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Lubuntu, LXQt, Getting Started from Windows, New to Linux
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lubuntu-lxqt.md

Switching from Windows to Lubuntu (LXQt, Ubuntu 24.04)

A concise, practical onboarding guide for experienced Windows users

1. Downloading Lubuntu

  1. Go to lubuntu.me → Download
  2. Choose Lubuntu 24.04 LTS
  3. Download the ISO file

Why LTS: long-term security updates, fewer surprises.

2. Creating a Bootable USB (Rufus)

  1. Insert a USB stick (8 GB+)
  2. Open Rufus
  3. Select:
    • Device: your USB
    • Boot selection: Lubuntu ISO
    • Partition scheme:
      • GPT (UEFI systems)
      • MBR (older BIOS-only laptops)
  4. Click Start

Accept defaults unless you know you need otherwise.

3. Installing: Full Disk vs Dual Boot

Overwrite the whole disk (recommended)
✔ Simpler
✔ Fewer boot issues
✔ Best for old laptops

Use only part of the disk (dual boot)
✔ Keeps Windows
✖ More complex
✖ Risky on older hardware

If this machine is “Linux-only now”, overwrite the whole disk.

4. First Boot Checklist

  • Connect Wi-Fi
  • Run updates
  • Set keyboard & locale
  • Reboot once

5. Linux Basics (Windows → Linux)

Windows Linux
C:\ /
Program Files /usr/bin
Users /home/username
Explorer PCManFM-Qt
CMD / PowerShell bash

Key ideas:

  • Case-sensitive paths
  • Everything is a file
  • Admin tasks use sudo

6. Updating & Security Patching (APT)

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
  • update → refresh package list
  • upgrade → install security & feature updates

Optional (cleanup):

sudo apt autoremove

7. What Is APT?

APT = Advanced Package Tool It installs, updates, removes software with dependencies handled automatically.

Examples:

sudo apt install vlc
sudo apt remove vlc
apt search paint

Think: Windows Store + Chocolatey + Windows Update, but sane.

8. LXQt Explained

LXQt is a lightweight desktop environment:

  • Fast
  • Low RAM usage
  • Minimal background services
  • Highly configurable

Perfect for older laptops.

9. How Lubuntu Differs from Ubuntu

Ubuntu Lubuntu
GNOME desktop LXQt desktop
Heavier visuals Lightweight
More animations Faster
Higher RAM use Much lower RAM

Same base. Same repositories. Same security updates.

10. Lineage (Why This Matters)

Debian → Ubuntu → Lubuntu → (main frontend) LXQt

You inherit:

  • Debian stability
  • Ubuntu hardware support
  • LXQt performance

11. Default “Start Menu” Programs (Important Ones)

Lubuntu Program Windows Equivalent Purpose
PCManFM-Qt File Explorer File manager
QTerminal Command Prompt / PowerShell Terminal access
FeatherPad Notepad Lightweight text editor
LXQt Settings Control Panel System configuration
Discover Microsoft Store Software installation & updates
Firefox Edge / Chrome Web browser

12. Wi-Fi Issues (Common on Old Laptops)

  1. Check driver:
lspci | grep -i network
  1. Install firmware:
sudo apt install linux-firmware
  1. If Broadcom:
sudo apt install bcmwl-kernel-source

Reboot after installing drivers.

13. Pinning Apps & Trusting Launchers

  • Find an app in the Start Menu... Right-click app → Add to Desktop
  • Right-click desktop icon → Trust this executable

LXQt blocks unknown .desktop files by default (security feature).

14. Uninstalling Programs

GUI:

  • Discover → Installed → Remove

Terminal:

sudo apt remove program-name

15. Games for Younger Kids

  • GCompris – Educational games
  • SuperTux – Mario-like platformer
  • TuxPaint – Drawing
  • Minetest – Minecraft-style sandbox

Install via Discover or:

sudo apt install gcompris supertux tuxpaint minetest

16. Games Similar to Windows

Windows Game Linux Game apt package-name
Solitaire KKlondike kpat
Mine Sweeper Mines kmines
Chess XBoard xboard
Mahjongg KMahjongg kmahjongg
Puzzles * sgt-puzzles

17. Common Utilities (Windows → Lubuntu)

Windows Utility Lubuntu Equivalent
Control Panel LXQt Settings
Task Manager Qps / htop
Notepad FeatherPad
Paint KolourPaint
Disk Cleanup apt autoremove
Device Manager lspci, lsusb

18. The “Control Panel” in LXQt

LXQt Settings covers:

  • Display & multi-monitor
  • Keyboard & shortcuts
  • Mouse & touchpad
  • Power management
  • Appearance (themes, icons)
  • Panel & desktop behavior

Everything is modular and explicit—no hidden magic.

19. Multi-Monitor Setup

  • LXQt Settings → Display
  • Arrange screens visually
  • Set primary display
  • Apply

For terminal users:

xrandr

20. Hiding the Taskbar (Panel)

  • Right-click panel → Configure Panel
  • Enable Auto-hide
  • Adjust size and position

21. Bash & QTerminal (Getting Comfortable)

Start with:

ls
cd
cp
mv
rm
mkdir

Learn:

  • Tab completion
  • History (↑)
  • man command
  • Pipes (|)

For deeper mastery, see the separate article dedicated to bash, QTerminal, and shell workflows.

Final Thought

Lubuntu rewards curiosity. You can stay graphical forever—or gradually automate everything.

Same system. Same machine. Different mindset.

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