Do you have a computer or laptop at home that crawls under Windows and you would happily throw it out? Before you do, try Linux. It can turn a machine that was barely breathing into a brisk computer for everyday work, and completely for free.

Why Linux specifically

Windows grows heavier over time and struggles on older hardware (especially with little memory and without an SSD). Linux, by contrast, is lighter, faster and gentler on memory. On top of that it is free, receives security updates for a long time and tends to be less of a target for viruses. For an older computer it is like swapping a backpack full of stones for a light bag.

This is especially handy now that Windows 10 has reached end of support and many older computers are officially not enough for Windows 11.

What works normally on Linux

For most everyday things Linux is now fully capable:

  • browsing the internet (Chrome, Firefox),
  • office work (LibreOffice opens Word and Excel files too),
  • email, video calls, watching videos, photos, music.

For surfing, office work and media, an old laptop with Linux is perfectly adequate, often brisker than before.

Where the limits are

Let us be honest, Linux is not a solution for everything:

  • Programs only for Windows (some accounting systems, professional Adobe and the like) do not run on it natively. Some of it can be worked around, but not all.
  • More demanding games are still a compromise on Linux.
  • You need a little while to get used to a slightly different environment.

So if you need a specific program on the computer that is Windows-only, Linux may not fit. But for a second computer, a computer for the kids or undemanding work, it is ideal.

Which Linux and how to get it

For beginners the friendliest is Linux Mint, which looks and feels similar to Windows. For weaker computers Xubuntu (with the lightweight Xfce desktop) is a good fit, and for really old machines with little memory the even leaner Lubuntu (the LXQt desktop). All three are based on Ubuntu, so they share the same foundation and good support.

A rough guide: for an ordinary newer computer Mint is fine, for 4 GB of memory rather Xubuntu, and for old 2 GB machines Lubuntu.

What to check before switching

  • Drivers and wifi, especially on older laptops. Most hardware works right away, but a few chips may need an extra driver installed.
  • The printer and peripherals, whether the given Linux supports them.
  • The programs you really need. If there is something Windows-only among them, find a replacement or a workaround in advance.

A second life even without switching

An old computer with Linux does not have to serve only for surfing. It often becomes:

  • a home server (backups, files, network storage),
  • a media centre under the TV,
  • a computer for a child for learning and browser games.

How to try it without commitment

You do not have to install Linux right away. You download a system image, “burn” it to a USB stick and boot the computer from it. A live version (live USB) starts straight from the stick, where you try out the look, wifi and speed without any change to the disk. Once it suits you, only then do you install it permanently.

Important: back up your data first. For the installation itself the drive needs to be handled carefully.

Do you have an old computer at home that is a shame to throw away? Get in touch. We will assess whether it is worth reviving, or recycle it responsibly.

We revive your old computer or recycle it responsibly

We assess whether switching to Linux is worth it, install and set it up, or recycle your old computer the right way. For households and businesses in Liptov.

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This article is part of our Software and system overview.