Linux Mint Archives

Winsage

April 5, 2025

Microsoft Says Throw Away Your Windows 10 Computers

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning no more security updates or technical assistance will be provided. While Windows 10 will still function, users face increased security risks without updates. Alternatives for users with incompatible hardware include Linux distributions like Zorin OS and Linux Mint, which offer familiar interfaces for those transitioning from Windows. Users can choose to ignore the deadline, invest in new hardware, switch to Linux, pay for Extended Security Updates, or attempt to upgrade incompatible systems to Windows 11 through registry edits and enabling Secure Boot with TPM. The impending support cutoff raises concerns about e-waste and sustainability, prompting discussions on the need for manufacturers to focus on product longevity and repairability. Local Linux User Groups and online communities are available to assist users in this transition.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Windows 10 Support is Ending; Here’s What You Need to Do Next

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After this date, Windows 10 PCs will still function but will not receive security updates or bug fixes, leading to potential vulnerabilities and compatibility issues. Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11, which currently has a market share of 38%. Users can maintain security by keeping antivirus software and browsers updated, and Google Chrome will continue to receive updates on Windows 10. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10, providing critical updates for a fee, with the first year starting on November 11, 2025, and ending on October 13, 2026. Consumers will need to upgrade to Windows 11 by October 2026 unless further extensions are announced. There are methods to bypass Windows 11's hardware requirements, such as using tools like Rufus or Registry workarounds. Alternatives to upgrading include Chrome OS Flex and Linux Mint, both of which offer user-friendly environments for continued computing tasks.

Winsage

March 16, 2025

E-waste or Linux? Charities face tough choices as Windows 10 support ends

Microsoft will end free security updates for Windows 10 in October, affecting charities that refurbish older computers. Approximately 240 million PCs do not meet Windows 11's hardware requirements, which include a CPU of 1GHz or faster with at least two cores, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, Secure Boot capability, and TPM 2.0 compatibility. Many recent computers are ineligible for the upgrade despite having sufficient RAM and storage. Chester Wisniewski from Sophos warns that using Windows 10 poses security risks, as vulnerabilities in both Windows 10 and 11 can be exploited. Charities using Windows 10 may face compliance issues with regulations like GDPR, risking fines and reputational damage. The U.S. recycles only 14 to 40 percent of electronic waste, leading to an estimated 1.06 billion pounds of e-waste, which contaminates soil and water. The UN estimates the annual economic cost of e-waste at billions, projected to rise significantly by 2030. Statcounter reports that Windows 10 still accounts for 58.7 percent of Windows installations. Organizations like PCs for People have shifted to Linux Mint for older systems, ceasing distribution of Windows 10 a year before the cutoff.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

5 reasons why Linux Mint is the best distro for Windows converts

Transitioning from Windows to Linux can be overwhelming due to concerns about software compatibility, gaming capabilities, and the learning curve. Recent advancements in Linux distributions, particularly Linux Mint, have made this shift more accessible. Linux Mint features a start menu for easy navigation, is built on Ubuntu with Debian foundations, and offers a graphical user interface for installing applications through an integrated software store. It is compatible with a wide range of hardware, requiring only 2 GB of RAM and 20 GB of disk space, making it suitable for older PCs. Gaming on Linux has improved significantly with Valve's Proton, allowing many Windows games to run smoothly on Linux, sometimes even better than on Windows.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

Linux or Landfill? End of Windows 10 Leaves PC Charities with Tough Choice

Microsoft will cease free security updates for Windows 10 in October 2023, pushing users to upgrade to Windows 11. However, approximately 240 million PCs do not meet Windows 11's hardware requirements, which only support Intel 8th generation CPUs and AMD Ryzen 2000 series and newer. Many older computers from 2017 and 2018 will remain on outdated versions of Windows, be repurposed with alternative operating systems, or end up as ewaste, with only 14 to 40 percent of ewaste in the U.S. being recycled. Charities like PCs for People are shifting to provide Linux laptops for older systems, as they discontinue distributing Windows 10 due to security concerns. Windows 10 still accounts for 58.7 percent of all Windows installations, and experts warn that continuing to use it after the update cutoff poses significant security risks.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

How to save your old computer when Windows 10 hits its end of life

Linux has evolved significantly and allows for running various Windows applications and games through open-source projects like Wine, Vulkan, and Proton. It consists of multiple distributions, including Arch, Debian, Fedora, Manjaro, Mint, Opensuse, Red Hat, and Ubuntu, which can overwhelm newcomers. Linux Mint is recommended for users transitioning from Windows due to its similar interface. To install Linux Mint, download the .iso file from the official website, create a bootable USB drive using Balena Etcher, and boot from the USB stick. The installation process involves selecting language, keyboard layout, formatting the disk, and creating a username and password. After installation, users can access the Mint desktop, use the Driver Manager for hardware drivers, manage software through the Software Manager, and update the system with the Update Manager. For gaming, users can install Steam from store.steampowered.com. For those seeking simplicity, Google’s Chrome OS is a Linux-based alternative that operates primarily through the Chrome browser.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

The 3 most Windows-like Linux distros to try because change is hard

Windows 10 will reach the end of its life in 2025, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11, purchasing new hardware, or switching to alternatives like Linux. Linux is a strong competitor to Windows and MacOS, offering benefits such as reliability, security, user-friendliness, and being free. Three recommended Linux distributions for users transitioning from Windows are: 1. KDE Neon: Based on Ubuntu, it features the KDE Plasma desktop environment, which can be customized to resemble Windows 10 or 11. It is user-friendly and available for free. 2. Linux Mint: Also based on Ubuntu, it provides a Windows-like experience with a familiar interface through its Cinnamon desktop environment. It is free and has strong community support. 3. Zorin OS: Offers multiple desktop layouts, including options that resemble Windows. The free version includes four layouts, while the Pro edition, costing .99, provides additional configurations. It is built on the GNOME framework and is customizable. All these distributions are open-source and can facilitate a smooth transition for users moving away from Windows.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

Why I no longer recommend this Windows-like Linux distro

The evaluation of the Wubuntu operating system revealed a positive initial experience, but after a week, a pop-up requesting a product key for PowerTools made the desktop inaccessible without purchase. The developer claimed the user was on the Pro version and provided a license key to resolve the issue, leading to further investigation into Wubuntu's origins. It was discovered that Wubuntu is rumored to be a rebranding of LinuxFX, which has a questionable reputation. Discussions on Reddit highlighted vulnerabilities in Wubuntu's licensing system and potential data breaches. The developer clarified that Wubuntu is an Ubuntu variant with Windows themes, differing from LinuxFX's unique theme and applications. However, links between Wubuntu and the LinuxFX Redsand Theme on Sourceforge raised concerns about its reliability. The situation calls for skepticism due to persistent licensing issues and unclear associations with LinuxFX. Mainstream distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Linux Mint are recommended as trustworthy options, while Zorin OS is suggested for users seeking a Windows-like experience without compromising trustworthiness.

Winsage

December 3, 2024

Waiting for Microsoft Windows 12 is a mistake when you can upgrade to Linux today

The tech landscape is speculating about the upcoming Windows 12, which may focus on cloud capabilities and artificial intelligence. However, some users are considering switching to Linux due to concerns about Windows becoming heavier, slower, and more intrusive. Linux is presented as a free, lightweight, and privacy-centric alternative that has become more user-friendly with modern distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Fedora. Linux is cost-effective, as it is free to download and use, while Windows 12 may require a costly subscription. Additionally, Linux offers enhanced security due to its open-source nature and robust permission settings, making it less attractive to malware. It also allows for greater customization compared to Windows. With Windows 12 being uncertain, Linux is positioned as a reliable and immediate solution for users seeking speed, flexibility, and control over their computing experience.

Winsage

December 2, 2024

Save your computer from Microsoft’s Windows 10 end-of-life planned obsolescence

Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ceasing free updates, technical support, and security fixes. Canalys estimates that this decision could lead to 240 million PCs becoming obsolete, which is one-fifth of all computers globally. The environmental impact of disposing of these computers in landfills includes the release of heavy metals and a potential carbon footprint of 158 million metric tons of CO2e emissions if all 240 million PCs are replaced. Linux distributions can provide alternatives for older machines, allowing them to continue functioning.