Why Linux?

# Why Linux?

## Windows 10 is Dead - Windows 10 mainstream support ended October 14, 2025 - ESU security updates available through October 13, 2026 - Windows 11 requires newer hardware, but many Windows 10 computers work perfectly fine - Result: millions of good computers marked "obsolete" - Manufacturing is often the largest share of a laptop's environmental impact

## Why Linux Exists (and Why It's Everywhere) - **Started:** 1991, by Linus Torvalds - **Built for:** A free, open Unix-like system - **Grew fast:** Developers worldwide improved it together - **Went mainstream:** Reliable servers powered the modern web - **Now everywhere:** Android, cloud, and everyday laptops

## Linux: A Free, Modern Operating System - Linux keeps computers running for years - Linux is widely used and mature - Around since 1991 - Powers Android and most internet servers - Completely free: no licenses, subscriptions, ads, or tracking - Tonight we're installing Linux Mint (user-friendly, familiar)

## Many Flavors of Linux - Linux comes in many distributions ("distros") with different looks and defaults - They share the same Linux core - Most can run the same apps - We are using Linux Mint because it is beginner friendly and familiar - Stable, easy to use, and Windows-like

## Familiar, With a Few Differences - Looks and feels familiar: desktop, icons, start menu - Everyday tasks work the same: web, email, documents, video calls - Apps have equivalents - Documents: LibreOffice instead of Word - Email: Thunderbird instead of Outlook

## Why Switch to Linux? - **Free:** No $100+ Windows license, free updates forever - **Secure:** Regular updates, far fewer threats, no tracking or ads - **Fast:** Runs great on older hardware; 5-year-old computers feel new - **Eco-friendly:** Extends computer life, reduces e-waste - **Supported:** Regular updates for years on the same device

## Setting Realistic Expectations - **Learning curve:** A few things are in new places - Apps install via Software Manager (like an app store) - **Windows-only apps:** Some will not run - Alternatives or web versions often exist - e.g., some Adobe apps - **Games:** Mixed bag. Steam works, but not every game is compatible

## What to Expect 1. **Assess:** Check hardware with Live USB - Linux runs from USB, no changes yet 2. **Backup:** We can help you back up now if needed 3. **Install:** Can take 20-30 minutes - Chat, ask questions, eat pizza 4. **Restore:** Put files back, install essentials 5. **Learn:** Quick tour of your new system

## After Tonight - Resources handout (keep it!) - Keyboard shortcuts - Common questions - Help links - Linux Mint Forums (main place to ask questions): forums.linuxmint.com - Keep system updated, explore Software Manager, enjoy your faster computer