My original language of choice was C++, but I really started learning once I got into Java then C#. I've started programming a MUD in C#, and I've got most of the framework in place (network support, command processor via Lua, etc). My problem is that my laptop isn't that great; it was the cheapest one from the HP site in 2005. Although I don't have a whole lot installed or running on my computer, it's still running pretty slow, and reformatting doesn't help a lot. The minimalist in me is wanting to switch to a light-weight distro of Linux, but I'm wondering how I'll be able to keep programming my game.

My C++ and Linux skills are sub-par to say the least. The last time I programmed in C++, I did everything using main() and functions; no object-orientedness to be seen. I'm looking forward to learning more about C++ now that I've learned everything I did from Java and C#. Linux seems *way* over my head too, but that's quite another story all together.

This is why I'm posting here. By switching to Linux, I won't have access to C# anymore, so I'll be going back to C++. My question is this: for any programmers out there who have made the switch between operating systems, how smooth was it? Was it as simple as reformatting with a new OS and installing an IDE and that's it? What was your choice of Linux C++ IDEs? Basically, what kinds of things should I know for making such a switch?