Shortly after retiring seven years ago, I decided it was time to get a new desktop computer. Armed with the encouragement of my adult son, I began researching options for building a Windows 10 pc. This is what I came up with.
Amazingly, this machine has worked amazingly well. No issues, just does its thing. All is well. I’ve pretty much ignored the Windows 11 upgrade, secure boot and TPM require me to install a new motherboard.
However, after reading a series of articles starting with this one, I will either continue to ignore everything until I can’t, run Windows on an unsupported machine, or switch to Linux. I have no platform loyalty having installed and run Linux, Mac OS, and Windows for decades. What do you think?
I also have a desktop computer from about 7 years ago that performs satisfactorily. But I’ve kind of already replaced it with a Chromebook that I picked up with a broken display for $75. Since I’m not a gamer I don’t really need much, just enough performance to browse and run Office 365.
Love the $75 Chromebook. Respect.
I recently switched away from Windows 11 to Nobara Linux after reading about the privacy nightmare recall was going to be. (and I don’t want AI shoved down my throat). It’s been mostly pain-free and I currently would not switch back.
Unless you need Adobe or desktop MS Office I think Linux is a very fine alternative these days. Especially with some very good user friendly options out there like Zorin OS.
If you like Chromebooks Google offers Chrome OS Flex these days as well.
Edit: I also see that you went with an all AMD machine, which has excellent hardware support on Linux.
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Thank you! Nobara or Zorin look great and in alignment with my needs/wants. I was hoping for some recommended Linux flavors!
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I like Nobara a lot so far, it’s a bit rougher around the edges but video games are very easy. They have a discord you can ask for help with issues on as well.
I’ve been running Linux Mint for about 10 years. It has a Windows-like UI, has regular upgrades, works pretty much flawlessly.
The system requirements for Mint are very low, the system you have is more than adequate.
I do run Windows 10 in a virtual machine for a few applications that require Windows.
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I have heard good things about mint, and appreciate that it’s been around for a while.
If you have particular Windows applications that you just have to use, check out projects like Wine or Bottles to see if your application is supported. These are API mapper projects that allow Windows programs to run under Linux with varying levels of success. The general rule is: The more complicated the application, the less likely it is to work smoothly. The compatibility lists are the best resource since some applications get more work put in than others.
I’ve been running Linux Slackware since the early days of Windows 3.1. Probably not the distribution you want to use if you’re not extremely technical. I have several versions of Windows kicking around in Virtual Machines for those rare occasions when I need it for something. KVM/QEMU if you’re curious.
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I tried Zorin out on a flash drive. It appears to meet my needs. I will also give Mint a try. I can’t think of a MS app that I need or want to use.
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