I'm a retired gentleman (Old Guy) who, a couple of years ago and out of desperation, was able to extend the life of a nearly worthless Gateway notebook using Linux Mint 17. That notebook still works, but has been so slow, it was only used when nothing else was available. Yet Mint proved to be as easy to use as the Windows 7 it replaced, and I was have been happy with it, given the hardware limitations. I have since gone to a Chromebook as my laptop.

I also have a PC with Windows 7. It is quick and I have no issues with it. However, support for Windows 7 is ending soon, and I have read that Windows 10 leaves a lot to be desired (updates making the machine unusable, for example.)

I am considering jumping into Linux with my PC, but I've grown lazy with my years. I like never having to deal with Command Prompts (is that the right term?) I like automatic updates. In other words, I like my computer life to be as easy as possible. I don't want to make computer a hobby.

Is there a Linux distro that will accomplish that for me, or am I better off taking my chances with Windows 10.

I am open to any and all suggestions. I'm pretty tough-skinned, so feel free to let loose if you must. I am able to google, so I can compare suggestions if I have to.

I also appreciate your input.

One should not have to be tough skinned for such a question, it is very reasonable and so should the answers be.

Any of the more friendly distributions should suffice. Elementary is particularly good for someone who does not want to "mess around". Linux Mint (either the standard distro, or the DE version) will also be recommended. I would not go with Ubuntu for your purposes, but I expect some here will disagree with me on that.

In general, Linux distributions must be "tweaked" to do automated updates. I do not recommend such "tweaking". Updating the OS should just be opening the update window and clicking a couple of buttons: neither difficult nor mysterious, but not fully automated.

One important question needs an answer: what do you use this laptop for that you cannot do on the chromebook? Just in case that is something that might rule out one distribution or another.

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I think given what you describe, the "ease of use" factor is important here. So you would want a distribution that's easy to use and update. I think while "automatic updates" might be convenient, they can be bad too. Personally I think it's better you know what you're actually updating, as you can decide if it's something you want beforehand, and more importantly if an update breaks your system, at least you know where to start looking if you need to fix your system as a result. Plus it's more of a Windows thing, and you should really leave as many Windows habits with Windows as you can - Linux isn't Windows. It's important to remember that.

In any case, there are many choices available, but it's best you decide for yourself, because the problem with these kinds of threads is that people are likely to recommend what THEY find to be the best for THEM, which may not be the best option for YOU. If you haven't already, you really should look at our sticky thread which has many good ideas for just this kind of question in it.

PS: It's normally called the "command-line" in Linux rather than a "Command Prompt". The latter term comes from DOS, and the same term is inherited by Windows

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Hi Steve O,

And welcome to LQ!

My short answer is "What you already have, Linux Mint"

You're familiar with it, so keep that up. In fact, with a Live boot USB or CD/DVD you can try it on that machine to make sure it operates as expected.

I'd "like" to say that you'll never need the command line, but "never say never". I feel the need for using the command line will be very limited, or close to nil. Sort of the same you'd experience with an advanced Windows problem where you'd have to use a DOS prompt and do some stuff.

By the way, it might be helpful for you to reveal what the hardware specifications you have for this other computer, in case there's some obtuse hardware that has been known to be problematic for Linux. Plus it will help you know whether or not a 32-bit version is required or if you can use a 64-bit version. Old computer, W7, my guess is 32-bit, but one never knows.

I'll add to what the others have said, and say stick with Mint...with some questions.

• Do you mean to install this on your old Gateway laptop, or your Chromebook? Because installing on a Chromebook involves a bit of fiddling.
• What are you using the system for? Because if all you're going to do is web/email and such things, you may be better off staying with a generic Chromebook and not hassling with a dual-boot/full install.
• What are the specs of the hardware you're installing to? Brand/model? Or are you purchasing a new laptop?

If you want a 'full' system, that you can modify/tweak easily, and do a LOT with, then a full install of Mint is the way to go.

I would say Mint as you are already familiar with it. But please, do try to wean yourself off automatic updates. There are so many stories of Windows computers crashing because of these automated takeovers. Why would you want your computer to do things behind your back?

As you are already familiar with Linux Mint, I would think that that is your best option, though I usually recommend AntiX or MX Linux, (as others already may know ), but in this instance if you're happy with Mint stick with it.

(MX Linux has an 'updater' app on its taskbar, don't know about Mint.)

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I too would suggest Mint, preferably the Mate version.

Automatic updates can be a problem on slower computers — you boot up and everything seems a bit sluggish because the update manager is busy phoning home and looking for updates! There should be an update tool or an option in the package manager, so that you can see if anything is available and whether you need it — fixing a bug that can render a web-server vulnerable is not going to be important to you,

I know nothing about Chromebooks, but there are guides to using Linux in them that look reliable.
https://ostoday.org/linux/how-to-ins...hromebook.html

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Steve O,

Welcome to LQ forums.

You are already familiar with Linux Mint, so I suggest that you adopt the KISS principle and stick with it. As DavidMcCann has said, I would advise using the MATE version.

In your Windows 7 PC, download Linux Mint 19.2 MATE from a local mirror site:
https://linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=269

Then create a bootable USB drive (download, install and then use Etcher) or DVD (using W7’s burning program):
https://linuxmint-installation-guide...test/burn.html

Etcher for Windows:
https://www.balena.io/etcher/

Boot from your installation media:
Before your computer boots your current operating system (Windows), you should see your BIOS loading screen. Check the screen or your computer’s documentation to know which key to press and instruct your computer to boot on USB (or DVD).

Then follow the guide:
https://linuxmint-installation-guide...t/install.html

Linux Mint main guide:
https://linuxmint-installation-guide....io/en/latest/

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x
I am fedora user but for your need I suggest ubuntu. I have never use mint..its probably even neater then ubuntu.

That evokes some weird images in my mind.-.. ah well.

It's a common question. In addition to our answers, there's Linux blogs, podcasts, etc. exactly about these things.
Oh and distrowatch's search function!

Why?

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The laptop I referred to has been pretty much unused since getting the Chromebook. It has Mint installed, which made it still useful, but barely. My PC, however, runs on Windows 7, which is losing support in January. It is the PC that would get the Linux install.

I am fine with Mint, but the updates confuse me. I simply don't know what needs updating, so, as a practice, anything with the number 3 and below gets the nod while numbers 4 and 5 get dismissed. In two or so years, nothing adverse has happened that I know of, so I assume its a safe practice. Is there a way to know if something is needed? Or if something is unsafe?

By the way, thanks for the quick response.

I should have thought to include specs.

OS Name Microsoft Windows 7 Professional
Version 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1 Build 7601
Other OS Description Not Available
OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation

System Manufacturer Hewlett-Packard
System Model HP Pro 3000 Small Form Factor PC
System Type x64-based PC
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q9450 @ 2.66GHz, 2670 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)
BIOS Version/Date American Megatrends Inc. v1.14, 3/1/2011
SMBIOS Version 2.6
Windows Directory C:\Windows
System Directory C:\Windows\system32
Boot Device \Device\HarddiskVolume1
Locale United States
Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = "6.1.7601.24524"
Installed Physical Memory (RAM) 6.00 GB
Total Physical Memory 6.00 GB
Available Physical Memory 3.32 GB
Total Virtual Memory 7.00 GB
Available Virtual Memory 4.19 GB
Page File Space 1.00 GB
Page File C:\pagefile.sys

The sad thing is; all of this means nothing to me.

I am looking to replace Windows 7 on my PC. I am not dedicated to anything Windows (although I have gotten used to Windows Media Player.) I use LibreOffice for my word processor.

Steve O,

It means that your W7 desktop PC has a decent processor with plenty of memory and is an ideal candidate for Linux.

You must remember to copy and paste all your existing documents, photos etc to an external drive before wiping your W7 hard drive.

If you are not feeling confident enough to tackle the installation alone, why not ask relatives, friends or neighbours if they can assist you.

Ask at your local library or college if there are Linux users.

There may be Linux User Group (LUG) in your locality.

Refer to post #9 for Linux Mint installation instructions.

Good luck and do steer clear of W10.

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