Bazzite has a feature that makes switching from Windows feel much easier

After teasing myself with the idea of finally making the switch to Linux, I made it happen. My Windows 11 partition is no more, and I’m fully invested in the Bazzite train. Surprisingly, it hasn’t been as complicated as I originally expected. While I’m still leaning on Claude and other assistants to help me with the Terminal when I’m struggling, it’s been smooth sailing otherwise. One thing in particular really helped bridge the gap between Windows and Bazzite, primarily when it comes to installing new applications on this new OS.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that Bazaar was a thing on the KDE version of Bazzite that I installed. I expected that I was going to be living in the Terminal, but this makes it a more friendly, less bloated app store that puts the Windows Store to shame.

Flatpaks done simple

I don’t need to scour the net for ways to download apps

Credit: Shaun Cichacki/MUO

One thing about Windows that is admittedly nice is the ability to download and install basically any .exe file that you come across on the internet. Even with my roughly week and a half old Bazzite installation, I’ve found the same programs that I used on a regular basis on my Windows installation, or proper replacements for them, all thanks to Bazaar. Instead of scouring through countless GitHub pages and trying to figure out exactly what version of Linux I use so I can download a random application I want, I can just search for it, find it, and download the Flatpak directly through this program.

Almost every program that I used on my Windows installation, including open-source replacements for some of the most expensive subscription-based apps out there, is available here. Even some more niche applications, like my favorite Markdown-enabled note taker, were quick and easy to download through here. It’s honestly more friendly and easier to search than the Windows App store, which is loaded to the brim with shovelware and paid apps that seem like they should be free.

Curated recommendations

If I can’t find the “Windows” version, this helps me discover new options

Credit: Shaun Cichacki/MUO

While I had messed around with Linux in the past, it was always on a live USB. I played some Steam games and messed around with a few things, but I never realized that some of my favorite programs weren’t going to carry over from my Windows installation. I was so frustrated with Windows and didn’t even care about those programs, and made the plunge into Bazzite without looking back. Thankfully, after checking the Curated section, I was relieved to see that many of the programs that I had grown to love over the years were still able to be installed with the click of a button.

If there was a program that I was missing, I could also check the Curated tab to see if there was a proper replacement. Seeing as Discord has been under fire for its age-verification practices, I was already looking into alternatives. That’s why I was stoked to see that TeamSpeak was available to download as a simple file. I didn’t have to mess with the Terminal, I didn’t have to try and figure out what program and what version I needed. All I needed to do was click Download, and I was off to the races, replacing and reinstalling a ton of my old favorites.

Updates are just as simple

I don’t need to worry about checking GitHub all the time

Another thing that I had always heard about Linux is that users would have to manually update their software. Alongside plenty of other Linux myths that I’ve quickly learned were nothing more than internet rumors, I’m happy to say that Bazaar does all of the heavy lifting for me. All I need to do is occasionally check the Bazaar Updates tab, and I can see if any of my programs need updates. It’s worth noting that OS updates and Flatpak updates are separate processes. But, at least Bazaar handles your installed apps, so you don’t need to fret as much when it comes to forgetting that TeamSpeak or Audacity needs an update.

But what if you want to check your upgrades manually via the Terminal? Even if you download them from Bazaar, you can still do that. You can also quickly check for Homebrew/Brew packages and software updates from the Terminal with a few prompts, which you’ll find below:

#OS and System-level apps
ujust update

#Flatpak Updates
flatpak update

#Homebrew/Brew Packages
brew upgrade

It’s Flatpak only

Some more niche applications may still require some Terminal work

Credit: Shaun Cichacki/MUO

If something isn’t on Flathub, it won’t be available here. This is something to note, especially for Windows converts to Linux, since not every Linux distro is built the same. I learned this the hard way the first time I tried to find and download something from GitHub and had absolutely no idea which package I needed to download. There was Arch packages, Fedora, GNOME, KDE, and so many more. Make sure you note down which version of Linux that you’re running, and don’t be afraid to search the internet for some extra help to completely nail down which version you’ve got. Downloading and trying to run or install the wrong thing is just going to be a waste of time and energy on your part.

As a result of that, you’re still going to need to try to track down some applications, especially if they’re super niche. Most applications that I’ve had to install have been quickly and easily found through Bazaar, but other applications that I was curious about or wanted to mess around with required a bit of knowledge about GitHub and some Terminal skills. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to check forums, ask the community for help, or consult Claude or Gemini if needed.

OS

Linux

Security

SELinux, Secure Boot, Signed Container Images, LUKS

The initial learning curve of Bazzite is much nicer than I thought

After installing Linux Mint on a mini-PC, I was ready to dive into the Terminal to start installing programs that I’ve found all over the net. But I would be lying if just searching for it via Bazaar wasn’t a lot nicer. Having a familiar look and feel to the Windows Store without swimming through Candy Crush ads and shovelware has been incredibly nice. I think I’m going to like it here on the Dark Side, and I’m already finding my way around just fine.