Check out the lessons below. While I recommend starting at the beginning (a very fine place to start) you’re welcome to jump in, jump around, and just explore what you see below.
Why Linux? Why now? And why everyone?
Switching from Windows doesn’t have to be scary. This course shows how Linux can breathe new life into your current PC, give you back control, and still feel familiar. You’ll see what Linux is, how to try it safely, how to install it, and even how to undo it if you change your mind.
Linux is the quiet powerhouse behind everything from websites to smart devices, and it can run your PC without the cost or clutter of Windows. This lesson shows what an operating system really does, how Linux is different, and why some people switch — including the pros, cons, and what to expect.
Linux comes in many “flavors,” each built on the same base but tailored for different needs. This lesson explains what distros are, why they matter, and how Mint and Zorin stack up for Windows switchers. You’ll see which one fits best—and why Mint is the choice for this course.
Before switching to Linux, you need a solid safety net. This lesson shows how to create a full image backup of your Windows PC, make rescue media, test it, and be sure you can restore everything if needed. It’s your “ultimate undo” before taking the next step.
Try Linux without risk. This lesson shows you how to download Linux put it on a USB stick, and boot from it so you can explore safely without touching your Windows PC. It’s a simple, hands-on way to see how Linux looks and feels before making any changes.
Time to take the plunge. This lesson walks you through installing Linux Mint for real—what choices matter, what to avoid, and how to get your system set up the right way. If you’re ready to move from “trying Linux” to "using Linux", this is where the journey begins.
You’ve installed Linux Mint—now what? This lesson gives you a quick, confidence-boosting tour of your new desktop, showing what’s familiar, what’s different, and where to find the tools you’ll use every day. It’s the perfect first step toward feeling at home in Linux.
Learn how to get your email up and running in Linux Mint, whether you prefer using the web or a full email program. This lesson walks you through setting up your password manager, signing in to your accounts, and using Thunderbird for a smooth, familiar email experience.
See how Linux Mint handles documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with LibreOffice, a powerful, free alternative to Microsoft Office. This lesson gives you a quick tour of Writer, Calc, Impress, and more so you can create and open files with ease right from day one.
Learn how to bring your documents into Linux using OneDrive, even without a OneDrive app. This lesson shows how to access, edit, and download your files right from the web, making it easy to move your work from Windows to Linux with minimal fuss.
See how Linux handles updates without the surprises and forced reboots Windows is known for. This lesson shows where to find updates, how to install them, and why Linux’s gentler approach makes keeping your system secure both easy and stress-free.
Take the mystery out of disks in Linux. This lesson shows how Linux handles drives, partitions, and file systems — including USB sticks and external hard drives — and what you’ll need to know before using them for backups. A simple tour that makes storage in Linux feel familiar and manageable.
Discover how Linux handles backups differently—and often more simply—than Windows. This lesson shows why Linux’s design makes protecting your files easier, what to back up, and the tools you’ll use to do it safely. It’s your guide to keeping your Linux system secure from surprises.
12.1 Backing Up Your Own Files
12.2 Backing Up Your Own Files With a different tool
If you’ve purchased the course, you’re welcome to ask for a refund, of course. I expect to resume in January.
More coming soon.
This course is currently under construction, and the lessons below will be added.
My apologies for the slowness. A couple of life issues, and I’m also refining the process I’m using to create these lessons. Your patience is much appreciated. (As is your feedback!)
IMPORTANT: If there’s a particular topic you want to see addressed but that doesn’t seem to be covered below, or wasn’t covered in enough depth above, drop me a line at lfe@askleo.com.
Lesson 13: Linux standard file and folder locations
Lesson 14: Log files in Linux
Lesson 15: Help! – What to do and where to go when things go wrong.
Lesson 16: A 30 Day Plan – 4 weeks to take your time and poke around.
Lesson 17: Undo – Returning to Windows, should you choose.
