I've been using Windows 10 for quite some time on my old computer (Core i7-860, 16GB RAM, 2 SSDs totaling 600GB, and a GeForce GT 730 with 4GB). With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 and my inability to upgrade to Windows 11, I'm contemplating switching to Linux, specifically either Linux Mint or Ubuntu. I don't have demanding computer needs; usually, I just study/work and occasionally play very lightweight games on Steam. What do you all think?
6 Answers
If all you need is a web browser for your work, go for it! Just be cautious if you have specific software you rely on—it might not run on Linux. The Nvidia cards can be tricky, so I'd suggest looking into Pop!_OS since it comes with better driver support. Also, check if your favorite games are available on Linux.
Newer Nvidia cards work fine, but your GT 730 might have some driver quirks since it's older tech. Just be aware!
Go for it! The worst that can happen is you learn something and just reinstall Windows if things go south. Don’t limit yourself to just Mint or Ubuntu; explore different distros to see what works best for your needs! Consider trying Fedora for something fresh and exciting.
You can try dual-booting Windows and Linux to have the best of both worlds while you transition! This way, you can test Linux out without losing access to Windows right away.
I totally went for it! I switched from Windows to Linux Mint about a month ago. It's not always a smooth ride, but the learning experience is worth it, and it's nice knowing I'm not supporting Microsoft anymore. I'd recommend it!
Your old computer is in good shape for running Linux. Mint is an excellent choice—it's user-friendly, stable, and has a lot of software available. I moved fully off Windows, and while I miss some apps, I've found good replacements. Give it a shot!
You'll probably be surprised at how much smoother your old hardware can run with Linux. Basic tasks like web browsing work perfectly fine, and even LibreOffice runs great. Just remember, while your old hardware can do wonders, it's not magic, so some adjustment to the Linux way of doing things may be needed.
I've got an Nvidia card too, and I started on Mint Cinnamon before switching to Arch with Hyprland. Both worked fine for me. What's the issue?