A Compelling Case for Moving from Windows 10 to Linux

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With Windows 10 now officially unsupported, continuing to rely on it is no longer a neutral decision. It introduces growing security risks, compliance concerns, and operational friction.

Based on the work already completed, moving to Linux is not only viable, it is a measured, responsible, and future-proof decision.


1. Security Becomes a Business Risk, Not Just an IT Issue

Once Windows 10 stops receiving security updates, every unpatched vulnerability becomes permanent. Over time, that risk compounds.

Linux offers:

  • Continuous security updates
  • Strong permission separation by design
  • A significantly smaller malware attack surface
  • No dependency on third-party antivirus software

From a governance and risk perspective, running an unsupported operating system is increasingly difficult to justify. Linux restores a secure baseline.


2. No Forced Hardware Replacement

Modern Windows upgrades increasingly require:

  • TPM enforcement
  • Newer CPUs
  • Vendor-approved hardware

Linux runs efficiently on existing hardware, including systems Windows now considers obsolete. The work already done confirms that Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, graphics, and peripherals operate reliably without replacement.

The result:

  • Lower capital expenditure
  • Extended hardware lifespan
  • Reduced electronic waste

3. Predictability Instead of Forced Change

Windows updates frequently introduce:

  • Unrequested UI changes
  • Feature removals
  • Background services and advertising
  • Behaviour changes after updates

Linux updates are:

  • Transparent
  • Optional
  • Reversible
  • Administrator-controlled

Nothing installs unless it is explicitly approved. This removes a significant source of operational uncertainty.


4. A Familiar User Experience Without the Bloat

Modern Linux desktops provide:

  • A familiar Windows-like workflow
  • Fast and responsive performance
  • No ads, pop-ups, or telemetry

For users:

  • Browsers, email, Office-compatible tools, and PDF workflows work as expected
  • Bluetooth mice, keyboards, CAD devices, scanners, and printers function normally
  • No forced cloud accounts or subscription prompts

Training overhead is minimal, especially compared to adapting to newer Windows versions.


5. Licensing Costs Drop to Zero

Linux eliminates:

  • Operating system licensing fees
  • Subscription-based OS models
  • Artificial feature tiering

This is particularly valuable when:

  • Redeploying older machines
  • Building task-specific systems
  • Creating admin, kiosk, or utility workstations

The operating system becomes infrastructure, not a recurring cost.


6. Stability for Purpose-Built Workflows

Linux excels in clearly defined roles, including:

  • Administrative workstations
  • Production and CAD support systems
  • File management and automation
  • Remote access environments

Linux systems do not “drift” over time. A machine configured today will behave the same way months later, without surprise regressions.


7. A Strategic Reset, Not a Lateral Move

This is not about rejecting Windows. It is about acknowledging that:

  • Windows 10 is now a liability
  • Newer Windows versions impose constraints that do not align with operational needs
  • Linux provides control, longevity, and clarity

This represents a shift from a consumer-driven OS model to an engineered platform.


Bottom Line

Staying on Windows 10 is the risky option.

Moving to Linux is the controlled, secure, and forward-looking decision.

We retain our hardware, reduce costs, improve security, and regain control of our systems while delivering a stable and familiar experience for users.

Based on the work already completed, Linux is ready.

Linux vs Mac vs Windows — Continued Adventures in Computing

After a month of hands-on exploration, the verdict is in. Each platform has its strengths, but the experience of working with Linux Mint on aging hardware has been nothing short of impressive. Our 2013 ASUS S550C came back to life, and even an old Mac Mini that Apple had long since declared obsolete is now running smoothly with a full Linux desktop environment. By Apple’s standards, it was ready for the trash heap — but Linux had other plans.

🐧 Linux Mint — Lightweight Powerhouse

Reviving our 2013 ASUS S550C with Linux Mint was a revelation. It now boots fast, runs cool, and handles daily tasks with ease. The real surprise? The Mint interface feels clean, snappy, and surprisingly familiar.

We installed:

  • Ulauncher (a Spotlight-like launcher)
  • eDEX-UI (retro-futuristic terminal)
  • 1Password (Deb install)
  • OneDrive CLI (for real-time sync)
  • ClamAV (basic malware scanner)
  • TimeShift (Mac-like backup snapshots)

And even managed to replicate the setup onto our older Mac Mini, creating a reliable air-gapped backup machine. Formatting issues with external drives? Solved. Clunky Wubuntu distractions? Deleted. Mint was the clear winner for simplicity and control.

🍏 macOS — Premium and Polished

macOS still wins on polish. Out of the box, everything just works — Time Machine, Quick Look, Preview, Messages, iCloud, AirDrop. It’s seamless, especially if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem.

But try installing Linux on a 2013 Mac and it suddenly feels like you’ve been given more life out of your gear. That’s powerful. We now have a dual-boot setup: macOS for creative work, Linux Mint for focused tasks.

🪟 Windows — Ubiquitous but Heavy

Windows 11 works well on modern machines (like our Framework laptop), but it’s heavy. Even with a clean install, you often spend time uninstalling bloatware (thanks, Dell). Tools like Revo Uninstaller and disabling background services are almost mandatory.

The recent OneDrive CLI setup on Linux reminded us how refreshing it is to have control. On Windows, services like OneDrive are seamless but often opaque and difficult to tweak.

Verdict

FeatureLinux MintmacOSWindows 11
Performance on Old Hardware⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
User Interface⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
App Ecosystem⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Control/Customisation⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Backup Options⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Malware Resilience⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Linux Mint has won a place in our workflow. macOS remains the gold standard for user experience. Windows? Still everywhere, still a bit frustrating.

Coming Up

We’ll be exploring:

  • How to automate backups when a drive is plugged in (à la Time Machine)
  • Creating a custom FileMaker timesheet app
  • Designing a Thai-style home in FreeCAD

Why Linux Mint is Perfect for Vintage Machines

There’s a unique satisfaction in reviving older machines and making them useful again. Instead of sending them off to e-waste, I recently gave new life to two systems — an ASUS S550C and an older Mac Mini — using Linux Mint. Along the way, I also explored Wubuntu and set up a Parallels virtual machine on my M2 MacBook Air running macOS 26.

Why Linux Mint?

Linux Mint is a clean, efficient Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. It’s known for its ease of use, broad hardware compatibility, and stability. The Cinnamon desktop environment offers a traditional layout that’s intuitive for users coming from both Windows and macOS, without being resource-heavy.

For aging hardware or anyone looking for a friendly Linux experience, Mint hits the sweet spot.

The ASUS S550C Transformation

This laptop had been running a heavily tweaked build of Windows 11, bypassing hardware checks just to stay functional. It was sluggish and unreliable. I wiped the drive and installed Linux Mint Cinnamon, which immediately felt faster and more responsive.

I then:

  • Installed key apps: Chrome, 1Password, Master PDF Editor, eDEX-UI, and Ulauncher
  • Removed unneeded defaults like Firefox and Brave
  • Set up OneDrive CLI sync using a systemd service for background syncing
  • Installed Timeshift, a simple backup utility similar to Time Machine
  • Enabled Flatpak and Snap for broader software access

This machine, once a borderline write-off, is now perfectly usable again — and quite enjoyable to work on.

Cloning to the Mac Mini

After configuring the ASUS, I exported settings and installed software using Mint’s built-in Backup Tool, replicating the setup on an older Mac Mini, now named AirGap. This machine is now a fully isolated Linux box used for testing new tools, checking sync integrity, and simulating an offline environment.

The migration was seamless, and both machines now offer a consistent, fast Linux experience.

A Short Detour with Wubuntu

Before committing to Mint, I briefly tested Wubuntu — a Linux distro designed to mimic Windows 11, complete with a Start menu, taskbar, and UI that feels instantly familiar to Windows users.

Although visually polished, I had two key concerns:

  1. Wubuntu is not fully open source. Certain features and configuration tools are locked behind a paid Pro version.
  2. The Windows-like interface may raise copyright questions. Its visual similarity to Windows could create legal uncertainty around long-term use or distribution.

After an hour or two of testing, I removed Wubuntu. It didn’t offer anything I couldn’t achieve more cleanly with Linux Mint and some light theming.

Parallels VM on macOS 26

To round things out, I also set up Linux Mint Cinnamon as a virtual machine on my M2 MacBook Air, which is currently running macOS 26 Developer Beta 2.

Using Parallels Desktop, Mint installed quickly and runs beautifully. I use this VM for cross-platform testing, automation scripts, and exploring Linux tools in a controlled environment. Snapshots and seamless Mac integration make it a valuable part of my workflow.

What I Learned

  • Linux Mint performs well on both older hardware and modern virtual machines
  • Open source tools like Timeshift, Ulauncher, and the OneDrive CLI add real productivity
  • Linux Mint’s backup and migration tools are practical and effective
  • Wubuntu, while visually clever, does not align with open source values and comes with licensing questions
  • Parallels Desktop provides a robust environment for running Linux Mint inside macOS without dual-booting

Final Thoughts

Linux Mint has once again proven itself as a reliable, user-friendly Linux distribution. Whether used to breathe life into aging hardware or to run in a VM alongside macOS, it delivers a complete desktop experience with minimal setup.

In a world of constant upgrades and planned obsolescence, it’s refreshing to see a system that restores, reuses, and rewards. For anyone looking to explore Linux seriously or to make better use of an old laptop, Mint is a fantastic place to start.

Reviving a Late 2011 iMac: Clean Install of macOS High Sierra

Introduction

Today, we successfully completed a full clean installation of macOS High Sierra onto a Late 2011 iMac. The goal was to prepare the machine for gifting, leaving it at the Setup Assistant so the new owner experiences it like a new Mac. This blog post summarizes the journey, decisions, and technical steps taken.


Stage 1: Initial Problem

  • The iMac had a freshly erased internal HDD.
  • Attempted to install macOS Sierra from a standard installer.
  • Installation would nearly complete, then error out stating “An error occurred, please run the installer again.”

Key Suspicions

  • Potential hard drive aging issues.
  • Installer image corruption.
  • Time/date certificate issues.

Immediate Actions

  • Verified and corrected system date and time via Terminal.
  • Erased the drive properly using Disk Utility, ensuring:
    • Format: Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
    • Scheme: GUID Partition Map

Stage 2: Hurdles with macOS Sierra Installer

  • The available Sierra installer was an InstallOS.dmg, not a full Install macOS Sierra.app.
  • Due to being on a newer MacOS (Sequoia), the package inside could not be expanded or executed natively.
  • Decided that High Sierra would be a better solution due to its broader hardware support and smoother installation compatibility with Late 2011 iMacs.

Stage 3: Getting High Sierra Installer

  • Direct downloads from the App Store were blocked or incompatible.
  • Successfully used iBoysoft DiskGeeker to download a full macOS High Sierra installer.
  • Verified that the full installer (5.2-5.3GB) was obtained, not a stub.

Creating the USB Installer

  • Used DiskGeeker to create a bootable High Sierra USB stick.
  • Labeled and preserved the USB stick for future use.

Stage 4: Installation and Setup Preparation

  • Booted the iMac holding Option (Alt) key and selected the USB installer.
  • Used Disk Utility to:
    • Erase the internal drive properly.
    • Confirm format and scheme.
  • Installed macOS High Sierra cleanly.

Key Detail

  • Left the iMac at the Setup Assistant screen by pressing Command + Q and shutting down.
  • This ensures the new owner will experience the initial setup process themselves.

Final Reflection

This project showed that even older Macs can be revitalized with careful prep, the right tools, and a logical workflow. Understanding how newer macOS versions interact (or fail to interact) with legacy installers was key to success.

Key Takeaways

  • Always correct system date/time before installing older macOS.
  • Sierra installers via InstallOS.dmg are problematic under modern macOS.
  • High Sierra remains the best legacy installer for Late 2011 iMacs.
  • Leave gifted Macs at Setup Assistant for best “new user” experience.

Post Author: John Wagenvoort
Assisted by: Kai

What’s in a name

So Friday the 19th of July saw the world wake to a major cyber issue. Telcos, Airports, Hospitals and Banks were amongst the some around the world that were presented with the Microsoft Blue Screen Of Death (BSOD) on their computers.

The issue was brought about by an update of a cyber security endpoint solution running on Microsoft Windows systems. One System32\Drivers system file with just a minor oversight within it caused the hosting windows machine to get caught in a BSOD boot loop.

Annoying? Yes. Inconvenient? You bet. Train stations, airports, hospitals and supermarkets and other major corporations all running this end point protection solution on Windows systems were effectively brought to a standstill world wide.

Now the clincher and hence the title. The company behind this minor cyber hiccup is aptly named Crowdstrike. The very event this company had clients pay dearly to protect themselves against was responsible for it.

Remember the name. Crowdstrike. Marvellous.

Special mention also (as an aside) goes to Up Hill Real Estate. We rang them and it was Up Hill from there on.

The Apple didn’t fall far from the tree.

It would be a year ago that I delved into the world of Apple for the first time with my then not too highly thought of iPad. I remember going on about this that and the other. Hmmm, no USB ports etc. Well, a year on and it’s a totally different story.

Soon after the iPad had become the much needed commodity I just couldn’t do without, the Nokia E71 was soon supplanted with an iPone.

Now to just rewind a bit. I started working with the humble PC back in 1987. Lotus 123 was the program of choice and not soon there after I was working with MS Excel 1d. Back in those days windows had winders. The PC would boot up to a C prompt in less than a minute or so. Hmmm what ever happened to that? Not to digress too much, one of my latest forays into the PC world was by way of an Acer Aspire net book. Upgraded to 2gb of ram no less.

Imagine playing a 45rpm vinyl record at 33 and a third and you soon get the point. There’s not a lot of doing when it comes to those sorts of machines except for one thing, waiting. When it does eventually boot, Microsoft decides that the machine hasn’t quite been stuffed to the gills yet and implores you to install the much needed 23 critical updates. Restart required, and then when it finally boots up again Adobe will insist that you must have the latest version of their pdf reader or Flash. Around this time the “must have anti virus program” will decide it’s about time for a scan. Needless to say that if one was to liken the PC to a toaster, one would simply throw it out and buy a new one. So that’s exactly what I did,……

I bought a Mac.

The End