FAQs
Windows 10 and 11, and Linux.
Q: When Windows 10 reaches its "end of life" why can't I just install Windows 11 on my computer?
A: Windows 11 cannot be installed on your computer unless its motherboard has a feature called TPM 2.0, an approved CPU, and UEFI instead of BIOS. These features offer a somewhat heightened level of security.
Q: That sounds very technical. Is there an easier way to understand this?
A: What it means is that Windows 11 can only be installed on computers that were manufactured in the last 2 or 3 years, without the use of a legal hack telling the computer to bypass the Windows 11 requirements.
Q: How can a hack be legal or even ethical?
A: Unlike the earlier Windows versions like XP, Vista, 7, or 8, Windows 10 and 11 can be installed and used without a product key. In other words, they are free to use. The use of a hack to install Windows 11 will not deprive Microsoft of any revenue. It's just a technical matter.
Q: Does Microsoft know about this hack?
A: Microsoft is certainly aware of the hack and even mentions it on its website---without condemning it. The only issue is whether computers that use this hack to run Windows 11 will continue to receive updates until the "end of life" of Windows 11. Microsoft has not told us.
The Windows 11 upgrade.
Microsoft recommends an upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 on all computers that meet its technical requirements---but relatively few computers do.
Q: You said that it was not necessary to buy a product key to use Windows 10 or 11, but don't we lose some features that way?
A: We do lose some features, for example the ability to change the picture on the lock screen. But the loss of Microsoft's cloud storage called One Drive is more important. It should be easy, however, to purchase cloud storage from a third party like Dropbox. Google Docs and many email services provide cloud storage for free.
Q: Suppose I decide to use Linux instead of Windows. I have heard that there are hundreds of Linux distributions (operating systems).
A: In the Linux family of operating systems there are only about fifteen that are important and widely popular. Moreover, it is usually possible to try out a Linux distribution without installing it. This feature, called "live DVD", allows computer owners to see how a distribution works in order to make an informed choice about it.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Linux?
A: In general Linux is lighter and faster than Windows, and there are Linux distributions that do especially well with older and slower computers. Linux is also safer than Windows---even without an antivirus program---so long as it receives security updates. On the other hand, printers are not always compatible with Linux, and it may be necessary to use a network adapter.
Q: If Linux has certain advantages over Windows why has it remained in the background? Why don't we see a Linux computer at Staples or Best Buy?
A: Actually we do see that. The Apple OS is a Unix system, which is closely related to Linux. Chrome OS is a Linux system adapted to a specific kind of hardware. If Chrome Books are an indication, we would expect a Linux OS to do quite well if it were pre-installed on a computer and marketed vigorously.
Linux may be the answer.
Millions of good computers might be discarded because of Microsoft's policies.
The answer to the problem that Microsoft has created for us may be the use of an alternative to Windows. Fortunately Linux is free and easy to install once an installation flash drive or DVD has been created. I can do this for you---but first I will help you to choose the variety of Linux that is best suited to your hardware and the purposes for which you use your computer.
If you don't know how to use Linux . . .
It's not a problem.
For only $50 I will help you choose the Linux distribution that is right for you. I will install it and include with the installation an office program that is fully compatible with Microsoft office. That means that you will be able to open the documents, pictures, or spreadsheets that you created with Microsoft Office and continue to work on them. I will also install your printer.
If you are new to Linux I will give you two or three free lessons on how to use it. You will find that Linux is easy to use for most purposes.
Call me at (424) 477-6236 to get started.
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