I wrote about the brand new Nexus mods app before, as it's quite a promising and exciting development for the future of modding (especially for Linux and Steam Deck). And now, they want your feedback.

Yesterday, July 1st, they announced the Alpha release of this next-generation mod manager and their new Product Manager got in touch to mention they “would be really keen to get feedback from Linux users”. So this is your chance to ensure Linux (and Steam Deck) finally become a first-class citizen for game modding.

  • can@sh.itjust.works
    7·
    7 months ago

    Just install Linux on your laptop or desktop.

    I have been trying

    I don’t think my laptop likes to boot from a USB, things used to be so much easier. Maybe I need to try a DVD.

    I need to find a DVD.

    • caseyweederman@lemmy.ca
      5·
      7 months ago

      Mind if we collectively do some troubleshooting?
      What are you using to write to the usb key? Have you tried tools like Ventoy? What OS are you using to write the USB iso? Which iso are you using?
      What model is your laptop? How far along in the process are you able to get? Is the USB key in the boot device list? Do you have USB enabled in the BIOS under bootable options?

      • can@sh.itjust.works
        5·
        7 months ago

        I would really appreciate that in fact.

        I tried Rufus and UNetbootin, both on the windows 10 machine I’m intending to try Linux on, to a 32gb flash drive (I tried two different ones actually). I used an AV Linux ISO and Ubuntu Studio ISO. I have not tried Ventoy.

        It’s an HP. I’ll have to check the model. I went through the bios, and while admittedly it’s been some time, I thought everything seemed right. I recall trying to change the priority.

        It wouldn’t boot at all. Windows just forces its way through.

        Edit: I looked I to Ventoy a bit. I’ll give it a try tomorrow.

        • pezhore@lemmy.ml
          5·
          7 months ago

          There should be a a button that you can press repeatedly to open up a boot menu - it can be the delete key, f2, etc.

          Depending on how new your laptop is, you may need to disable something called “Secure Boot”. Keep in mind if your windows installation is encrypted with BitLocker or whatever else Windows is using these days. If it is encrypted, and you have secure boot enabled you may run into issues booting back into Windows - it will freak out that secure boot was disabled and require your encryption key.

          At least, that’s what happened with my ROG Zephyrus M16 - I had to find my BitLocker key to boot into Windows and then decrypt it using the settings menu.

          Also, if you want to be able to use both Windows and Linux - see if your laptop has an expansion port for a second hard drive. Windows historically has screwed over dual booted Linux grub with updates, and if you can just boot to a entirely different drive that won’t happen.

          • can@sh.itjust.works
            3·
            7 months ago

            It’s at least 5 years old. I’ll look into secure boot. I wouldn’t be against ditching windows entirely but I’m not sure I’m up for transferring all my files over right now. No way my laptop supports another drive unfortunately

            Edit: however much to my surprise I did find an official service guide

            • pezhore@lemmy.ml
              3·
              7 months ago

              Yeah, I may catch flak but I wouldn’t be inclined to ditch windows altogether. Unless you literally only do web browsing on your laptop, there’s a high likelihood you may run into a few things that need troubleshooting to get working under Linux, and dual being able to switch back to Windows seamlessly is a huge help/comfort.

              If you can find the model number or service tag, that would be a big help for troubleshooting.

              There should be a sticker under your laptop with a bunch of tiny text, or if I recall correctly you can use System Information. See this article

              • can@sh.itjust.works
                2·
                7 months ago

                I only do audio production on my laptop. All browsing is come on my phone whenever possible. The software in my workflow is all Linux compatible and the distros I’m interested in are geared toward that focus. That said I would appreciate the convenience of having windows for now still. Especially since there are some plugins I occasionally use which unfortunately aren’t Linux compatible.

              • caseyweederman@lemmy.ca
                2·
                7 months ago

                That’s good advice, but I’d put forward that you can do all your troubleshooting in a live install so you can bail if you need to. Chances are most things just work and then it’s easier to hit the button.

      • can@sh.itjust.works
        2·
        7 months ago

        That’s reassuring. I think it’s capable but it may be windows secure boot messing it up. Not familiar with bcdedit but I could try.

          • can@sh.itjust.works
            2·
            7 months ago

            For me, it’s just a matter of finding various forum posts from other people trying to get it working, and applying different suggested fixes until something works (ideally).

            I’m no stranger to that. I guess it’s a matter of motivation at this point.

    • Caveman@lemmy.world
      3·
      7 months ago

      It might take a bit to wade through the BIOS settings to get it up but I’d recommend a process of elimination based on “Doesn’t sound relevant to the boot sequence” to figure it out. I have a recent HP laptop and I installed KDE Neon on it.

      Searching for “How to install Linux on [your BIOS and version]” might also help.