Can’t upgrade to Windows 11? Try Linux?

There’s now less than a year to go before Windows 10 reaches the end of its life. 

If you’re using an older computer which won’t upgrade to Windows 11, but you don’t want to replace your computer or laptop just yet, making use of Linux as a replacement for Windows 10 is an option. Switching to Linux will keep you secure, and you’ll have something which will be in support for a number of years.

Linux is an alternative to Windows, which is normally free to use. There are different versions of Linux, which will have slightly different features and software built into it. The version you go for will probably differ based on your requirements and how computer literate you are.

The best version of Linux, as a direct replacement for Windows 10, is Zorin.

Zorin looks and feels very similar to Windows, and is probably the closest thing you’ll get to Windows, without it being Windows. If you have average computer skills (and that’s OK), you will more than likely get on just fine with Zorin.

Zorin has a similar Windows-style menu system, and taskbar at the bottom of the screen, which you’re probably used to already from Windows. There’s even the date and time in the bottom right of the screen along with those useful icons for connectivity, battery life and sound.

Zorin comes pre-installed with Libre Office, which is an alternative to Microsoft Office. Libre Office certainly isn’t at the same level as Microsoft Office, but given that it’s free, it’s more than capable of producing Word documents and Excel sheets. If you’re not using Microsoft Office, or just use the web versions of Office, then this isn’t a problem at all.

We’d say, the more you have in the Cloud, the better. Linux is perfect for you if you don’t need additional software on the computer for your daily computer use.

If you need to use the likes of Sage or Graphic Design software, then Linux won’t be for you.

If you’re working in the Cloud (like me), then Linux is an option. I honestly prefer Linux for the pure Cloud computing work that I do, such as producing this blog article. My Linux laptop is of low specification, yet it runs Linux Zorin really quickly. It’s a pleasure to use.

What I like with Linux, is that the updates don’t interfere with my daily computer use, in the way that Windows can. When it has updated (at a time of your choosing), the restart isn’t forced on you. When you do restart, it’s the same as a normal restart in terms of how quickly it brings you back to the login screen (we’ve all sat for many minutes waiting for Windows to finish applying updates…).

It’s worth thinking about Linux, and ideally, the Zorin version to save your computer from landfill and save you some money. You may as well try it. You don’t know if something is for you unless you give it a try first!

If you’d like to discuss Linux in more detail, please contact us at hello@lucidcomputersolutions.co.uk or 01527 908646.

Gavin Moorhouse is the owner of Lucid Computer Solutions, based in Redditch, they provide IT Services to businesses. Want to speak with him about your business? He’s only a phone call away… 01527 908646