to boot on my machine.