8 Things you can do in Windows and how to do them with Linux

When you move to a new operating system (whether it's Windows, macOS, or a flavor of Linux that's new to you) it's often difficult to find what you are looking for -- at first. Here are some common tasks that you likely know how to do without thinking in your old operating system and how to do them in Linux.

1. Display your computer's system information

Ubuntu Cinnamon's System Info Dialog box
Windows

As of the last time I used Windows, if you want a graphical display of the specs for your computer, you click on the Start icon (Windows logo), select Settings > About then click through the various categories. I imagine that's not very intuitive if you have only ever used a Mac.

macOS

On Apple's macOS, click the Apple menu, then select System Settings > General > About to display at least some of your computer's specifications.

Linux

Linux, too, has graphical tools to display information about your computer's hardware. On many distributions using the MATE desktop, for example Ubuntu MATE, click the power icon in the panel and select About This Computer.

On distributions using the Cinnamon desktop, from the menus, select Preferences. > System Info

On distributions running KDE Plasma, like openSUSE, from the menus, select SystemSystem SettingsAbout this System.

For other distributions that don't have an equivalent menu selection, there is a utility called SysInfo that does a similar thing. SysInfo is not installed by default in all distributions, but it is available in many package repositories. Just use your package manager to install it.

2. Change your password

Tutorial: Ubuntu MATE 18.04 Changing Your Password

3. Pair a bluetooth device

How To Pair Bluetooth Devices

4. Use your stylus on a laptop with a touch screen

Run Ubuntu MATE On A 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop

5. Use an office suite that won't break the bank 

4 Ways To Use Office On Linux

6. Make installation media to install Linux

Make Linux Installation Media From Windows, Mac Or Linux

7. Use KVM software to control multiple computers

Open Source, Cross-platform KVM Software

8. Access and Control A Remote Computer

Access and Control A Remote Computer