Migrating to Linux from Windows: An Engineer’s Perspective

Beyond the Hardware Wall: My Migration from Windows 11 to Zorin OS

I am a retired IT systems engineer. I spent decades in the Microsoft ecosystem. I’ve watched the landscape change—not always for the better. Recently, I found myself increasingly frustrated with Windows, specifically Microsoft’s decision to abandon perfectly capable hardware by requiring TPM 2.0. This situation made me feel a dwindling sense of user agency over the machines we’ve paid for and own. I reached a conclusion: Migrating to Linux was the only solution.

Today, I am solely using Zorin OS 18. It serves as a beautifully designed “bridge” for Windows refugees. It offers the stability required for precision work like camera digitizing and archiving. Best of all? It avoids the long, drawn-out “update-induced” interruptions that plague Windows 11.

“Why Linux?”

Many photographers rely on older, high-performance workstations that lack the specific microchips required for Windows 11. My advice? Don’t throw away your hardware; change your engine. Linux offers superior memory management and rock-solid stability for the intensive batch-processing sessions required when archiving vintage photos. By switching to Linux, photographers can extend the lifespan of their equipment. They can utilize a platform that respects their workflow rather than interrupting it.

The Linux Learning Curve

Zorin OS has a desktop layout that is easy for people who are switching from Windows to use. But people who are new to it will have to learn how to use it. The reason for this challenge is that Linux and Windows are very different. Getting my HP convertible laptop to work in tablet mode with Zorin OS Pro has been a challenge for me. Even though there are problems, I’ve found that the community support and online resources for Zorin OS are very helpful.

Gemini AI is the best online support tool, and I constantly use it. Gemini always tells me exactly what to do when I briefly explain my Linux problem, even exactly what to type into the terminal. It is much better than the old style of support pages. With time, AI and trial and error, I’ve started to learn about the many unique things that Linux can do.

Professional Editing Tools: Filling the Gap

I use Panasonic/Lumix mirrorless cameras. While manufacturers often neglect native Linux support for tethering apps, the open-source community has stepped in with professional-grade alternatives. These tools allow for seamless connections, live view, and remote shooting—free from manufacturer-imposed limitations.

1. Digital Asset Management (DAM)

• digiKam: The powerhouse. It handles libraries of 100,000+ images with ease and offers professional-grade metadata tools (EXIF/IPTC/XMP).
• Rapid Photo Downloader: Built by a photographer, for photographers. It automates renaming and sub-folder sorting during ingestion.

2. Tethering & Capture

• Darktable: My primary “Editing Command Center.” It also replaces the Lumix Tether app by integrating capture directly into the editing pipeline.
• Entangle: It serves as a lightweight alternative for those who prefer a dedicated, simple interface for capture tasks. It also works perfectly with my Lumix cameras. Captured file saving defaults to home/pictures/capture.

3. Scanning & Restoration

• VueScan: The “savior” of legacy hardware. If you have an old Nikon CoolScan or Epson scanner that Windows no longer recognizes, VueScan on Linux almost certainly will.
• GIMP + G’MIC: The gold standard for restoration. The G’MIC plugin offers “Repair” and “De-noise” filters that rival expensive AI-based subscription software.

Above is an example of the Darktable application desktop.

🚀 The Linux Digital Archive Checklist

Step 1: Unlock Your Hardware Go to Zorin Menu → Software Updater → Settings → Additional Drivers. Ensure you are using the “Proprietary/Tested” driver for your graphics card. This enables OpenCL, which can make photo exports in Darktable up to 10x faster.

Step 2: Install via Flatpak In the Zorin Software Store, choose the Flatpak version of Darktable and digiKam. This ensures you have the latest RAW camera support and up-to-date lens profiles.

Step 3: Future-Proof Your Metadata In digiKam, go to Settings → Configure digiKam → Metadata. Then enable “Write to Sidecar Files (XMP).” This keeps your tags and descriptions with the photo files. This approach makes your archive readable on any OS for decades to come.

🛠️ Troubleshooting the “Lumix Problem”

If Zorin doesn’t see your camera for tethering:

1. The “Ghost in the Machine”: When you plug in, Zorin’s file manager may “grab” the camera. Right-click the camera icon on your desktop and select Unmount. Linux only allows one program to talk to the USB port at a time!
2. The Handshake: Ensure your Lumix is in PC(Tether) mode, not “Mass Storage.”
3. Permissions: If all else fails, open the Terminal. Type: sudo usermod -aG plugdev $USER. Then log out and back in. This gives your user profile permission to access specialized USB hardware.
4. I initially had some annoying issues persuading Darktable tethering to recognize my Lumix cameras. The problem was because when I installed Darktable on Zorin, it neglected to install gphoto2. Should you experience this, try using Terminal to install Gphoto2. Use the next command: sudo apt update && sudo apt install gphoto2 libgphoto2-6. Follow this with gphoto2 –auto-detect.
5. If at first you can’t see your camera in Darktable tethering, go back to the Lighttable panel. Click on ‘import’ in the top left corner. If all is working, you should see your camera listed; this confirms that it is now connected.

Comparison Table for digitizing tasks

The above tools enhance connectivity. They also support various image formats and editing options. This makes it easier for photographers to process their work directly on their computers. This integration not only saves time but also opens up new creative possibilities for both amateur and professional photographers alike.

Here Is a great series of videos to quickly get you started on photo editing with Darktable.

Darktable Lesson 1 | Course Overview and Basic Intro

Migrating to Linux in 2026 is easier than ever because the “compatibility gap” has narrowed significantly. Modern Linux distributions (distros) now feature excellent hardware support and “Proton” technology that allows almost all Windows games to run natively.

Further Links on Migrating To Linux

1. Choosing Your “Flavor” (Distribution)¹

The first step is picking a version of Linux that matches your comfort level.² In 2026, these are the top recommendations for Windows switchers:

• Linux Mint: The “Gold Standard” for Windows refugees. Its interface is nearly identical to Windows 7/10/11, and it comes with everything you need (media codecs, drivers) pre-installed.
• Zorin OS: Designed specifically to look and feel like Windows.³ It even has a “Pro” version that can mimic the Windows 11 layout with one click.⁴
• Pop!_OS: If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, this is the best choice. It comes with the tricky NVIDIA drivers already baked into the installer.⁵
• AnduinOS: A newer 2026 favorite created by a former Microsoft engineer.⁶ It mirrors the Windows 11 aesthetic while prioritizing privacy.

2. Essential Migration Guides

Before you format your drive, these guides will help you prepare:

• The 2026 Linux Roadmap (MackeyTech): A practical 5-step video roadmap covering hardware checks and data preparation before you make the jump.
• ZDNET: How to switch to Linux Mint for Free: A very detailed, beginner-friendly walkthrough of the actual installation process.⁷
• Coursera: Your 2026 Guide to Getting Into Linux: A more technical look at the Linux kernel, terminal commands, and security if you want to understand “under the hood.”

3. App Compatibility & Windows Alternatives

The biggest fear for new users is losing their software. Use these databases to check if your apps will work:

• WinBoat: A 2026 tool that makes running a Windows Virtual Machine effortless.⁸ If you have one “must-have” Windows app that won’t run on Linux, WinBoat sets up a bridge for you.⁹
• Heroic Games Launcher: Use this to run your Epic Games and GOG library on Linux without needing the official (Windows-only) launchers.¹⁰

4. Pro Tip: The “Live USB” Test

The best part about Linux is that you can try it without installing it. 1. Download a “distro” ISO (like Linux Mint).11

2. Use a tool like Rufus or Etcher to “burn” it to a USB stick.

3. Restart your PC and boot from that USB.

You will be in a fully functional Linux desktop. You can test your Wi-Fi, printer, and camera digitizing setup before you ever touch your Windows hard drive.

See my post on Camera Digitization: Tethered Shooting Explained

**Ready to preserve your treasures?**
Go to my home page and start digitizing at museum quality—

I hope you found this post helpful! A Like would truly make my day and let me know you enjoyed it!

Sources:

Tech ARP – Crysis Benchmarking Guide Rev. 2.0. (n.d.). https://archive.techarp.com/showarticle1a88.html?artno=491&pgno=0

Printer Profiles — Digikam Manual 9.0.0 documentation. (n.d.). https://docs.digikam.org/en/color_management/printer_profiles.html