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Is Linux Finally Good Enough to Replace Windows?
#1
Linux 2 replace Windows? http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/linux-final...e-windows/

I post this for a couple reasons...

One, to talk about the article's content. 

Two, could I viably refurbish old Windows computers with Linux and sell them to moderately computer illiterate people who just need browsing, email access, printing bills, and perhaps streaming?

Eg. A solid piece of hardware running Windows MCE (which is a garbage OS) or an older Vista machine that lacks any sales pull. 

I need to find a way to sell refurbished machines but people want a $300 machine for $40. It's a tough sell.
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#2
Without reading the article, yes and no. Within the limits of what you've established, yes, Linux is more than good enough to replace Windows to give new life to an old computer. The problem is people will want to play that old favorite game or throw an absolute shit-fit because they can't use an Office program, not that Open Office bullshit and they know it's bullshit because if it were any good how come they don't charge for it? So no, Linux will never be able to replace Windows for the unwashed masses.
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#3
Ok, read the article. First thought: Chromebooks are flying off the shelves?
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#4
They are usually more aerodynamic than Windows laptops.... I have converted many offices from MS Office to OpenOffice, and one to LibreOffice, but in every case, there is one holdout that demands MS Office and using docx that the other MS Word people can't open.

So, let's say I took an old computer and wanted to make it ready for some computer illiterate person to use solely for email and browsing the Internet. What would you think is the right OS and Desktop Environment? Leaning as far as possible into lightweight while retaining some simplicity in usage.
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#5
My first thought, not knowing if it was a serious suggestion or not, was Puppy Linux. I did a little browsing and it still has a very active forum. It has two compatibility versions: Slackware and Ubuntu, in both 32- and 64-bit. Is Puppy a good suggestion? No clue. But it's lightweight and fast, running from RAM, not the HDD.
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#6
Yes, the little K-9 slipped my mind. I guess I saw it as a tech's recovery utility more than a full fledged OS, but it may well be a solid choice as just that! Good call.

RE: Chromebook - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00VUV0MG0/
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