Computers and Technology

@ohiobarbarian

A big  thing to check before switching is – do you use any applications that require Windows and for which there are no Linux equivalents?

Otherwise, as others have said, Mint and Ubuntu would be okay, and MX Linux looks okay, too.

I have set up Linux boxes (Ubunti or Mint) for several naive users and they’ve never had any major…[Read more]

@ohiobarbarian

Hi ob,

As a newbie Linux user I would recommend MX Linux.  I have found it to be even better than Mint.  If you want to read about different distributions the best place to start is DistroWatch.  They track the popularity of all the major distributions on a weekly basis.

The link for Distrowatch and MX Linux are provided be…[Read more]

I suggest creating a new partition for the Linux distro, then install Linux to dual boot.  This should be an option on installation.

If you do, since you don’t want Linux to format your Windows partition (you’ll never get it back) or any partition having needed programs and files, be absolutely sure Linux is set to install to the new empty…[Read more]

Yep…

Since your machine currently runs Windows 7, it won’t be difficult to switch. Windows 8 will be more difficult due to the Secure Boot “feature.”

https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-replace-windows-7-with-linux-mint/

@deadpool Can I use the same machine? It’ an old Compaq Presario desktop.

I second Linux Mint. Since you’re coming from a windows machine, Mint will most likely be the easiest adjustment for you.

Ubuntu is not far behind…

Here’s a good link for you. The writer also has good things to say about Mint. Check it out. I may be going down the same road soon. My desktop is running Windows 7 and though I like it, maybe it’s time for a change.

Windows 7 will work for a while. I think M$ will end up supporting it for several more years just like they had to do with XP. It won’t magically stop working just because they won’t support it any longer-it will probably work better since they won’t screw it up with an update.

For Linux, I’m partial to the various Mint Editions since when you…[Read more]

@nvwino

Thanks, that information is really helpful.  I am aiming for a mixture like that.

I may be the only person in the world who likes Comcast… unless you have to talk to a rep.

I don’t, however, have TV service. Internet and telephone only. The telephone is good and bad. The good: it gives you written, which can be amusing, and voice messages. I can retrieve them from my phone, cell phone, iPad or computer. It rings on my cell p…[Read more]

@Elias39,

Thank you!!!!!  I am not a cell phone user.  My son lives with me and he has one, though.  I will likely go the MagicJack route, I can keep my number.   And I will check out Roku.

We just ‘cut the cord’ here about a month ago. I’m living just fine. Tip #1 – get a Roku box/stick whatever. Suddenly you have access to dozens of offerings. Through the Roku apps, we get more news stations than we need. That’s what I used to (still do) watch most of the time. And with Netflix, there are so many things to watch!

Yes. Get rid of…[Read more]

Took 4 hours. Couple minor glitches but everything working. Windoze authenticated with the hardware changes. Made new clone of boot drive.