Two weeks ago, I bid farewell to my MacBook Air and embraced an underdog: a nine-year-old ThinkPad. Despite Microsoft’s declaration that Windows 10 is now obsolete, this laptop has proven more than capable of everyday tasks. Its hardware supports web browsing, document writing, and even some gaming on Steam. The solution? Embrace Linux.

Windows 10 may be past its prime, but its hardware still shines. Specifying a processor one generation too old for Windows 11 seemed like an easy fix—until the security updates ended. But opting out means risking vulnerabilities or spending hundreds to upgrade. Enter Linux: stable, beginner-friendly and designed for older hardware.

I installed Linux Mint, choosing it over Fedora due to its user-friendliness. The Mint installer was a breeze, with clear steps that took just 10 minutes before Windows 10 was gone. Pre-installed apps like Firefox and LibreOffice made the transition almost seamless. Steam required a bit more work but was eventually set up via terminal commands.

Reflecting on this experience, it’s not just about saving a laptop; it’s about questioning tech cycles. Why must we discard perfectly functional hardware? Linux offers a viable alternative that keeps our electronics useful far longer than they might otherwise be.