The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, prompting users to consider alternatives like Linux, especially if they cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations. Four methods to evaluate Linux distributions without full installation include:
1. Live distribution: Users can run Linux from a USB drive, allowing exploration without affecting the existing system.
2. VirtualBox on Windows 10: This virtual machine manager enables users to create virtual Linux environments using downloaded ISO files.
3. DistroSea: A web-based platform that allows testing various Linux distributions directly from a browser without installation.
4. Installing Linux on an old PC: Users can install Linux on an unused computer to experiment with different distributions and installation processes.
These methods help users assess hardware compatibility and find a suitable desktop environment.