I posted this as a comment in another post but when I got done I realized it would probably just be better as its own post. I'm sure I could find the answers I need myself but frankly I trust the userbase here more than most online articles.
As my username hints at, I'm a lawyer. I'm considering starting my own firm as a solo practitioner. I need a computer and/or laptop for it, and as a new business my budget would be pretty tight. I've mostly only ever used windows, but I'm getting fed up with the bullshit, so I'm considering going with Linux.
I assume Linux is capable of doing everything I need, which is primarily handling word documents, viewing PDFs, watching evidence videos, and online research. But my concern is that some of the more commonly used video types might have trouble on Linux, or that some of the word document templates I use in Windows might have compatibility issues.
I'm also nervous about using an OS I'm not familiar with for business purposes right away.
So I guess I'm asking a few questions. What is a reliable yet affordable option to get started? Are my concerns based in reality or is Linux going to be able to handle everything windows does without issues? What else might I need to know to use Linux comfortably from the get go? Is it going to take a lot of time and effort to get Linux running how I need it to?
For reference, I do consider myself to be somewhat tech-savvy. I don't code or anything, but I've built my last two home computers myself and I'm not scared of general software management, I just don't make it myself.
So, yeah, sell me on Linux, please.
Linux is about protecting your freedom as a pc user. It means the software should always work for you, never against you, and you should have the right to inspect the code, modify it at will, and even sell it on or give it away for free
There are no licence fees, no tie in, and it runs faster on your pc then windows. It doesn't spy on your nor force updates on you.
It should run on most computers but occasionally you may have to install additional WiFi or graphics card drivers but it's not that common anymore.
You should definitely test it first, and try do everything you do on Windows, on Linux. To do this you can either install it alongside Windows or on a separate test pc or Intel it in a virtual machine on your pc
You can also use a live usb which lets you see it in action running off a usb stick but you can't install additional software so it's a limited experience.
I unequivocally recommend Linux Mint over any other Linux. I've seen the other comments but this is by far the best best Linux distro and the one you'll feel most comfortable on. There are other advantages as well but you'll learn that.
Linux Mint: https://linuxmint.com/
Virtual box(software for running vm's): https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
As for Office you have several choices:
If you pay monthly for Office you can access the full suite online via a browser. It should do everything the desktop version does.
Install Office alternatives that exist for Linux. There are 2 good choices to try:
A) OnlyOffice: https://www.onlyoffice.com/desktop.aspx
B) WPS Office: https://www.wps.com/
In both cases you'll need to download the deb file to install it. Deb files are like exe but for Debian and Ubuntu based Linux, think Mint is. They are the most widely available format.
I wouldn't bother with the built in Libre Office as it's not quite there yet. OnlyOffice can also do some PDF handling as well. You typically won't find free PDF software for Linux as it's proprietary software and companies like OnlyOffice likely pay Adobe some licencing fees to offer PDF edit functionality.
It might sound difficult but it's not, especially if you enjoy computers. If not, ask an IT or nerd friend you might have for help.
Good luck.