Festival season is being celebrated with full excitement in all corners of the world. It is that time of the year when people, especially from India, are planning for new purchases. However, this year, there is one big change that is going to affect the lives of several PC users. It is especially a bigger issue for those PC users who do not have supported hardware for the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Now, the question arises as to what we can do to avoid this issue.
The Issue
The upgrade was announced with the launch of Windows 11 back in 2021. However, with the slow adoption of Windows 11, there are a few solutions that are being offered by Microsoft.
Firstly, Windows users can opt for backing up their device on Microsoft OneDrive. It will give them the option to stay relevant for one year. Otherwise, the devices will not be able to get the security updates after October 14, 2025.
Secondly, corporate users will have to shell out a large sum of money to keep their devices running for a maximum of three years. However, the catch is the minimum number of employees that has been fixed at 50.
Alternatives for the Issue
Apart from the above two solutions, there are people and groups that are offering to help in other ways. Now, Linux is also being offered as an alternative to Windows. This has become a hot topic for the tech community. As a matter of fact, Linux is being tried by several people as a new lease of life for their old PCs.
There are organisations like endof10.org that are making the best efforts to make people familiar with the Linux platform. This way, Linux is being promoted for the outdated PCs.
Benefits of the Alternative
If we talk about the benefits of Linux, then there are a few. Firstly, Linux is free and can run on older PCs. It also does not need powerful hardware.
Some additional benefits are the availability of several different versions of Linux that fulfil diverse needs. The different versions are called as Distros or Distributions. There are also several developers who offer their skills for the development of numerous apps and drivers for the platform. The driver support makes Linux stable for daily use.
Update Scenario
Now, if we come to the update part, then Linux has two kinds of update cycles. One is called the rolling block cycle. In this step, updates are regularly released, and major update is released at a regular pace. It can be seen in Fedora. In this distribution of Linux, you can see a major release every 6 months.
The second type of release is similar to that of Windows. In this kind, the update is released at regular intervals, and one major update is released every two years. This sort of update cycle can be seen in Debian. It releases LTS (Long Term Support) versions every two years.
Now, if you will ask which one is more user–friendly. Then, the answer can be based upon preference. Those who prefer Fedora often prefer the latest and hottest updates and features. On the other hand, those who prefer Debian go for the stability. This can vary from person to person.
The ultimate question in the current epoch is in terms of gaming. In this case, Linux has evolved a lot. It has support for the latest graphics cards and platforms like Steam, which is a relief among gamers.
Little about the History
Linus was created by Linus Torvalds in the year 1991. It was a basic operating system with no bells and whistles, and represented the Command Line system.
Later on, it was given a more user-friendly approach with the introduction of OpenSUSE. Then, in the following years, several other forms were made available. Some of the instances are Debian and Fedora.
Future of Linux
In the coming years, we will likely see several beneficial changes in the Linux platform. Now, we even have some of the best software available for the Linux Platforms.
Apart from these, we even have the option to go for the FOSS. It stands for Free and Open Source Software. These are the software that are independent of the privacy-shattering features that are a common sight now. Also, the biggest benefit of using such software is the focus on the security of the identity and data of the users without any objections. Several developers are constantly working around the clock to make our lives better on the internet.
Some Speculations
There was also speculation that 32-bit support would be dropped from Fedora. Since it is a popular distro, the news created quite a buzz. However, it was just a discussion among the community of Fedora developers. Ultimately, they are not taking any such step and will continue to support the platform in the future.
The Support of Giant Players
There are companies like Dell that have given their support to the Linux platform. Their PCs are certified to be fit for the Linux ecosystem. This eliminates the doubt that Linux is only for specific machines.
The Big Support System
Linus has not only been an option for computer users. It has always been an integral part of numerous servers all around the globe. It is also powering our IoT dreams. As a result, it has been able to become the backbone of the internet infrastructure, considering the fact that now, we are accustomed to storing our data online.
Also, now we are habitual users of smartphones. They are mostly powered by Android, which is also based on Linux. So, we can say that the most important innovation and part of the internet era is the Linux operating system. They are being modified into various use cases and will continue to evolve with new demands and requirements of the users.
Conclusion
At last, they can be a great alternative to Windows. Maybe someday you can give it a try and get to know it more intimately. It can be a fun activity for school kids at weekends. Additionally, you can always contact any tech-savvy individual who can assist you in understanding the steps to use Linux. It is because “All the Best People in Life Seem to like Linux”.