Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Buying a new computer to run Linux on - suggestions? (midwest.social)

submitted 3 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Hello. I have never used Linux before in my life, but this post isn't really about the software. I know there are many guides and threads out there explaining how to set up Linux for beginners.

My question is more about what computers you guys suggest for Linux. I don't have any old computers lying around at home, I only have a computer assigned by my school that I'll turn in next year. To my understanding, Linux should be able to work on almost all computers, so I haven't thought about a specific brand.

My top priorities are (in order):

good/great battery life
quiet
compact and lightweight

Preferably a 13" or 15" screen, though I prefer the former. Just a small machine with a great battery life that also doesn't make much noise when several apps are open at once. I have looked at Asus before, but I'm not sure what the general consensus is of this brand, so I was hoping to get some suggestions. I've also looked at Framework computers, but honestly it's a bit expensive for me. My budget is ~1000$ (10 000 SEK).

Might be unnecessary information, but: I will be using this computer mainly to write documents, make the occasional presentations, browse the web, and watch videos and movies. So no photo- or video editing nor gaming at all. Like everybody, I hope to buy a computer that will last many years and survive many student theses. Cheers and thanks!

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[–] [email protected] -2 points 3 months ago (2 children)

I will be using this computer mainly to write documents, make the occasional presentations, browse the web, and watch videos and movies. So no photo- or video editing nor gaming at all.

Then go for a Raspberry pi 3. (No, not rpi 4 or the rpi 5 one). It's cheap, with a power draw low enough to leave it running 24/7 (it will not increase your energy bills by the slightest). Downside is that you'll have to learn some Linux "tricks" that will (definitely) "grind your gears", but eh.... it'll be a fun ride if you are willing to lose some sanity for the sake of enjoying a "It's like nothing is happening to my power bills at all!" power of the convenience it'll bring to your life and your lifestyle as well.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

That's not a laptop and even if it was the raspberry pi won't work with stock Linux. You need a custom kernel.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

That’s not a laptop

OP mentioned a computer, not a laptop.

You need a custom kernel.

That is completely wrong -- there are a couple distros out there that work "out of the box" without the need of a custom kernel. Not just for the rpi, but for many other "obscure" pcs, including a thermostat.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago

You need the Raspberry pi kernel for it to work

https://github.com/raspberrypi/linux

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I think its reasonable to assume that they'll want to easily be able to take it and use it in different rooms

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago

Rpis can be as mobile as (or even more than) a laptop.