Linux distributions Archives

Winsage

August 28, 2025

Your Windows 10 PC Will Lose Security Updates Soon — Here’s What to Do Before It’s Too Late

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving users of older computers without security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Update (ESU) program to extend protection until October 2026 by installing the free update KB5063709. The ESU program offers two payment methods: 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for local accounts or a payment option for up to ten PCs under a single Microsoft account. This program does not include new features, bug fixes, or technical support. For alternatives, various Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Zorin OS are available for older machines, as well as ChromeOS Flex for a browser-based experience. Users can also access Windows 11 through cloud services like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop, which requires a reliable internet connection and subscription costs. Microsoft 365 applications will continue to receive security updates on Windows 10 devices for three more years. The approaching end of Windows 10 support may prompt users with aging devices to consider upgrading to new computers that come with Windows 11 pre-installed, offering better performance, security features, and longer battery life.

Winsage

August 28, 2025

Windows 10 support shutdown offers window of opportunity for a Linux OS developed in Dublin

Windows 10 support will end in October, leaving users vulnerable to cyber threats, and many older laptops may not meet the requirements for upgrading to Windows 11, prompting the need for new laptops. Zorin OS, created by the Zorin brothers, is a user-friendly Linux-based operating system that has garnered over 10 million downloads and is preparing for its 18th release. The Zorin brothers emphasize their commitment to user feedback and community collaboration, contrasting their approach with that of major tech companies. The "End of 10" campaign promotes Linux as a viable alternative to costly Windows upgrades, encouraging users to retain existing hardware while adopting new software for cost savings and enhanced privacy. Zorin OS is noted for its intuitive interface and compatibility with popular applications accessible via web browsers, making it a practical choice for users seeking to maintain security and performance on older laptops.

Winsage

August 27, 2025

WSL made using my Windows 11 PC so much easier, here’s how

The author has used both Windows and Linux for two decades, with Windows as the primary operating system and Linux for experimentation. The introduction of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) has eliminated the need for dual-booting and virtual machines, allowing the author to use Linux apps and commands directly within Windows. WSL simplifies file sharing between Windows and Linux, making it easy to access documents and directories across both systems. The transition from WSL on Windows 10 to WSL2 on Windows 11 has further improved file management. WSL functions as a lightweight alternative to resource-heavy virtual machines, offering quick boot-up times and efficient performance. The author can install and run multiple WSL distributions, primarily using Ubuntu but also keeping an Arch installation for experimentation.

Winsage

August 21, 2025

LibreOffice 25.8 Open-Source Office Suite Officially Released, This Is What’s New

LibreOffice 25.8 has been released by The Document Foundation, supporting GNU/Linux, Android, macOS, and Windows. Key enhancements include up to 30% faster file opening times in Writer and Calc, support for exporting to PDF 2.0, optimized memory management, and improved scrolling for large documents. New features include a Viewer mode for read-only access, background images as bitmap thumbnails, SHA384 with AES_192 encryption, streamlined PDF signature timestamping, enhanced import capabilities for encrypted PDFs, and support for Bitcoin currency. Writer introduces a new Move Line hyphenation rule, improved text selection control, and collaborative features like per-window track changes. Calc adds new functions and customizable conditional formatting, while Impress improves font management for PowerPoint compatibility. The user interface features various enhancements, including a diacritic matching option and hyperlink insertion via the context menu. LibreOffice 25.8 is available for download, with support through seven maintenance updates until June 12, 2026.

Winsage

August 14, 2025

Still Running Windows 10 and Can’t Upgrade? Here Are Your Top Options

Beginning October 14, Microsoft will stop broad support for Windows 10, meaning users will lose access to free updates, bug fixes, and technical assistance. Users are encouraged to transition to Windows 11, though not all devices may support it. Microsoft will offer a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10, allowing users to access critical security updates for a fee. Alternatives to Windows include various Linux distributions and Google ChromeOS Flex. Users can also consider cloud solutions like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop for access to Windows 11. Some users are opting for third-party security software to mitigate risks associated with using Windows 10 after the support deadline. There are methods to bypass the Windows 11 upgrade compatibility checker, allowing installation on unsupported devices.

Winsage

August 7, 2025

Updating your Linux kernel sounds scary, but here’s why it’s no different from a Windows update

Updating the Linux kernel is generally straightforward and low-risk, similar to Windows updates. Most Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and Linux Mint, manage kernel updates automatically through the package manager. When a new kernel is installed, the previous version remains intact, allowing users to revert to it if necessary via the GRUB boot menu. Kernel updates provide essential security patches, bug fixes, and improved hardware support. While manual installation of a kernel is possible, it is not required for most users. Tools are available for easier management of kernel versions, but the update process is designed to be user-friendly and safe.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

I found a distro that brings the best of Windows, macOS, and Linux into one system

Bluestar is an Arch-based Linux distribution that combines elements from macOS, Windows, and traditional Linux environments, featuring a customized KDE Plasma desktop. It includes a top bar similar to many Linux setups, a dock like macOS, and desktop icons reminiscent of Windows. Bluestar is available in both 32- and 64-bit versions, has a dedicated repository, and offers up-to-date packages. It simplifies the installation process while maintaining Arch Linux's speed and rolling releases, with streamlined updates through a notifier icon. The distribution provides a clean design with intuitive customization options, allowing users to easily switch themes and layouts. Bluestar is stable and reliable, performing well across various hardware configurations, and comes preloaded with applications like VLC, Firefox, and Thunderbird. It supports seamless hardware integration and offers a graphical user interface for application management through Octopi.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

With Windows 10’s fast-approaching demise, this Linux migration tool could let you ditch Microsoft’s ecosystem with your data and apps intact — but it’s limited to one distro

Microsoft's end-of-life date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of support or sync their PC settings with a Microsoft Account for free security updates for another year. Many users are considering switching to Linux due to Windows 10's impending end of support. A new tool called Operese aims to facilitate the transition from Windows to Linux, currently in demo version and compatible only with Kubuntu. The Restart Project's "End of 10" toolkit helps users unable to upgrade to Windows 11 by promoting the installation of free and open-source operating systems on older devices. This initiative also addresses electronic waste and highlights the benefits of using Linux, such as the lack of ads and telemetry tracking.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

7 features Windows 12 needs to borrow from its competitors

Microsoft has confirmed that the 2024 update will be Windows 11 version 24H2, not Windows 12. Nvidia may wait for Windows 12 to launch its N1X processor for laptops. Potential features for Windows 12 include a streamlined menu bar inspired by macOS, the ability to pin files to the dock from ChromeOS, a native preview feature similar to macOS's Preview, a Quick Insert menu like that on Chromebooks, offline setup options as seen in Linux, enhanced customization options akin to Linux Mint, and a more efficient search function similar to macOS's Spotlight.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

Can’t (or won’t) upgrade to Windows 11, but afraid to switch from Windows 10 to Linux? This app might make the transition easy

A migration tool named Operese is in development to assist users transitioning from Windows 10 to Linux. It allows the transfer of files, settings, and installed applications. Currently, it supports only one Linux distribution, Kubuntu, but there are plans to expand compatibility to other distributions in the future. The developer, TechnoPorg, aims to complete the tool by October, coinciding with Windows 10's End of Life. There are uncertainties regarding the transfer of applications due to compatibility issues with Linux. The project may become open source to enhance security and community collaboration. Windows 10 users can extend support for an additional year through the Windows Backup app.