Google Chromebooks are cheaper laptops that work via a browser, the Operating System is in the Cloud.

Appreciate I have posted options to convert older PCs (Or modern ones) to Linux systems but ChomeOS is another option and recently made easier.

Video explains options.

https://youtu.be/mqt-eO_NEKA?si=AXed8dADkfvzW3ME

Geffers

Thanks for the video!  I may need another laptop as my Alien is overheating.  I've ordered a battery to test if that's the issue, but my dh believes it's a fan.  I recently was able to upgrade my old Mac to a newer operating system, just in case.  I've picked out a replacement laptop if I need to get a new one, but your Google Chromebook is worth a look.  :)

Seems Microsoft are extending support now for a further year but on condition you sign in on Microsoft's cloud system.

Following video simply explains how you can get the update by signing in but then effectively sign out of the condition.  I don't use Windows so haven't tried it but it looks easy enough.

https://youtu.be/ERDjeKN1_Es?si=FF9_6WL3P0T-rrPf

Geffers

Thanks for that update on Microsoft though I can see where their motivation is that you use their cloud system. I guess they are hoping you will run out of storage space and have to upgrade to a paid version?

Video links are always helpful when you are trying to do something new.

The Chromebook option is worth considering as you can run it from USB flash memory.  Bit slower to load but once up and running then it works normally.

For most computer users who just want to browse the web, write a few letters, send emails, watch videos etc Chromebook is an economical option.

Geffers

Yeah, the USB flash memory would work very well.  The Chromebook sounds like a nice option for basic tasks.  I need a pc that can handle big tasks lol! :D

All the following use Linux

Google is one of largest and most well-known companies that utilizes GNU/Linux. In fact, company has been using GNU/Linux since its early days. Google's servers, including its search engine, Gmail, and Google Drive, all run on GNU/Linux. Additionally, Android, Google's popular mobile operating system, is built on top of a Linux kernel.

Amazon is one of world's largest online retailers, and it utilizes GNU/Linux extensively. In fact, Amazon Web Services (AWS), which provides cloud computing services to companies all over world, runs on GNU/Linux. Additionally, company's Kindle e-readers also run on a customized version of GNU/Linux.

IBM is a multinational technology company that has been using GNU/Linux since 1990s. IBM has been a significant contributor to open-source community and even released its own version of GNU/Linux, known as IBM LinuxONE. IBM also provides support and consulting services for GNU/Linux.

Netflix is a streaming service that offers a vast library of movies and TV shows. Netflix utilizes GNU/Linux extensively, and company has even released its own version of GNU/Linux, known as Netflix Open Connect Appliance.

Twitter is a popular social media platform that allows users to share short messages, known as tweets. Twitter's servers run on GNU/Linux, and company has contributed to open-source community by releasing tools and code.

Linux can handle 'Big Stuff'

Geffers

I had no idea the range of large companies that use Linux.  Pretty amazing and Linux must be on the top since it's utilized for those big companies.

Microsoft Windows still lead as far as the personal desktop/laptop scene goes, I think Linux is only around 5% of that market.

I prefer Microsoft over Apple, however on a measure of success with less issues, Apple continues to exceed my expectations on my Mac laptop over anything Microsoft.  I just successfully updated the IOS of my Mac laptop and it went really well.  Maybe Linux has such a learning curve that the average Microsoft user tends to avoid?  I'd try Linux if I needed too, like with my laptop.  I was pretty surprised I could upgrade it actually, because it's eleven years old now.  If my upgrade didn't go well, then Linux would have been my next option.