Linux has a hidden value. However I put in it on my outdated laptop computer anyway
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The issue
Like most individuals, I’ve outdated tech in my house. My foremost laptop computer is 9 years outdated. Its backup is an outdated company ThinkPad relationship again to 2013. I take that second laptop computer to busy locations or once I simply don’t need to fear about theft. I’ve left it precisely as I bought it—I’ve by no means added extra RAM or swapped its spinning platter drive for a quicker SSD.
I may have caught with Home windows 10, which nonetheless is getting safety updates for now. However so is ChromeOS. Final 12 months, to assist enhance efficiency, I switched. Google’s working system is much less demanding, which lets the ThinkPad run smoother throughout net shopping regardless of its age.
That call solely kicked the can down the street, although. Google ends help for ChromeOS on this ThinkPad in December. Earlier than AI’s pervasive unfold, I may have winged it and stored going with an unpatched ChromeOS construct.
However now that’s too dangerous. We’re in an period the place you’ll be able to’t even belief legit apps and browser extensions to be secure. I additionally checked out my checking account and determined that purchasing an SSD and going again to Home windows 10 wasn’t a sensible long-term answer. (Discuss value.) One more factor accountable on the present AI frenzy in tech.
Microsoft
The answer
So I settled on Linux. However not after a number of studying. And asking questions. And doing but extra studying. I’ve positively spent greater than a few hours getting the lay of the land.
I may have simply picked a distro and run with it, certain. Individuals consistently say in assist boards and subreddits to simply strive reside booting into Linux. I don’t suppose that’s a good take, although—it’s a giant ask of anybody with fundamental information of PCs and nil of Linux. Even being an informed normie complicates issues—I do know sufficient to be involved about touchscreen help, audio drivers, and the like.
