The “End of 10” website emerges as a collaborative initiative aimed at educating users about alternatives to purchasing new computers as Windows 10 approaches its end of life in just five months. With a straightforward message displayed in large, welcoming fonts, the campaign emphasizes that a new computer is not a necessity when the operating system reaches its expiration date. The official launch is set for May 28, as announced on its Mastodon account.
This project brings together a diverse team from various desktop environments and organizations, including members of the KDE registered association. Notably, the site’s source code is hosted on KDE’s GitLab, showcasing a commitment to open-source collaboration.
Global Linux Support Network
One of the standout features of the End of 10 website is its comprehensive list of resources for Linux support, boasting over 70 locations worldwide. A significant concentration of these resources can be found in Germany, but the list also includes intriguing entries like Serious Cybernetics in Australia, a name that certainly captures attention. While the list is a valuable asset, it would benefit greatly from categorization to enhance user experience before the campaign’s official launch.
The potential impact of this initiative is substantial. Recent data indicates that Windows 11 has surpassed its predecessor, with US Government Analytics reporting a market share of 16.5% for Windows 11 compared to 15.5% for Windows 10. However, a staggering number of Windows 10 machines—estimated at 400 million—are unable to upgrade due to hardware limitations, particularly those with processors older than six years. The UK’s Consumer Association magazine, Which?, succinctly notes that many PCs running Windows 10 lack the necessary specifications for an upgrade, especially those originally equipped with Windows 7 or 8.1.
For those unable to upgrade or purchase new hardware, Which? offers a pragmatic suggestion: consider converting to ChromeOS Flex, particularly for laptop users. This operating system has proven effective and is not confined to laptops alone, although it does require a Google account for full functionality. For friends who may be less tech-savvy, the Gmailify feature allows users with Yahoo, AOL, or Hotmail/Outlook accounts to transition smoothly.
In a recent discussion, we explored the option of Windows 10 LTSC, noting that the IoT edition will receive updates until 2032. While reinstalling is the safest route, upgrading in place is feasible with the right tools. However, we advise caution in this approach. As SJVN from The Register aptly puts it, “Linux is forever,” or as close to permanence as any operating system can achieve.
Which? recommends Ubuntu for those willing to invest time in learning a new system, a suggestion that aligns well with the idea of sticking to established distributions rather than venturing into experimental territory. While some may find the GNOME user interface challenging, alternatives such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu flavors with more familiar desktops—like Ubuntu MATE, Xubuntu, Lubuntu, or Kubuntu—offer viable pathways for Windows users. Mac enthusiasts with older hardware can also find a macOS-like experience in Ubuntu Unity.
Despite the mixed feelings surrounding Snap and systemd, both have matured significantly in recent years. Our experience with the deb-get tool for managing applications not included in Ubuntu’s repositories has been positive, particularly when paired with a minimal version of Xubuntu. However, after encountering issues with Nvidia GPUs on Ubuntu “Noble,” we shifted to using Snap packages for most applications, supplemented by a few AppImages. This approach has proven efficient, even on older hardware, and offers a cleaner alternative to Flatpak. For those seeking simplicity without the need for either, Linux Lite presents a solid option.
As the landscape of Linux distributions continues to evolve, many are now targeting users transitioning from Windows. In the near future, we plan to explore some of these options. For those with straightforward computing needs, trying ChromeOS Flex on an old machine could yield pleasantly surprising results.
