Linux: It's Not Just for Tech Experts Anymore
Linux has come a long way. What was once the domain of programmers and server admins is now a polished, user-friendly operating system that might be exactly what you need.
What Is Linux?
Linux is a free, open-source operating system. Unlike Windows or macOS, it's:
- Free - No license fees, ever
- Open source - Anyone can inspect and improve the code
- Customizable - Make it look and work how you want
- Secure - Far fewer viruses and malware target Linux
Why Consider Linux in 2026?
1. Breathe Life into Old Hardware
That "slow" computer might not need replacing:
- Linux runs great on older machines
- Lightweight versions use minimal RAM
- No bloatware slowing things down
- SSDs + Linux = surprisingly fast old PCs
2. Privacy and Security
Linux respects your privacy:
- No telemetry sent to Microsoft
- You control what runs on your computer
- Fewer malware threats
- No forced updates at inconvenient times
3. It's Actually Easy Now
Modern Linux distributions (distros) are user-friendly:
- Linux Mint - Feels familiar to Windows users
- Ubuntu - Huge community, lots of help available
- Pop!_OS - Great for gaming
- Zorin OS - Designed for Windows switchers
What Can You Do on Linux?
Everything most people need:
- Web browsing (Firefox, Chrome, Brave)
- Email and calendar
- Office work (LibreOffice, Google Docs)
- Photo editing (GIMP, Darktable)
- Video streaming (Netflix, YouTube, etc.)
- Music (Spotify, local files)
Gaming has improved dramatically:
- Steam runs natively on Linux
- Proton compatibility layer runs most Windows games
- Many games work out of the box
- Check ProtonDB.com for compatibility
When Linux Makes Sense
Great fit if you:
- Mainly browse the web and do office work
- Have an older computer you want to revive
- Value privacy and control
- Want to stop paying for Windows licenses
- Are curious and willing to learn a little
Maybe not ideal if you:
- Rely on specific Windows-only software
- Play competitive multiplayer games with anti-cheat
- Need Adobe Creative Suite (no native Linux version)
- Don't want to learn anything new
The Dual-Boot Option
Not ready to commit? Try dual-booting:
- Keep Windows AND Linux on the same computer
- Choose which to boot each time you start
- Best of both worlds
- Test Linux without losing Windows
Our Linux Services
At Computer Store KS, we offer:
Linux Installation:
- Choose the right distro for your needs
- Proper installation and setup
- Dual-boot configuration
- Driver installation and testing
Linux Support:
- Help with common tasks
- Software recommendations
- Troubleshooting
- Migration assistance
Linux Computers:
- Pre-built systems with Linux
- Refurbished PCs with Linux (great value!)
- Custom builds optimized for Linux
Try Before You Buy
Most Linux distros offer "Live USB" mode:
1. We create a bootable USB
2. You boot from it without installing
3. Test everything on your actual hardware
4. Install only if you like it
Ready to Explore?
Visit Computer Store KS to:
- See Linux in action
- Get honest advice on whether it's right for you
- Try different distros
- Get professional installation
We've helped many customers discover that Linux is exactly what they needed. Maybe you're next?
Freedom, privacy, and performance. That's Linux.