How to choose and buy Linux computers

Informatec Digital » Recent » How to choose and buy Linux computers

Linux is a free, secure, and reliable operating system that is gaining increasing popularity in the personal computer market. Choosing a computer with Linux pre-installed brings many benefits, but there are also certain points to consider to ensure compatibility. This guide will help you choose Linux computers for you.

Factors to Consider When Buying Linux Computers

Linux compatible hardware

• For Linux computers, you need to verify that all components have Linux drivers. graphics cards and WiFi are often problematic.
• Major brands tend to have better compatibility. Avoid very new or unknown hardware.

The pre-installed Linux distribution

• Ubuntu, Linux Mint and Fedora They are the most popular and easiest for beginners.
• Consider the latest LTS version for stability. Frequent updates may cause issues.

Amount of RAM and storage

• Minimum 4GB of RAM is recommended for good performance. 8GB is ideal.
• SSD of at least 240GB for the operating system partition.
• Requirements vary depending on the distribution chosen.

Processor type (CPU)

• Processors Intel and AMD work fine with Linux.
• A CPU with at least 2 cores and 2GHz of power is preferred. More cores are better for running multiple tasks.

The specific brand and model

• Lenovo, Dell, System76 and Purism are known to sell Linux-based computers.
• Research other users' opinions on a particular model.

Price

• The price is usually lower due to the absence of a Windows license.
• Older models can be found at good prices with compatible hardware.

Best Linux Distributions for Beginners

Ubuntu

• Based on Debian, it is the most popular and widely supported distribution.
• It has 2 LTS versions every 2 years, focused on stability.
• The built-in software store makes it easy to install programs.

Linux Mint

• Derived from Ubuntu, very easy to use for Linux newbies.
• Elegant and familiar interface for Windows users.
• Great for use on older laptops and PCs.

Fedora

• Backed by Red Hat, it is fast, secure and frequently updated.
• Workstation version is focused on daily use on desktop and laptop computers.
• The Fedora community is very active and provides excellent support.

Steps to install Linux on a PC

Create an installation pendrive with Rufus

• Download the ISO of the chosen Linux distribution.
• Use Rufus to create a bootable USB flash drive from the ISO.

Setting USB boot mode

• Enter the BIOS menu and set USB boot first in the sequence.
• This allows the PC to boot from the pendrive.

Choosing installation options

• Select language, time zone, keyboard layout, etc.
• Choose whether to do a clean installation, alongside Windows, or replacing Windows.

Partition the hard drive

• It is recommended to leave 20GB for the Linux root, the rest for /home.
• Optionally create a swap partition with twice as much RAM.

Install the base system and bootloader

• Most distributions guide you through this process automatically.
• Finally they will install GRUB, the boot manager.

And that's it! Reboot your computer and enjoy Linux.

Advantages of using Linux instead of Windows

Free and open source

• Linux is free. You can try out different distributions at no cost.
• Being open source, there is a community of developers constantly improving it.

Safer and more reliable

• Open source makes the system less prone to viruses and malware.
• Repositories verify updates before releasing them.

Fully customizable

• Desktop, themes, visual effects, everything can be easily customized.
• Changes do not require restarting your computer.

Less resources and more performance

• Linux requires less RAM and CPU for basic functions.
• On older hardware, Linux can revive a slow computer.

Software compatibility

• Most major applications have a Linux version.
• You can run some Windows programs using Wine.

How to choose from the best Linux computers?

When buying a new computer and ensuring it is 100% compatible with Linux, there are certain key aspects that should be checked:

• Check if your specific model is Linux certified. Major manufacturers such as Dell, Lenovo or HP usually indicate this in the specifications.
• Prioritize known hardware that has good driver support. Avoid very new or exotic components, especially the graphics card and WiFi.
• Verify that the BIOS/UEFI allows booting from USB. This makes it easy to test and install different Linux distributions.
• Find opinions from other Linux users about that particular model, in forums and online groups. First-hand experience is always invaluable.
• Compare specifications with system requirements of the Linux distribution you intend to use, to ensure compatibility.
• Don't be afraid to buy a somewhat older model, since Linux can breathe new life into even hardware that is a few years old.

Following these tips when choosing a new computer will make your Linux experience much more enjoyable and glitch-free.

Final conclusions and recommendations

Linux is an excellent alternative for any user, from beginners to experts . With a wide variety of distributions, it's possible to find a version suitable for any need.

When purchasing a new computer, it is recommended to look for a Linux-certified model to ensure the best compatibility. If this option is not available, carefully check that all components have good driver support to avoid frustration.

Whether you're using modern hardware or even older computers, Linux provides a fast, reliable, secure, and 100% customizable system. Its free software nature ensures that you'll always be constantly innovating.

Give Linux a try on your next computer. It's sure to be a rewarding experience that could forever change your perspective on software. The world of open source awaits!

Share this article if it was helpful to you or if you know someone interested in Linux Computers.