Hello everyone,
I’m a Senior Linux Engineer here at Agile Computer. My job is to work with the powerful, flexible world of open-source software. But more importantly, my passion—and the foundation of our company—is helping people like you use technology without the headaches.
You’ve probably heard the news: Microsoft is officially ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.
What does that mean? After that date, your Windows 10 computer will no longer receive security updates, leaving it vulnerable to viruses and malware. The official advice is to upgrade to Windows 11. But for millions, that’s not possible because their perfectly good computers don’t meet the strict new hardware requirements.
It feels like you’re being forced to throw away a perfectly good machine. But what if there was another way?
Let’s talk about Linux. You may have heard of it as something for coders and super-geeks, but over the years, it has become an incredibly friendly, powerful, and secure alternative for everyday users. Let’s break down the honest pros and cons of making the switch.
The Pros: Why You Might Love Linux
- There is no software cost.
Yes, you read that right. The Linux operating system and a world of high-quality software for it are completely free. No license keys, no subscription fees. That’s a big win right off the bat. - Breathe New Life into Older Hardware.
This is the magic wand for your Windows 10 computer. Linux is famously efficient and can run beautifully on older laptops and desktops that struggle with modern Windows. Instead of turning your reliable 5-year-old laptop into an e-waste paperweight, you could make it feel faster than it has in years. - A Fortress of Security.
The way Linux is built makes it fundamentally more secure than Windows. Viruses and malware that target Windows simply don’t work on Linux. While no system is 100% immune, the risk is dramatically lower, giving you fantastic peace of mind. - You’re in Control.
Don’t like the Start Menu? You can change it. Want your desktop to look clean and simple like a Mac? You can do that. Want it to look almost exactly like Windows 7 or 10 so you feel right at home? There are versions of Linux (called “distributions”) like Linux Mint or Zorin OS designed specifically for that. It’s your computer; you should decide how it looks and works.
The Cons: Let’s Be Honest, It’s a Change
- The Learning Curve.
While modern Linux can be very intuitive, it’s not Windows. Some things will be in different places, and you’ll need a little time to adjust, just like driving a new car. The good news is that the basics—browsing the web, sending email, writing documents—are almost identical. - Software Compatibility.
This is the biggest consideration. If you rely on specific software that only runs on Windows, like the full Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Premiere) or certain specialized accounting programs, switching can be tricky.- The Good News: For most common tasks, there are excellent free alternatives. LibreOffice is a fantastic replacement for Microsoft Office and works with all your .docx and .xlsx files. And of course, web-based tools like Google Docs, Office 365 online, and your banking websites will work perfectly in a browser on Linux.
- PC Gaming.
The gaming situation on Linux has improved by leaps and bounds and many games from platforms like Steam work flawlessly. However, some of the most popular, cutting-edge titles with aggressive anti-cheat software may still require Windows. - We need to erase to switch.
To switch to Linux, your computer has to be erased which means we need to backup your data and reinstall the os and that takes a little bit of time. But so does switching to a new computer.
So, Is Switching to Linux Right for You?
This doesn’t have to be a complicated decision.
Linux could be a perfect fit if:
- You mainly use your computer for web browsing, email, social media, watching videos, and writing documents.
- You want to save money and not be forced into buying a new computer.
- You have an older computer that’s getting slow, and you want to make it fast and useful again.
- You value security and privacy.
You might want to stick with Windows if:
- Your job or hobby absolutely depends on a specific piece of Windows-only software or you require features only available in Microsoft Office.
- You are a hardcore gamer who must play the latest AAA titles the day they are released.
You Don’t Have to Decide Alone
At Agile Computer, our promise is customer-friendly IT support. We know that the thought of changing your computer’s entire operating system can be intimidating. That’s why we’re here.
We can help you figure out if a move to Linux makes sense for your specific needs. We’ll check if your essential software has a great alternative and ensure your hardware is a good fit. If you decide to go ahead, we can handle the entire conversion, making the process smooth, simple, and secure.
Don’t let a calendar date decide the fate of your computer.
Ready to explore your options? Talk to your Agile Agent today about a potential conversion to a modern, secure, and fast Linux environment. Let’s keep your great computer running for years to come.
Feel free to reach out to me, Ian
Ian Langdon, ian at Agile.Computer
437-888-0111 x20