Switching to Linux computer OS

[Piggiron]

Figured I'd start this thread in case anyone else is considering the same.
Something I've contemplated for some time, I finally decided to jump in with both feet and swap from Microsoft Windows to Linux
.
My old desktop computer has been slowing down quite a bit and is been out of Microsoft support for many years. Just for reference, it's a Dell Optiplex 990 running Windows 7 Pro with 1 TB hard drive. I've had to replace the power supply when it failed a few years back, figure it's not too far from future failures.

For the new one, I opted to go with the Raspberry Pi 5, that I ordered from CanaKit: https://www.canakit.com/canakit-raspberry-pi-5-desktop-pc-with-ssd-monitor.html

The Raspberry Pi 5 uses a slower processor (2.4GHz) than my old Dell (3.4 GHz), but I opted for the 16 GB RAM (double that of the Dell) and 1 TB NVME solid state hard drive.

It will be a bit of a learning curve learning Linux and figuring out what files can be downloaded onto the new computer, which can be reformatted and saved, and which won't work at all.

[savarin]

I eagerly await further updates as I'm thinking of the same move.
My W10 laptop will not install any updates for the last 8 months

[Piggiron]

Part of the reason for switching is due to the ever increasing amount of free, open source software programs available for the home shop.
One thing I'd like to see and help build is a resource list of software programs and computer interfaced hardware, along with supported OS's created and kept within this forum, perhaps within one of the currently listed topics or a new one like a "Library".

On a side note, I was a bit shocked in the speed of delivery. I ordered the Raspberry Pi on Sunday morning, received email it was processed & picked up by UPS Monday mid-afternoon, and in my hands Tuesday mid-afternoon. Some 2,103 miles per Google maps.

[TerryWerm]

Maybe we should see if there is some sort of add-on available for SMF that would allow the creation of a catalog or library. I don't recall such a thing being available, but I haven't looked lately.

[Piggiron]

Maybe we should see if there is some sort of add-on available for SMF that would allow the creation of a catalog or library. I don't recall such a thing being available, but I haven't looked lately.

...or maybe we could create a document/spreadsheet/database and upload it to "TinyPortal". I almost forgot about it and should be a lot simpler/easier.
A searchable database would be the "Cats Meow", but even a simple document would work.


A quick note about the OP, the Raspberry Pi 5 came preloaded with the Raspberry Pi OS. I was attempting to install "FreeFileSync" (https://freefilesync.org/), a free program I used on my old computer for easy back-up of files to external hard drives. Using the "Mirror" feature made it fast & simple to back up new files since the last backup.
Thus far I haven't found a way to use FreeFileSync with the Raspberry Pi OS and may require switching to a different Linux Distro.

[Piggiron]

I just had a thought for a big "Plus" with the Raspberry Pi. The computer itself is small enough to fit in a shirt pocket. This opens the possibility of easy transport between the house and shop. All I'd need would be another power supply, monitor, and connection cords. Just unplug from the house and carry it to the shop.
With the built-in WiFi and Bluetooth modules, I might even be able to connect to the internet in the shop. Worst case would be having to add a WiFi bridge to extend the connection range.

[TerryWerm]

I've never messed with Raspberry Pi but a friend of mine has. He wanted me to start messing with it too, but I don't need more hobbies!!  Home machine shop, motorcycles, and old tractors are enough. 

Through it all I came up with Wermie's Theorem which consists of five parts:

• You cannot have too many machines.
• You cannot have too many motorcycles.
• You cannot have too many tractors.
• No matter how big it is, your shop is never big enough.
• Because of the items listed above, you never have enough money!

Since it has five parts, is it still a theorem or is it a postulate? Or maybe it's really only an observation?   

[TerryWerm]

After thinking a little more about a list of software, the reality is that a simple spreadsheet, attached to a thread, would probably be the best way to get such a list or catalog together. Even if it listed one hundred different applications, a spreadsheet could easily handle it, while a separate catalog or library add-on would really be overkill.

[Piggiron]

After thinking a little more about a list of software, the reality is that a simple spreadsheet, attached to a thread, would probably be the best way to get such a list or catalog together. Even if it listed one hundred different applications, a spreadsheet could easily handle it, while a separate catalog or library add-on would really be overkill.

I'll try making one when/if I get the time, but if someone else whats to tackle it, by all means go for it.

For content, I was thinking things like CAD/CAM programs, calculators, material references, metrology items,and possibly others.
Headers could be used for Name, Type as in program/calculator/tool/etc,  Compatibility such as Microsoft/Mac/Linux/Apple/Android (possibly check boxes for all that apply), Tools (I've seen items like digital calipers that can be connected to PC's/tablets/phones).

Something to consider and another reason I'm attempting to switch to Linux is there a lot of emulator programs available for Linux Distros that allow for running cross-platform software.
A specific example for me is the ability to download an Android emulator which should make it possible to install & run Touch DRO with my Raspberry Pi. Toss in my recent purchase of one of Yuriy's Touch DRO Plus boards along with using a Linux compatible CAD program combined with the built it WiFi & Bluetooth opens up many possibilities such as being able to make on the fly modifications to a project and the ability to easily back-up and transfer between multiple devices.
Don't know if I'll get there, but figure I'll give it a shot.

[TerryWerm]

I ran a quick experiment over on another thread - put it there by accident instead of here - oh well. 

https://www.homemachinistsjournal.com/index.php?topic=250.msg1266#msg1266

It looks like we will need to create the list or spreadsheet and put it in the downloads section. It will not work to leave an editable copy in a  post because it is too difficult to update.