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What are my best options for using a laptop without Microsoft products?

January 9, 2026 5 answers
Asked by TechSavvyPanda42
I recently left my job and my company is letting me keep my old work laptop, but they're wiping it clean tomorrow. I'm currently on the hunt for a new job, which could take anywhere from a few weeks to six months. While I can manage with my phone for some tasks, I need to ensure I can do the following on a laptop: - Apply for jobs with my CV and cover letters, which is currently in Microsoft Word format. - Attend job interviews either through Teams or Zoom. - Handle accounts for a charity, which frequently requires me to access Word and Excel files. I'm considering a few options: - Buy a Windows license for around £120 and install it from a bootable USB, then subscribe to Microsoft Office. - Try to revive an old PC that's roughly 10 years old and still running Windows 8. - Install Linux and applicable software, but I have no experience with Linux and I'm unsure if it can handle my needs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Applications job applications LibreOffice Linux Microsoft alternatives Teams Zoom

Answers

BudgetTechie
You can actually download and use Windows for free, but it will have a watermark. When you do decide to pay for a license, don’t stress about it too much right now. For office tasks, consider using the free online version of Microsoft Office or LibreOffice. If you feel adventurous, dual-boot Linux for more flexibility later on!
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OpenSourceExplorer
All the functions you need can be done on Linux. With programs like LibreOffice, OnlyOffice, and OpenOffice, you can read and write Microsoft file formats just fine. For Teams, there's no native application for Linux, but you can use it online without any issues. I suggest you create a USB installer for Linux Mint to make the switch easier!
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GadgetGuru88
You might find that your laptop already has an OEM license for Windows, so just try installing it first and see what happens. If you do go with Linux, it can handle all the office tasks you need, although I'm unsure about full support for Teams. You can use it via web, which usually works fine too. Just don’t forget, Microsoft Office won't cover Linux, so you’ll probably use something like LibreOffice or Google Docs instead.
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LinuxLover101
Definitely go with Linux! It’s been a game changer for me. You'll be able to use LibreOffice or OpenOffice for your documents and they’ll work with your existing Word files. Zoom has a Linux client too. I recommend downloading a Linux distro like Kubuntu or Mint, which are both user-friendly. Prepare a USB drive and install it—it's simpler than you think! Keep in mind, you'll need to back up any important data before you wipe the machine.
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OldTechWhiz
For ease of use, you should consider using a distro like Omarchy. It's pre-installed with tools you need, including Zoom and office applications. It's incredibly user-friendly and can run well even on older hardware, so your laptop should handle it without a hitch. Just grab the ISO from their site, disable secure boot if you have it enabled, and you’ll be good to go.
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