I have nothing particular to suggest but I just want to say this sounds great and happy to see. Enjoy!

As you mentioned Linux Mint is very beginner friendly so I’d recommend that.

Thank you for your reply, this is helpful to know.

That’s what I currently do as well, I just backup particular .config subfolders and other directories. I’ll probably continue to avoid just raw transferring an entire home directory on a new install.

that’s a good question and I’m not sure. Worth it to find out, but personally I don’t dual boot with Windows. I just have my main linux install and use a virtual machine. I never have needed to use a windows virtual machine but it would be interesting if I could activate it with the copy that came with my laptop.

Unless that copy is registered to my microsoft account? I have no idea that’s how much I try to avoid windows now

This is the way.

On a related note, would you recommend restoring an entire home directory (including the dot files and all the dot directories) once I reinstall all the packages after a fresh install? Would it basically replicate my restored setup or would there be random issues that emerge? I’m thinking particular system settings related to kde/gnome settings, but others I might not be aware of.

have you ever seen a commie drink a glass of water, mandrake?

sir your website is not working for me

If in the future i’m ever forced to drop smart phones because of further proprietary/removal of open source option then i’m definitely going this route.

have a dumb phone and just rely on a good laptop.

On second thought… maybe this is the way.