Linux on Laptops: A Boringly Successful Experience
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Chapter 1: The Laptop Experience with Linux
Recently, I took my MacBook Pro in for a battery replacement since its five-year-old battery only lasts about an hour. The repair shop informed me they would contact me by next Tuesday. In the meantime, I turned to my backup laptop, an 11-year-old ThinkPad T420—a sturdy device I purchased used for $200.
As I was handling emails and doing some research, I suddenly remembered I had a video call scheduled just before 1 PM. The catch? The meeting required Microsoft Teams, which I hadn't installed on my Linux setup. “Does Microsoft even offer Teams for Linux?” I thought, realizing that the laptop's outdated webcam might not meet my needs either. Panic set in as I recognized these issues just a minute before the meeting was set to start.
In a flurry of anxiety, I searched for “Linux version of Microsoft Teams” and discovered that Microsoft indeed provides one! The download was swift, and installation was straightforward. To my relief, Ubuntu automatically recognized my external Logitech camera as well.
I joined the meeting without a hitch, demonstrating a crucial point: using Linux on a laptop or desktop has become incredibly reliable.
It’s worth noting that when I use my Linux machine, the experience is largely indistinguishable from that on Mac or Windows systems. In fact, it functions so seamlessly that it borders on boring—exactly what you want in an operating system; it should simply work without demanding your attention.
This was not always the case. In the late 90s and early 2000s, installing Linux on a personal computer was daunting, often requiring extensive command-line adjustments. Keeping it updated involved even more technical know-how, and early desktop Linux versions had unattractive interfaces, lacking many popular software options. Even if you managed to install it, essential applications like instant messengers were often unavailable.
However, by the early 2010s, these challenges began to diminish, and by the 2020s, the landscape has transformed dramatically.
Section 1.1: Simplified Installation
Getting Linux onto a computer has become remarkably straightforward. Companies like Canonical, which develops Ubuntu, provide clear, step-by-step installation guides. Other distributions, such as Mint, also offer user-friendly instructions. While creating a bootable USB drive for installation remains the trickiest part, it is far simpler than it used to be—certainly less frustrating than setting up many modern smart TVs.
Once installed, the user experience is impressively intuitive. Linux UIs, particularly on distributions like Ubuntu, behave similarly to Windows or Mac interfaces, complete with automatic updates and user-friendly software centers for easy app installations.
Section 1.2: The Browser Revolution
What about the applications you rely on? The good news is that most have transitioned to the browser. In the past, many essential software programs were unavailable for Linux. However, a significant portion of everyday tasks now occurs online—word processing, spreadsheets, messaging, and even gaming can all be done through a browser.
You can even access the entire Microsoft Office suite online, meaning it’s compatible with Linux. This shift makes standalone apps less necessary, as many robust browsers—like Chrome, Firefox, and my personal favorite, Vivaldi—are available on Linux.
True, some applications like Zoom and Teams still require dedicated versions, but many major platforms now support Linux. Even gaming is embracing Linux, as evidenced by the impressive range of titles available on Steam.
Chapter 2: Reviving Old Hardware
My Linux laptop, the ThinkPad from 2011, is a robust machine with a fantastic keyboard. However, its processor is outdated, and running the latest version of Windows would likely result in sluggish performance.
Conversely, Linux excels on older hardware, running smoothly on machines with limited specifications. Even lightweight Linux distributions are tailored for such devices, meaning my $200 ThinkPad operates just as efficiently as a high-end machine when browsing.
Are there some limitations with Linux? Sure. I wish there were versions of specific software like Scrivener or Logic Pro available. However, these are minor inconveniences. Linux has matured into a user-friendly operating system that can breathe new life into your old computers.
This first video, titled "Linux Sucks and So Does Everything Else," discusses the misconceptions about Linux and highlights its current capabilities.
The second video, "Linux SUCKS at these 5 day to day tasks," explores common challenges users face when using Linux, providing insights into its functionality.
Clive is a contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine, a columnist for Wired and Smithsonian magazines, and a regular contributor to Mother Jones. He’s the author of "Coders: The Making of a New Tribe and the Remaking of the World" and "Smarter Than You Think: How Technology is Changing our Minds for the Better." Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @pomeranian99.
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