Should I convert a pc to Linux?

[Jim B (MSP)]

I have an older pc, a HP Envy 17. It runs well

SSD , 894 GB (currently) , 12 GB RAM, Intel i7 (2Ghz), DVD read/write, 3 USB2s

Started life as a Win 7, now a Win 10 Pro. Not capable of Win 11.

WIreless is ok.

I have kept it around as a back-up spare, and for its DVD/CD (I have a lot of old backup photos on CDs)

I am currently thinking of converting it to a Linux system. I might then use it strictly for financial transactions to companies like Wells Fargo & Fidelity. It would never go anywhere else on the web, no email, etc.

So, the biggest question I have in my mind right now is should I make it a dual boot system? I have to check whether Linux will have drivers for the DVD. I was intending Mint or Ubuntu (I used Mint on a machine a dozen years ago).

Assuming that it does support the DVD, my main question becomes to dual boot, or not.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a dual boot system?

Then, if I push security beyond financial only use, I would consider Google Drive and its apps via Chrome. Not even sure it would be worth it; though I have an android Pixel 9 which can access that easily.

I would appreciate any thoughts and comments based on experience.

Thanks in advance,

 

[XiaoDeer]

Assuming that it does support the DVD, my main question becomes to dual boot, or not.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a dual boot system?

Then, if I push security beyond financial only use, I would consider Google Drive and its apps via Chrome. Not even sure it would be worth it; though I have an android Pixel 9 which can access that easily.

Personally, I would not dual boot off a single physical drive. It's great if you have a system with two or more physical disks.

I gave up on Google Drive with Linux. There is no official support and although there are a bunch of apps, most are out-of-date if not orphaned.

I switched to pCloud which has terrific cross-platform support on Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android.

 

[Jim B (MSP)]

Assuming that it does support the DVD, my main question becomes to dual boot, or not.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a dual boot system?

Then, if I push security beyond financial only use, I would consider Google Drive and its apps via Chrome. Not even sure it would be worth it; though I have an android Pixel 9 which can access that easily.

Thanks for the response

Personally, I would not dual boot off a single physical drive. It's great if you have a system with two or more physical disks.

This is the kind of advice I was looking for.

I gave up on Google Drive with Linux. There is no official support and although there are a bunch of apps, most are out-of-date if not orphaned.

It was only a wild thought on my part. When I use it, I use my Win 11 pc which works fine.

I switched to pCloud which has terrific cross-platform support on Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android.

 

[Bouldergramp]

Install Windows 11 with Rufus.

I only dual boot with separate hard drives.

 

[Jim B (MSP)]

Install Windows 11 with Rufus.

I only dual boot with separate hard drives.

That is an interesting thought.

How will the OS then survive future updates of Win 11 from MS ?

Or do you just plan to reinstall every so often?

 

[Bouldergramp]

I have had Win11 on several old non compliant compuers for years. They update CONSTANTLY. In fact, three of them got updates last night with more so called improvements to the service stack...whatever that is.

Two are dual boot desktops. The old Dell Precision dual boots Win7 and Win11. The Dell Optiplex dual boots Win11 on separate drives, one serving as a backup.

Bouldergramp, USA

 

[Jim B (MSP)]

I have had Win11 on several old non compliant compuers for years. They update CONSTANTLY. In fact, three of them got updates last night with more so called improvements to the service stack...whatever that is.

Two are dual boot desktops. The old Dell Precision dual boots Win7 and Win11. The Dell Optiplex dual boots Win11 on separate drives, one serving as a backup.

Bouldergramp, USA

Good news.

Thanks.

 

[bmoag]

I converted an older Acer laptop to Linux. It was a nightmare because of complex changes needed in the BIOS just to get the computer to recognize Linux as a valid OS. I was bored so I persisted.

Rufus/win 11 is an option to consider. Win 11 ran better on that old Acer than Kubuntu. If I can find a regular use for that old laptop I may reinstall Win 11.

I have no idea if its that hard to install Linux on Lenovo.

An alternative to Linux is Chrome for Windows. That converts your laptop into a chromebook, probably a better option for the stated purpose. It ran pretty well on an old Core 2 duo laptop I tried.

No matter what you read no flavor of Linux is a straight forward install or post install configuration. Installing new apps is not the Windows/macOS experience and can require resorting to the command line. You have to want to install Linux, for whatever reason, and persist through the inevitable problems . Linux apps rarely are as polished or functional as commercial Windows/macOS apps. The real strengths of Linux are not in its casual, everyday use.

 

[Jim B (MSP)]

I converted an older Acer laptop to Linux. It was a nightmare because of complex changes needed in the BIOS just to get the computer to recognize Linux as a valid OS. I was bored so I persisted.

Rufus/win 11 is an option to consider. Win 11 ran better on that old Acer than Kubuntu. If I can find a regular use for that old laptop I may reinstall Win 11.

I have no idea if its that hard to install Linux on Lenovo.

An alternative to Linux is Chrome for Windows. That converts your laptop into a chromebook, probably a better option for the stated purpose. It ran pretty well on an old Core 2 duo laptop I tried.

No matter what you read no flavor of Linux is a straight forward install or post install configuration. Installing new apps is not the Windows/macOS experience and can require resorting to the command line. You have to want to install Linux, for whatever reason, and persist through the inevitable problems . Linux apps rarely are as polished or functional as commercial Windows/macOS apps. The real strengths of Linux are not in its casual, everyday use.

Thanks for your prospective.

My older pc is a HP, but your experience is probably just as valid for that.

My primary goal is for a single browser visiting 3 financial websites; no email, no other apps running. Though reality probably must include LibreOffice to copy info into, and perhaps an outgoing email or two once a month.

 

[Robert Zanatta]

So, the biggest question I have in my mind right now is should I make it a dual boot system? I have to check whether Linux will have drivers for the DVD. I was intending Mint or Ubuntu (I used Mint on a machine a dozen years ago).

Create a Linux Mint installation thumb drive. Very simple procedure.

Image your drive.

Boot the thumb drive. You'll have the option to run Linux Mint from the thumb drive - kind of like of a test drive feature. Check if your hardware is supported and if you like the UI.

With no issues, you can then install Linux - should be an installation icon on the desktop.

To create a place to install Linux, you can follow the steps in the video linked below. The whole procedure is pretty straight forward.

 

[New Wrycuda]

My primary goal is for a single browser visiting 3 financial websites; no email, no other apps running. Though reality probably must include LibreOffice to copy info into, and perhaps an outgoing email or two once a month.

If those are your requirements, an alternative approach that you might consider is a Chromebook, which will work very well for your needs.

There’s lots of Google apps included (Chrome browser, Google Earth, Google Maps, etc.), and a collection of Office alternatives that are very similar to LibreOffice with excellent cloud-based converters that help with MS-Office imports. This latter tool is very impressive.

There’s no problem connecting to your existing Windows network, and all other connectivity options work well, mediated by a very standard file manager.

There’s a host of native ChromeOS apps, plus Android apps that can be accessed. There’s also an implementation of Linux (Debian) that has to be the most user-friendly introduction to that genre. I have a Linux email client, as well as Linux GIMP for photo work. My model will support external monitors up to 4K to help with photo editing.

Chromebook is equally useful in the office and for travelling and I’ve found mine to be much better than the other several other Windows laptops that I’ve used for travel.

I have tried Linux in the past, but never had the time or inclination to wrangle all the various flavours. Linux does seem to involve lots of funny names for stuff, and there will be plenty of people who will tell you that it’s pronounced “Linnucks” rather than the more obvious alternative.

 

[Jim B (MSP)]

My primary goal is for a single browser visiting 3 financial websites; no email, no other apps running. Though reality probably must include LibreOffice to copy info into, and perhaps an outgoing email or two once a month.

If those are your requirements, an alternative approach that you might consider is a Chromebook, which will work very well for your needs.

There’s lots of Google apps included (Chrome browser, Google Earth, Google Maps, etc.), and a collection of Office alternatives that are very similar to LibreOffice with excellent cloud-based converters that help with MS-Office imports. This latter tool is very impressive.

I am quite familiar with the Google Apps. I like them.

I converted quite a few "old" donated pcs a few years ago for needy students. It was easy.

But I have heard that Google removed the ability to update a pc.

That said, I have not checked it out. The HP Envy is Not Certified by Google. Oh well.

BTW, everything equal, any opinions on security - Chrome OS of Linux?

There’s no problem connecting to your existing Windows network, and all other connectivity options work well, mediated by a very standard file manager.

There’s a host of native ChromeOS apps, plus Android apps that can be accessed. There’s also an implementation of Linux (Debian) that has to be the most user-friendly introduction to that genre. I have a Linux email client, as well as Linux GIMP for photo work. My model will support external monitors up to 4K to help with photo editing.

Chromebook is equally useful in the office and for travelling and I’ve found mine to be much better than the other several other Windows laptops that I’ve used for travel.

I have tried Linux in the past, but never had the time or inclination to wrangle all the various flavours. Linux does seem to involve lots of funny names for stuff, and there will be plenty of people who will tell you that it’s pronounced “Linnucks” rather than the more obvious alternative.

--
Jim
"It's all about the light"

 

[CAcreeks]

So, the biggest question I have in my mind right now is should I make it a dual boot system? I have to check whether Linux will have drivers for the DVD. I was intending Mint or Ubuntu (I used Mint on a machine a dozen years ago).

Create a Linux Mint installation thumb drive. Very simple procedure.

Image your drive.

Boot the thumb drive. You'll have the option to run Linux Mint from the thumb drive - kind of like of a test drive feature. Check if your hardware is supported and if you like the UI.

With no issues, you can then install Linux - should be an installation icon on the desktop.

To create a place to install Linux, you can follow the steps in the video linked below. The whole procedure is pretty straight forward.

That's what I would do. (Not sure if "image your drive" is needed because when you install Linux Mint, it will format the hard drive as ext4.)

With ChromeOS, you have no guarantee that Google support will continue, or if your device is supported. Did you check the list at ChromeOS Flex? Flex cannot run Android apps, which seems like the principal advantage of ChromeOS over Linux.

https://chromeos.google/products/chromeos-flex/

If regulators force Google to divest Chrome browser, I doubt ChromeOS will last long. Google is famous for abandonment.

I re-read your original post but could not understand why you want to dual boot. What is the other OS that you would boot? Seems like a waste of time unless you have specific reasons. You already have W11 on another machine. On-web Google Drive is workable.

 

[Jim B (MSP)]

So, the biggest question I have in my mind right now is should I make it a dual boot system? I have to check whether Linux will have drivers for the DVD. I was intending Mint or Ubuntu (I used Mint on a machine a dozen years ago).

Create a Linux Mint installation thumb drive. Very simple procedure.

Image your drive.

Boot the thumb drive. You'll have the option to run Linux Mint from the thumb drive - kind of like of a test drive feature. Check if your hardware is supported and if you like the UI.

With no issues, you can then install Linux - should be an installation icon on the desktop.

To create a place to install Linux, you can follow the steps in the video linked below. The whole procedure is pretty straight forward.

Thanks.

 

[Jim B (MSP)]

So, the biggest question I have in my mind right now is should I make it a dual boot system? I have to check whether Linux will have drivers for the DVD. I was intending Mint or Ubuntu (I used Mint on a machine a dozen years ago).

Create a Linux Mint installation thumb drive. Very simple procedure.

Image your drive.

Boot the thumb drive. You'll have the option to run Linux Mint from the thumb drive - kind of like of a test drive feature. Check if your hardware is supported and if you like the UI.

With no issues, you can then install Linux - should be an installation icon on the desktop.

To create a place to install Linux, you can follow the steps in the video linked below. The whole procedure is pretty straight forward.

That's what I would do. (Not sure if "image your drive" is needed because when you install Linux Mint, it will format the hard drive as ext4.)

With ChromeOS, you have no guarantee that Google support will continue, or if your device is supported.

HP Envy is not supported. So, no issue.

Did you check the list at ChromeOS Flex? Flex cannot run Android apps, which seems like the principal advantage of ChromeOS over Linux.

https://chromeos.google/products/chromeos-flex/

If regulators force Google to divest Chrome browser, I doubt ChromeOS will last long. Google is famous for abandonment.

I agree. That is one reason I started talking Linux.

I re-read your original post but could not understand why you want to dual boot. What is the other OS that you would boot? Seems like a waste of time unless you have specific reasons. You already have W11 on another machine. On-web Google Drive is workable.

The main issue was to check whether the DVD read/write is fully functional.

I will do that on a test boot with Linux before I push it to the harddrive.

 

[New Wrycuda]

My primary goal is for a single browser visiting 3 financial websites; no email, no other apps running. Though reality probably must include LibreOffice to copy info into, and perhaps an outgoing email or two once a month.

If those are your requirements, an alternative approach that you might consider is a Chromebook, which will work very well for your needs.

There’s lots of Google apps included (Chrome browser, Google Earth, Google Maps, etc.), and a collection of Office alternatives that are very similar to LibreOffice with excellent cloud-based converters that help with MS-Office imports. This latter tool is very impressive.

I am quite familiar with the Google Apps. I like them.

I converted quite a few "old" donated pcs a few years ago for needy students. It was easy.

Yes, I installed Linux (a version on CD) on a few old computers that I donated to worthy causes. Linux gave a new lease on life for older hardware, and the included apps/games were quite useful. Strangely, one institution that helped homeless people rejected the offer “because it wasn’t Windows”.

BTW, everything equal, any opinions on security - ChromeOS of or Linux?

My understanding is that ChromeOS is based on Linux, so it should be quite secure from virus and malware, while the Linux “Container” hosted by ChromeOS should add an extra layer of security.

I’ve been running Windows for a long time without any security issues. Originally using Norton AV, and Defender more recently. Other than that, I take the precaution of trialling new software and MS updates on one of the lesser computers before letting them loose on the main computers. Years ago, I did have a ransomware attack on a test computer that was being used by a visitor.

BTW the only CD/DVD that I have now is an (external) USB model that was Windows plug and play. I wonder if Linux would support this type?

 

[NEO54321]

Consider converting to a NAS. It may cost you some money to get more storage. That is what I did over Christmas last year. Very rewarding.

 

[XiaoDeer]

No matter what you read no flavor of Linux is a straight forward install or post install configuration. Installing new apps is not the Windows/macOS experience and can require resorting to the command line.

OMG, the command line.

I can install a whole bunch of apps with one line like this:

sudo pacman -S zile vlc apache conky geeqie handbrake sqlitebrowser pwgen regexxer qbittorrent audacity gwenview gimp yt-dlp darktable digikam rawtherapee libreoffice qalculate-qt

On other distros that might be more like...

sudo apt install zile...

It will find and install the correct version, install any dependencies, validate all the checksums on the downloads and everything else that needs to be done.

Do you really think that's harder or more tedious than the Windows way?

 

[CAcreeks]

The main issue was to check whether the DVD read/write is fully functional.

I will do that on a test boot with Linux before I push it to the harddrive.

I would wager ¢a$h money that Mint will recognize and read music CDs and data DVDs.

Last time I ran Linux Mint, an application to burn CD/DVD was not installed by default. Previously, I had used Brasero and/or K3b (from KDE). If nobody else has tried this, I'll fire up my Linux laptop and check Software Sources.

 

[New Wrycuda]

The main issue was to check whether the DVD read/write is fully functional.

I will do that on a test boot with Linux before I push it to the harddrive.

I would wager ¢a$h money that Mint will recognize and read music CDs and data DVDs.

Last time I ran Linux Mint, an application to burn CD/DVD was not installed by default. Previously, I had used Brasero and/or K3b (from KDE). If nobody else has tried this, I'll fire up my Linux laptop and check Software Sources.

It must be 10 years since Installed anything from either CD or DVD, and even longer since I did any burning. I had to buy an external LG unit to read some archived DVD data that was otherwise unavailable. $29 if I remember correctly.