Hey everyone! I'm not very tech-savvy, but I really love my Lenovo X230 and want to keep using it. With Windows 10 support ending soon, I'm a bit worried about how safe it will be online. I've heard mixed advice - some say to just stick with Windows, while others suggest switching to Linux. What do you all think is the best course of action for someone like me? Any tips or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
7 Answers
First and foremost, back up your important files to a USB or the cloud. Next, choose a user-friendly distro that suits your needs—KDE Plasma is great if you're used to Windows, while Gnome is more like Mac. You could also consider Kubuntu or Fedora KDE; both are good for general use.
I tried a few distros and ended up with cachyOS, which is nice for Gnome or KDE. Just ensure you pick the proper GPU installation. Pop OS also worked well for me, but cachyOS has better refresh rates. Explore different options based on your preference!
For a smooth transition, I’d recommend Linux Mint, Ubuntu, or Pop OS as they are user-friendly. Download the ISO and use a program like Balena Etcher to create a bootable USB. After that, just reboot your PC, access the BIOS, and select the USB as your boot device. Watching a YouTube tutorial on installing your chosen distro could help a lot since it’s a new experience for you!
You can test Linux without installing it by using a USB stick to live-boot. This way, you can explore any beginner-friendly distro like Mint, Ubuntu, or Fedora without making changes to your computer. Just keep in mind that live booting doesn't let you install apps fully. Also, check different desktop environments like Cinnamon or KDE to find the one you like best.
Honestly, upgrading to Windows 11 makes sense if that’s what you're comfortable with. Linux isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re not into tech stuff. Just know that it can be a hassle at times.
It’s not safe to keep using Windows 10 online after its support ends, so switching to Linux is wise. Ensure you've got a backup and an 8GB USB because you’ll need it to create a bootable drive. Installation can be straightforward, just follow the steps, and you’ll be good to go!
Definitely make sure the firewall settings are right, some distros might not have them activated right away.
If you want to stay on Windows, consider upgrading to Windows 11 or look into LTSC versions that are supported longer. If your main tasks are compatible with Windows, don't feel pressured to switch to Linux. It has a learning curve and may lack support for software you might need.
As someone who made the switch, I'd say Linux can be daunting for newbies. It sounds like sticking with Windows might be the better fit for you.
Some distros, like MX Linux, let you install apps even from a USB with persistence. Linux Mint also has this option.