A technology writer replaced Windows with Linux on two Microsoft Surface devices, finding most tasks workable but struggling with hardware compatibility and installation. The primary feature missed is Windows Hello's facial recognition for authentication. Despite challenges, Linux proved viable for productivity with familiar apps and shortcuts.
In a detailed account, a ZDNET contributor tested switching from Windows to Linux on a Surface Go 2 with an Intel Core m3-8100y CPU and a Surface Pro 8 with an 11th Generation Intel Core i7. The process involved trying Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, Zorin OS 18, and Fedora 43, ultimately succeeding with Fedora on the Surface Go 2 and Zorin OS 18 Core on the Surface Pro 8. Hardware compatibility posed initial hurdles; Arm-based devices like a Dell XPS 13 9345 with Qualcomm Snapdragon failed to install any distribution, while x86-based Intel machines required the linux-surface kernel from GitHub for touchscreen, pen, and camera support.
Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols of ZDNET noted, "Is Linux easy to use? Yes! The days when you had to be a tech wizard to run Linux are long over. If you can run Windows, you can run Linux." However, the writer encountered difficulties, including webcam functionality that worked out-of-the-box only on Fedora for the Surface Go 2, and sleep issues causing battery drain when closing the Type Cover.
Daily use revealed similarities to Windows, with keyboard shortcuts functioning alike and apps such as Microsoft Edge, 1Password, and Obsidian installing easily via Flatpak or repositories. Cloud-based Office files accessed through Edge performed without issues. Authentication relied on a YubiKey hardware key, but the absence of native Windows Hello facial recognition was a notable drawback, as third-party tools like Howdy failed to integrate seamlessly.
The experience highlighted Linux's maturation for mainstream tasks on supported hardware, though it demands terminal commands and patience. Linux holds about 4% of desktop market share worldwide, per StatCounter GlobalStats, with community support aiding transitions on devices like Surfaces. For novices, the learning curve remains steep, suggesting alternatives like macOS for simplicity.