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I think everyone agrees that Windows in general, really sucks. Especially for someone who needs a PC or laptop computer for basic daily tasks - browsing the Internet, file management, running spreadsheets, text and presentation software. Maybe the ability to serve files on a local home network.
I started long ago in the Unix and Vax world (does anyone remember what a Vax was?) so maybe Linux would be a good choice?
They certainly aren't for everybody, but if it's mostly for stuff that can be done on the internet, they actually work really well, provided that you get one with better than average specs. The cheap ones generally offer a miserable experience, so don't bother with one of those.
The newer ones also have access to the "Google Play" store, so there is most likely an app for almost anything you might want to do with it
Of course I know that many people are leary of letting Google spy on everything that you do, so I understand those who might say no way to that idea.
Chromebooks can actually work out pretty well for what they are though.
Lenovo Yoga C630 which was a high-end one at the time.
- Fast
- Great 15-inch display with a
- Touch screen. Flips to be a large tablet
- Nice look and feel
- Runs Android apps.
- Support for Linux apps for those interested
- Ran Crouton to run a minimal Linux distro for work.
- I'm very much integrated into Google and Google Drive. So spreadsheets, docs, etc.. with their office suite is great.
- Good integration with my Samsung Android phone. Quick data tethering, SMS messaging, screen unlock..
- A bit heavy. Why such a glossy screen? lots of glare
I have a Macbook Air 13 inch circa 2011 that is running ChromeOS Flex.
- Repurposed unsupported Mac that was dog slow now to a great lightweight portable
- Pretty responsive given the age.
I have three Chromebooks (HP and Asus) for my three kids.
- The home IT department (Me!) doesn't have much to do to keep these maintained.
You can run Chromeflex OS on many old hardware to get a taste... Basically turns any numerous old laptops and desktops to a Chromebook.
The transition from Unix to Linux isn't too bad. As with ChromeOS Flex, you can load it up on some older machines and see if you like it. The nice thing is that there are so many distro's to choose from; some are very purpose-driven. I like Ubuntu which I have on my old 27inch iMac for personal use. I also liked Mint. Try a few out and see which you like. For work, I use mainly Linux... running ontop of a Macbook Pro provided by the company.
I think everyone agrees that Windows in general, really sucks.
Most people can't even differentiate a web browser from a search engine. I don't lose sleep over their "choice" of operating system.
Quote:
Especially for someone who needs a PC or laptop computer for basic daily tasks - browsing the Internet, file management, running spreadsheets, text and presentation software. Maybe the ability to serve files on a local home network.
I started long ago in the Unix and Vax world (does anyone remember what a Vax was?) so maybe Linux would be a good choice?
Any suggestions? Experiences? Learning curve?
Picking the right flavor of *nix is far less important than just getting the hell off of Windooooooooooooows.
It's like asking which kind of haircut should you prefer in a future suitor while you're still living with an abusive SO. Like, get out of the bad situation first FFS before stressing over details of a hypothetical preference.
Pro-tip, for those who are serious: Try to stop thinking of the visual, graphical interface as the "operating system". In the *nix world, the graphical environment is properly modularly separated from the system so that a comfortable environment can be chosen by the user. Be that a Windows-like cinnamon, or something more inventive.
I think everyone agrees that Windows in general, really sucks. Especially for someone who needs a PC or laptop computer for basic daily tasks - browsing the Internet, file management, running spreadsheets, text and presentation software. Maybe the ability to serve files on a local home network.
I started long ago in the Unix and Vax world (does anyone remember what a Vax was?) so maybe Linux would be a good choice?
Any suggestions? Experiences? Learning curve?
Windows definitely doesnt "suck". Windows 11 is pretty great.
As other posters have said, Chromebooks could be a good option. LAUSD gives out Chromebooks to students and I was surprised at how good they are. I wouldnt buy one myself, and the kid only uses it for school (she has Macbook Pro and a desktop pc for other stuff) but they seem to be really well made. You can also go with a Macbook Air. My wife uses the Air and she really likes it.
I'd say either a Macbook Air/Pro or one of the newer, higher spec'd Chromebooks.
I think everyone agrees that Windows in general, really sucks. Especially for someone who needs a PC or laptop computer for basic daily tasks - browsing the Internet, file management, running spreadsheets, text and presentation software. Maybe the ability to serve files on a local home network.
I started long ago in the Unix and Vax world (does anyone remember what a Vax was?) so maybe Linux would be a good choice?
I stopped using Windows when Microsoft introduced ”product activation” with WindowsXP. Since then I've only used Linux (currently Mint, my daily driver) and MacOS, which I use for photo editing and scanning. I try to stay away from anything Google related.
Vax, VAX? Pfft, a crappy follow-on to the PDP-11 with RSX. Now that had an assembly language clearly written by one or a few closely coordinated people.
I'm perfectly happy with a corporate version of Windows 7. Still gets security updates, supports cablecard equipment, has little bloat and enough feedback to let me know when a program has gone rogue.
I've tried various linux implementations and was not impressed.
W7 is a good OS but it stopped getting updates Jan 2023.
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Windows 11 is pretty great. 
