Linux Computers

If you have an old computer that Microsoft will not let you upgrade to Windows 11, but the computer works fine, there are options you can do.
You can continue using the computer as is, knowing there are security risks from hackers, scammers, and malware.
Or you can install a safe other than Microsoft operating system such as Google's ChromeOS Flex, or a Linux.
I love my Linux laptops and servers. Here is why.

First What is a Linux computer?

Linux is an operating system, or more accurately the kernel that makes everything in the computer work together.
Linux works similar to Microsoft Windows, Apple MacOS or iOS, or Google Chromebook.

Linux is very flexible and can be used in many ways.
Most of us use Linux every day without realizing it.
The majority of websites run on Linux. Most of our home WiFi systems run on Linux.
Many of our home appliances run on Linux: Smart TVs, Lights, Thermostats, Doorbells, Security Cameras, and the list goes on.
Major brand names also use Linux.
Android, Chromebook, iCloud, and some Microsoft systems run on Linux.

Why don't we hear about Linux?

Linux is so commonly used in so many different ways, it is difficult to create a brand name awareness.
Do you use an android phone? Do you have a smart TV, anything "smart" in your home from lightbulbs to thermostats, refrigerators and dishwashers? Do you use Facebook?
Linux is everywhere. If you go to a website, most websites are run on Linux servers. You just aren't aware of it.
Linux operating systems are "free"; there is no advertizing budget, so there are few if any advertisements about it.
Linux computers have not always been user friendly, as it is now.
Linux was more commonly used by technology professionals, hobbiest and not very user friendly for the average user.

And there is another reason you dont hear a lot about Linux.
It is not in the news for malware, viruses or major security flaws.
Linux is considered more secure than Microsoft or Apple, and more stable.

What about security?

Are Linux computers more secure than Windows or Macs? Depends on who you talk to.
Google research found Linux systems are more secure than Windows or Macs. Some may claim the results are self serving considering Google's Android and Chromebook run on Linux.
When Linux has a security or software update, you are ask if you want to do it now, or be reminded.
Before anything can be installed you have to enter your password.
For the most part Linux does not have to have antivirus. Very few viruses will even run on on Linux, and you would be ask, do you want to install this virus.
Linux comes with its own firewall.
If some company calls you, or a popup claims you need to call them to fix your computer, remember you don't use their company.
Are you concerned with so many companies 'spying on everything you do'? Most commonly available and used Linux versions don't.

Benefits of Linux

I love the stability of Linux. In ten years I cannot remember mine ever crashing.
If you have an old computer that will no longer run Windows, Linux will probably run on it.
Most software for Linux are open source or free.
Most commonly used software has a Linux version.
With more software being web based in the cloud, most software has a version that can be used on Linux.

What about software?

Many Linux have open source software preloaded.

Basic examples
• LibreOffice and OpenOffice are suites of Office software.
• Thunderbird is an email, calendar and contacts app.
• Inkscape and Gimp are graphic software apps.
• Firefox and Chromium are web browsers

Many software companies now have versions that run "in the cloud" and are accessed using a web browser, and can be used on Linux.

Drawbacks for Linux

"Windows Only" or "Mac Only" software cannot be installed on Linux.
But as I said above, many software manufactors have either a Linux version, or a cloud/web version.

Some hardware manufactors do not support Linux. For example I have one printer that works with Linux, and another that does not.

There is the learning curve. Linux does do things different from Microsoft or Apple.

And there is technical support. There are tons of helpful information and videos on the Internet about how to do things in Linux.
But there are not as many tech-support people who know how to work on Linux.

You Don't Like Change

You don't like having to learn something new.
Do you have to learn something new? Of course you do.
Change is inevitable; every technology provider is constantly changing things and forcing us to learn something new.
Is Linux difficult to learn? It depends on which type of Linux you choose. As I said earlier, saying Linux is like saying ice cream.
There are hundreds of flavors.
One of the easiest "flavors" (distros) to learn is Mint. I think Mint has the look and feel of some older versions of Windows.
I use Ubuntu desktops and servers. Ubuntu is the most popular desktop version. It is not particularly hard to learn.
There are other versions of Linux, but I recommend Mint or Ubuntu for beginners.