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 are Linux Mint or Ubuntu, which look and feel similar to Windows. For really old and weak machines there are even lighter versions.

Important: back up your data first. You can try Linux without commitment alongside Windows at first, but for the switch 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.