Restoring Computer Hardware with a free Open Source Operating System

What is Open Source?

Open source means that the people who develop the software and operating systems for your laptop, PC or computer make it available for free. Most ask for a donation if you can make one.

Computer Hardware needs an Operating system

To work your computer or laptop needs an Operating System.
Without a reinstall disk, replacing the OS with a Microsoft product can be expensive.

Buy an inexpensive disk

It is possible to download a Linux OS and burn it to a disk. It is easier to buy a cheap ready-made disk. I have one I bought from Ubuntu.com years ago. It is an older version, but I install and update it.

Open Source Operating Systems (OS)

There are several Open Source Operating Systems available, but Linux is the easiest to work with. Often, these OS will work even if you install them on an ancient laptop or PC. My own preference is for Ubuntu because I can buy a set of disks from the Ubuntu website, put them into the CD drive and follow instructions.

You can install Ubuntu over Windows or alongside it.

I prefer to backup my files to an external CD or drive and then let it knock Windows out. What you choose to do may depend on the amount of memory available on your laptop or PC.

Older versions of Windows run slowly and become hard to use so are not worth keeping.

The  difference between Linux and Microsoft OS

With Linux based systems is that you need to use a terminal to download and update anything not available via the software center. If it is included, then there it will install easily.

It is easy to find the code for most things you want to download. Ask for it on the Ubuntu website. Then copy and paste into the terminal. Watching the code appear is fun.

Will everything I used on Windows work?

For almost every expensive piece of software you can buy there is a free alternative and most of them work as well as the ones you part with your hard earned cash for.

TV and Video

Youtube, BBC iplayer and ITV player all work well.

Netflix and Now TV do not. This is because they require programming associated with Google Chrome to work. It is hard to use this on a Linux based distribution.

Web browsers

Linux-based OS will not work with the conventional Google Chrome browser.

This is replaced by Google Chrome, the original platform on which Chrome was built.

Internet Explorer can be installed, but you need a valid Microsoft license to use it.

Firefox works well and comes with the package.

Photos and Video calling

The Shotwell Image viewer works fine for viewing photos.

Skype and Facebook calling also work.

Social Media

There is no problem accessing any kind of social media from a Linux system.

Bought programs

Some programs will not work with Linux. It is best to check before you buy.

Updates

You can set Ubuntu to update daily. This means it is always functioning at its best.

Word Processor

Ubuntu and most other Linux-based distributions come with Libre Office installed.

Many writers prefer Libre Office as it is better for writing eBooks.

Restored!

Installing Ubuntu on my old imac is beyond me. However, I have had good success with non-Apple products. A Windows PC should not be fine.

So far, I have restored a Dell, an Acer and a Toshiba laptop. The Acer (bought 2000) and Toshiba (ancient,) were easy. I followed the instructions on the CD.

Update Firmware first if you can

Dell needs you to update the firmware using Windows before you install the new OS or it knocks out the Wireless capability.  Fixing the problem after installation can be tricky.

Would it be better to buy a Windows OS again?

If I bought a new laptop or PC, I would either purchase or install a Linux based operating system alongside or instead of the Windows OS.  Once I tried it I was hooked.