Where they differ is how you install programs. At the most basic level, though, programs in Linux open in windows that can be moved around the screen, resized and minimised, and most of them have a desktop in the traditional sense. How does Linux compare to Windows?ĭepending on which distro you choose, it could be quite similar or very different. Ubuntu is another common choice that’s also worth looking at. The fact that Linux is much less common than Windows makes it a much less obvious target for nefarious would-be hackers than Windows. There’s detailed online documentation on how to install and use it, including how to create USB/DVD drives (known as installation media), so you can try it out without having to commit to it.Īnd while security is never guaranteed, it does appear to be updated with security fixes. It’s frequently updated, and will look familiar to anybody who’s used to Windows. One particularly easy-to-use distro is called Mint. Many are so simple and lightweight you can simply run them off a DVD or USB without having to replace Windows on your device. It’s completely open source – therefore free and developed by a community – and comes in a variety of so-called ‘distros’, or versions. Linux is an alternative operating system that can be installed on practically any computer. If you’d prefer to go back to Windows 7, you can do so by searching for ‘updates’ in the start menu, then clicking on ‘Go back to Windows 7’. If your Windows isn’t activated, you’ll need to buy a licence. Search for ‘activation’ in the Start Menu and click on it to see whether your Windows 10 licence is activated. Follow the instructions, and when Windows 10 has been fully installed you can check whether you’ve managed to get it for free or whether you’ll need to pay to activate it. Then head to the Windows 10 download site to get the installation started. Otherwise, it may end up being painfully slow. You’ll need to be on Windows 7 Service Pack 1 – if your PC is up to date, this should already be the case.Ĭheck your PC exceeds the minimum requirements here. At the bottom, it will say if the licence is activated. Check this using Control Panel from the Start Menu, clicking on System and Security, and then System.
It is possible to upgrade Windows 10 for free, and it’s worth a try if you haven’t already.įor the best chance of getting a free upgrade, your current version of Windows 7 must be legal and activated with Microsoft. Ready to upgrade? Browse all the best laptops from our tests. If you can’t – or don’t fancy – paying for a Windows 10 licence, don’t consign your machine to the scrapheap. Microsoft will stop supporting the 10-year-old Windows 7 operating system with security updates on 14 January 2020.
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