Getting ready to install my first version of Linux

General
1

So much like many people, I’m a long time Windows user. I’ve built a new computer and have finally decided it is time to explore other options than the industry standard and through some homework have chosen to give Cachyos a go. As a new user to the platform… what potential issues could I run in to. My system was built mainly for gaming, with a few other uses in store. Ryzen 7 9800X3D, MSI Pro B850-P WIFI, 32 GB DDR5, XFX Radeon 9060XT OC, Corsair AIO.

PS I have not yet even booted this machine

2

I recently got a new computer with 5800x and 9070xt. First thing i did after plugging it in the wall and checking it posts was boot into the USB. After I was inside the live USB i was gaming in 10 minutes (I have fast internet). The only potential issues you can run into are usually finding replacement software you used in windows. There are some others, but they usually don’t arise from using your PC like you would a Windows machine. I would suggest learning the basics of bash, despite Cachy having a very user friendly package installer GUI. Coming from windows, I recommend you use KDE Plasma desktop environment. Also if you have any issues, just google the issue. Most likely, it has been solved already.

3

Welcome to the world of linux! Cachyos was definitely the right choice, no bias here haha. there are a few key things to look out for if you are primarily planning on gaming.

1: install steam natively, though pacman. A lot of newbiews (myself included back in the day) are told to install apps through flatpak or sometimes even snap. avoid this temptation for steam. It will make troubleshooting things awful. just trust me, to install steam use “sudo pacman -S steam” .

2: know the differences between the compatibility tools. There are a lot of different ways to get games running on linux, as most of them do not run natively. Proton comes with steam, but there is also proton-cachy and GE (glorious eggroll) proton versions. they all work well for different applications, and installing proton up-qt can help you manage your installations of them.

3: when in doubt, run a full system upgrade with “sudo pacman -Syu” and then a reboot. for everything from discord bugs to game crashes, it fixes a lot of woes, and it’s usually my first troubleshooting step.

and of course, i recommend joining the discord and checking the forums here before you look anywhere else for advice.

4

Hello and welcome! From a fellow Windoze refugee, here are some basics you should take into consideration:

  • Don’t rush it, some things just take time.
  • Read the Wiki before starting anything.
  • Ensure you understand the meanings of things like boot manager, filesystem, partition layout, snapshots etc. before starting anything.
  • Consider the pros and cons of having /home on a separate partition.
  • Don’t consider the first installation to be final. Instead, be prepared to format your first try after 4-8 weeks. You will learn a lot especially in the first time, mistakes will be made and after a while you will know what works and what does not.
  • Be prepared to read a lot in order to learn what you need to learn.
  • Be prepared to troubleshoot issues.
  • Backup config files before editing them.
  • Keep a diary of all the changes you do. Sounds tedious and boring, but will help you in retracing your steps.
  • People here are willing to help, but will need detailed information. Please paste text instead of screenshots whenever feasible.
  • Remember to smile once in a while.
  • Have fun!
5

Your hardware looks like a nice fit for Linux as well.
Besides forums and discord, AI can be a friend to ask quick questions (even if you think you know the answer) to give you some more context to various areas. But dont trust AI to be a fix-all. Question it properly.

… And have fun.

6

First , do update of your UEFI motherboard.

2nd
recheck in your UEFI motherboard

secureboot desactivated
no CSM
no legacy
no fastboot
all disks are on AHCI ( not raid )

added in case of x870(e)

you will have choice about power ( auto , 65 watt or 107 watt )
use CPPC on ( for amd-pstate-epp )

PBO on auto or ajusted with you power choice

desactivate SEV IO ( this is for specific VM ) on CPU

if you boot on USB , you should see
Uefi: < USB vendor name > < partition > → select this for boot UEFI

under live iso , you can check

inxi  -Fxza
test -d /sys/firmware/efi && echo efi || echo bios
sudo efibootmgr -v
sudo parted -l
7

All correct, but I personally find the last 4 commands a bit too overwhelming for a first-timer to Linux, especially parted. I believe the first installation tryout should be possible without diving into the CLI, but probably that’s just me :wink:

8

Oh, and one more thing @New2Linux : consider changing your default shell from fish shell to bash or zsh right from the start.

fish is a very unique shell that may surely have its advantages, but it will not teach you the POSIX way of scripting and many bash scripts and tips you find on the internet will not work in fish without some translation.

9

:index_pointing_at_the_viewer:
First of all, learn

Linux Magic SysRq Keys

//Sorry, I couldn’t resist. :slightly_smiling_face:

10

So the benefit I will have with my new journey is that I will still have this machine for my reference guide, and ability to communicate with you fine folks. The responses you all have provided look like a great start to get me going. I thank everyone for the quick and very helpful responses.