Switching to Linux is one of the best decisions you can make for your computer — but knowing where to start is another matter entirely. This book is your guide through that transition, written by Jay LaCroix, creator of the Learn Linux TV YouTube channel, with over a decade of experience helping people make Linux approachable.

Whether you’re fed up with Windows nudging you toward Microsoft Edge or Apple prompting you to sign in to yet another account, Linux offers a computing experience designed to work for you, not against you. But making the jump can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. Desktop Linux removes that uncertainty by walking you through every stage of the process — from understanding what Linux actually is, to choosing a distribution, installing it, and using it confidently day to day.

Along the way, you’ll learn how to find and install software, connect hardware like printers, Bluetooth devices, and external displays, manage your files, enjoy multimedia and gaming, use the command line, and keep your system secure. Each chapter is written for real beginners — no prior Linux experience required. By the end, you won’t just have Linux running on your computer. You’ll understand it.