ESCAPE WINDOWS 10

Had enough of Windows? Make the switch to Linux and discover the power and freedom it offers. Nick Peers flings open the escape hatch.

Break free from the shackles of the Redmond OS and embrace freedom!

The launch of Windows 10 is a great opportunity for those frustrated with the Microsoft ecosystem to find a better way. And what better way than Linux? If you’ve just bought a PC with Windows 10 pre-installed or upgraded from an earlier version and decided enough’s enough, or have a family member or friend who’s finally seen the light, this feature is for you.

The easiest way to migrate from Windows is through Mint, a user-friendly Linux distribution (distro) that’s packed with all the features you need, wrapped up in an accessible user interface particularly suited to first-time switchers. You’ll find the latest version – Linux Mint 17.3 32- & 64-bit – on the LXFDVD. We’ll be using that version to step you through the process, but most of the guide can easily be adapted to Ubuntu (either 15.10 or 14.04.3 LTS) if you’d prefer.

The process is straightforward: first, you’ll back up your hard drive in its current state, so you know you can always roll back to the beginning of the process if necessary without data loss. Then we’ll reveal how to install Mint alongside your existing Windows 10 installation, so you still have access to your old system while you make the transition. We’ll sort out any dual-boot issues you have, plus expose the truth behind some myths that put people off switching in the first place.

We’ll also take you on a tour of the new Cinnamon desktop, reveal the basics you need to get started, plus show you how to switch to it if you’ve installed Ubuntu. Last, but by no means least, we’ll show you how to install apps on your new system, find open-source alternatives to the key programs you’ve been using previously and even reveal how to get some Windows programs running with the help of a clever tool called Wine.

Everything you need to make the switch is here, so now there’s no excuse. Read on to discover how to escape Windows 10 and transform your computing experience.

“The easiest way to migrate from Windows is through Mint, a user-friendly Linux distro.”