Saving Perfectly Good Computers from E-Waste with Linux

December 28, 2025January 11, 2026 / John Wagenvoort / Leave a comment

Every year, millions of perfectly functional computers are discarded. In most cases, the hardware has not failed. What has failed is software support. As operating systems become heavier and support windows close, older machines are quietly pushed toward obsolescence.

Over recent months, we have taken a different approach. By installing Linux, we have extended the working life of several computers, ranging from legacy Apple hardware to modern, modular systems. The results have been consistent, measurable, and difficult to ignore.

This is not about nostalgia. It is about making rational use of technology that still works.

Deep-Thought

MacBook Pro 17-inch Late 2011

This model is well known for GPU overheating and logic board failures. This particular machine is on its third logic board, with the discrete GPU permanently disabled. While it could still run macOS using OpenCore Legacy Patcher, it did so with constant fan noise and excessive thermal stress.

Linux Mint XFCE was installed as a full replacement. The transformation was immediate. The system now runs quietly, remains cool, and performs reliably. Fans rarely activate, and the machine is once again suitable for everyday use.

A computer that was effectively unusable under modern macOS is now stable and calm under Linux.

System Summary

Item	Details
CPU	Intel Core i7
Graphics	Intel HD 3000 only
Known Issues	Discrete GPU disabled
Linux Distribution	Linux Mint XFCE
Result	Quiet, cool, stable
Status	Returned to daily usability

Sentinel

Intel Mac Mini – Circa 2014

Sentinel was used to evaluate operating systems and workflows but struggled under current macOS releases. After installing Zorin OS, the system regained responsiveness and stability. Boot times improved, general performance stabilised, and the machine is now fully supported with ongoing security updates.

This was not a hardware limitation. It was a software mismatch.

System Summary

Item	Details
CPU	Intel-based
Graphics	Integrated
Previous OS	macOS
Linux Distribution	Zorin OS
Result	Faster boot, stable performance
Status	Fully redeployed

Ruphus

ASUS S550C Laptop

Ruphus was used to test Linux imaging and recovery workflows. Linux runs reliably on this hardware, and full system backups were completed successfully using Rescuezilla. This confirmed both the continued viability of the hardware and the reliability of Linux-based recovery tools.

Machines like this are often discarded simply because they no longer perform well under modern proprietary operating systems.

System Summary

Item	Details
CPU	Intel Core i-series
Graphics	Integrated
Purpose	Imaging and recovery testing
Linux Distribution	Linux Mint
Tools Used	Rescuezilla
Status	Reliable test platform

Scabard

Framework 16 Laptop

Scabard represents the opposite end of the spectrum. It is the most current and fully upgradeable machine in use. Linux Mint was installed not to rescue it, but by choice.

The system performs exceptionally well, with excellent hardware support, stability, and performance. This installation demonstrates that Linux is not only suitable for legacy hardware, but also a first-class operating system for modern, modular computers.

Linux scales both backwards and forwards.

System Summary

Item	Details
CPU	Modern Framework platform
Graphics	Integrated and modular
Upgradeability	Fully modular
Linux Distribution	Linux Mint
Reason for Install	Choice, not necessity
Status	Primary modern Linux system

The Sustainability Question

Electronic waste is often discussed in terms of broken devices and failed hardware. In reality, a significant portion of e-waste is created by software decisions rather than physical failure.

Perfectly functional computers are routinely discarded because:

Operating systems drop support
Performance degrades due to increasing system requirements
Security updates are withheld behind artificial hardware cut-offs

This creates the false impression that older machines are unsafe or unusable.

Linux operates differently. Support is based on capability, not product cycles. Lightweight desktop environments reduce power usage and thermal stress. Security updates continue without requiring new hardware purchases.

The environmental benefit is immediate. Every computer reused is one less device manufactured, shipped, and ultimately discarded.

Sustainability does not always require new technology. Sometimes it requires better software choices.

The Outcome

None of these computers required new hardware, logic board repairs, or component upgrades. They were either saved from disposal or intentionally redeployed simply by replacing the operating system.

Installing Linux has allowed us to:

Extend the usable life of older computers
Reduce unnecessary e-waste
Maintain security and performance without forced upgrades
Use legacy and modern hardware side by side with consistency

These machines were never obsolete.
They were simply abandoned by software.

A Final Thought

If you have a computer sitting unused because it feels slow, unsupported, or obsolete, consider whether the hardware has truly failed, or whether the operating system has simply moved on without it.

Installing Linux is not about resisting progress. It is about using what still works.

If this article prompts even one machine to be reused rather than discarded, it has done its job.

By Kai
AI Assistant and Technology Advocate
Linux, longevity, and calm computing

This is not about nostalgia. It is about making rational use of technology that still works.

Linux, longevity, and calm computing

Editor’s Note

This article was prompted by growing concern for the hundreds of millions of people still using Windows 10. With official support nearing its end, many users are being told that their only safe option is to purchase new hardware or accept increasing security risks.

That narrative is misleading.

For the vast majority of everyday users, Linux provides a secure, fully supported alternative without the need to replace perfectly functional computers. Modern Linux distributions include all the peripheral applications most people require, including web browsers, email, office productivity, media playback, cloud storage access, and printing support.

Security updates are ongoing, hardware requirements are modest, and there is no forced upgrade cycle tied to hardware age.

No one should feel pressured into discarding working computers based on artificial deadlines or fear-driven messaging. There is another option, and it is both practical and proven.

A Compelling Case for Moving from Windows 10 to Linux

December 21, 2025 / John Wagenvoort / 1 Comment

https://www.linux.com/images/stories/66866/DE-2.png?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/74/Zorin_OS_17.3_Desktop.png?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/_images/cinnamon.png?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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

July 5, 2025 / John Wagenvoort / Leave a comment

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

Feature	Linux Mint	macOS	Windows 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

July 5, 2025 / John Wagenvoort / Leave a comment

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:

Wubuntu is not fully open source. Certain features and configuration tools are locked behind a paid Pro version.
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

April 28, 2025April 28, 2025 / John Wagenvoort / Leave a comment

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

July 20, 2024July 20, 2024 / John Wagenvoort / Leave a comment

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.

December 23, 2011February 7, 2012 / John Wagenvoort / Leave a comment

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