Computer Maintenance / Linux Conversions
Table of Contents
Why Convert an Old Computer#
Sometimes a computer becomes old, and the original operating system is no longer supported or runs poorly.
That doesn’t mean the hardware is useless. In many cases, a Linux installation will bring it back to life.
What You Can Use Out of the Box#
Linux provides a stable base for everyday tasks:
- Web browsing
- Office-style documents and spreadsheets
- Media playback (music, video)
- Printing and scanning (most devices work automatically)
- Software updates delivered through one central manager
Most of these tasks run faster and lighter on Linux than on an aging Windows or macOS installation.
Linux Distros I Install For You…#
- Linux Mint (Suggested for Windows users…)
- Ubuntu
- Fedora
- Debian
- openSUSE
$35/hour – process should be an hour or less. But if migrating data, maybe more.
What You Generally Won’t Do the Same Way#
There are limits and trade-offs to be aware of:
- Gaming: mainstream Windows titles usually won’t run without extra tools. Some work under Steam/Proton, but not all.
- Specialized commercial software: many Windows-only programs (AutoCAD, Adobe CC) aren’t directly available.
- Peripheral support: rare or proprietary devices may not have Linux drivers.
For day-to-day browsing, writing, and communication, Linux is usually straightforward. For niche tasks, it may not be.
Is Linux Difficult?#
It depends on what you expect from your computer.
- For basic use — web, email, word processing — Linux is no harder than Windows or macOS.
- For advanced setups — servers, development, or running unusual hardware — it asks for more technical knowledge.
The key is choosing a distribution that matches your comfort level.
Linux Distributions Worth Considering#
- Ubuntu — widely recommended, strong community support, regular updates.
- Fedora — up to date with the newest features, good for learning cutting-edge Linux.
- Linux Mint or Xubuntu — lighter versions of Ubuntu, excellent for older hardware.
- Debian — stable, conservative, long-term support.
Most distributions offer a “live” version you can test from a USB stick before installing.
Conclusion: Computers Are Not Disposable#
Computers are not single-use appliances. They can almost always be rescued with the right system, and Linux provides that path.
Instead of discarding an older machine, installing Linux gives it a new role and keeps it useful.
Regular maintenance — updates, backups, simple care — extends its life even further.
See also I Am Kirksville’s Linux Guy
Posts in Linux Conversions
- Windows 10 Updates Ended -- What Kirksville Should Know — Windows 10 support has officially ended. Discover why Linux is now the smarter, faster, and more private choice for Kirksville and Northeast Missouri users.
- How Linux and Open-Source Software Can Save NEMO Small Businesses Thousands — A detailed comparison of costs and benefits for small businesses switching to Linux, with special focus on rural and low-margin operations in places like Kirksville, Missouri.
- Teaching With the Whole Computer: Why Kirksville Classrooms Should Consider Linux — A practical, good-humored look at Windows vs. Linux for K-12 and community college teachers in Northeast Missouri — what the meme gets wrong, what history got right, and how schools can save money while teaching real computer literacy.
- Is It Hard to Switch to Linux? Not Really. — Switching to Linux is easier than ever. Learn how modern Linux systems work for everyday users — with real facts, examples, and reasons to finally leave Windows behind.
- Linux Compatibility Cheat Sheet by Make, Model & Year (10+ Years of Hardware) — Pick the right Linux distro for your exact computer: make → model → year range. Mapped to modern (Tier A) and lightweight (Tier B) options, with notes and certified hardware links.
- I Am Kirksville’s Linux Guy — Linux already powers most of the world — and now it can power Kirksville. Here's how open-source systems can make your computers faster, safer, and built to last.
- USB Boot and Firmware Unlock Cheat Sheet — Field-ready Hugo markdown reference for booting from USB and unlocking firmware protections across every major computer system.
Posts in Distro List
- Debian Linux (Stable): Who It’s For and Why It Matters — A deeply informative guide to Debian Stable — its history, reliability, and why it remains the backbone of the Linux world.
- Fedora Linux: A Complete Guide for Professionals, Educators, and Power Users — An authoritative guide to Fedora Linux — its enterprise-grade tools, developer focus, and modern workstation experience.
- Linux Mint for Windows Users: A Familiar and Powerful Transition — A complete onboarding guide to Linux Mint for Windows users — bridging familiarity with open-source power and stability.
- openSUSE: Key Features, Strengths, and Benefits — A detailed breakdown of openSUSE’s powerful ecosystem — from YaST and zypper to Btrfs snapshots and enterprise-grade stability.
- What Ubuntu Really Offers: Power, Simplicity, and Purpose — An in-depth look at Ubuntu’s ecosystem — from desktops and classrooms to servers, cloud infrastructure, and beyond.