When Microsoft ends the support of Windows 10 in October, PCs become a security risk if your hardware is not suitable for upgrading to Windows 11. One solution is the switch to Linux. NTV.de explains how it works and presents three distributions that make it particularly easy to change.
On October 14th Microsoft ended Windows 10. This means that there is no longer any security updates for the operating system. According to the security company ESET, around 32 million computers are currently affected in Germany alone. The simplest solution for their owners is a free upgrade to Windows 11. But many computers are out of the question, since Microsoft has put the hardware hurdles up for the new operating system.
PCs, which are otherwise perfect, have to work on the electronic waste, but not. Because with Linux there is a safe free alternative for you, which is much more frugal than Windows 11. The easiest way to switch is with distributions that are very similar in appearance and operation Windows.
Extensive and safe
Distribution means that you do not get a pure operating system, but a collection of coordinated software that you need to use a computer. These include browsers, email client or office programs.
In addition, you can install numerous other free software with which you can replace almost all Windows applications that you have used so far as long as you do not have to meet any special requirements. These are often so-called open source programs, the source code of which is visible and changeable for everyone.
This means that they are usually very safe because many developers can find and fix mistakes before attackers are able to take advantage of them. This also generally applies to the Linux distributions itself. NTV.de chose three of them that are particularly similar to Windows, but there are numerous other good alternatives, also for special requirements. An overview with selection filters can be found, among other things, at lidux.de.
If you rely on Windows programs, there is the possibility to install Wine. It is a so-called runtime environment that allows Windows applications to be carried out on Linux calculators.
That's how it works
Important: First of all, you secure all the important files you want to keep on an external medium. You can do this manually or use special software, such as the free German open source software “Personal Backup”.
On the websites of the distributions you will find manuals and instructions for installation. Basically, you always proceed right away: First you download the software to the computer and create a bootable medium, for which a USB stick is the easiest. If necessary, link to additional necessary software.
Depending on the computer manufacturer, there are various options to boot from a stick. Usually you have to press a certain button at the start. You can usually find out which this is by a Internet search.
When the computer is running, you can in the settings Update & security – Restoration go. You choose there first Extended start and then Restart now out of. In the following window you first click on Select option, then Use device – USB storage device.
This is not rocket science, but at least you should be familiar with computers. If in doubt, you search for step-by-step instructions on the Internet and/or asks someone for help.
Linux Mint
Because the user interface looks familiar and is easy to use, Linux MINT is particularly suitable for Windows relegations. In addition, distribution is not only considered very safe, but also particularly stable, since the developers only publish new versions after thorough examination. Linux Mint, which is based on the very popular distribution Ubuntu, is frugal and also works on older computers.
With various desktop environments such as Cinnamon, Mate and XFCE, the optics and functionality can be adapted to your own needs. Cinnamon offers a similar start menu and a taskbar like Windows 10.
The starter package includes Libre Office, Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird as well as programs for music, videos and photos or a calendar. Even a password manager is on board. Many other applications can be found clearly in an app store
Zorin OS


Zorin OS's standard desktop.
(Photo: Zorin Technology Group Ltd.)
Zorin OS is similarly comfortable. If you want, you can do with Zorin Appearance The appearance of the system even adapt so that it looks almost like Windows 11.
This distribution is also based on Ubuntu, offers various desktop environments and is considered to be extremely stable and safe. The most important programs are preinstalled, many other applications can be found in the software center.
Wubuntu
As the name suggests, Wubuntu (Windows Ubuntu) is a distribution based on Ubuntu and imitates Windows. The user interface from the symbols to the start menu and taskbar looks like Microsoft's operating system.


Wubuntu imitates the Windows interface in detail.
(Photo: Cybertech)
But Wubuntu goes even further: With the pre-installed running time environment Wine, Windows programs are in the software package. These include the EDGE browser, the Media Player, MS Paint or the Notepad. Otherwise, of course, you can also use Linux applications under Wubuntu, and ONLYOFFICE is pre-installed as an office package.
Wubuntu seems to be closely related to the Linuxfx distribution. “The Register” points out that the activation system and the developer's registration database have proven to be unsafe in the past in the past.