Give Your Old Computer a New Lease on Life!
Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025, leaving millions of devices vulnerable to security risks. If your hardware doesn’t meet the system requirements for Windows 11 (i.e. your laptop was purchased in 2017 or earlier), you might be tempted to shell out hundreds on a new laptop – but consider this: your current device might have plenty of life left.
Switching to a new operating system can make your old tech last longer and run better than before. Spare the planet - and your wallet - by scheduling an appointment with us to help you make the switch to Google Chrome OS Flex (if you like Google) or Linux Mint (if you don’t). To learn more, click here or read the FAQ below. To book an appointment, click below:
FAQ
What is Linux Mint? Is it similar to Windows?
Linux Mint is an open source, community-developed operating system that closely resembles Windows, so if you’re used to using Windows, this operating system will be familiar to you. It runs faster on older hardware than Windows and Mac, and is much more private and secure.What is Google Chrome OS Flex?
Essentially it is an operating system that is a web browser. If you use a web browser for most of your computing needs, Chrome OS Flex is a good option, because you basically convert your whole computer into a web browser (which means you can’t run Microsoft Word, but if you’re a Google fan you’d be using Google Docs in a browser anyway).
What will it cost?
Our sessions are free, but we ask for a suggested donation of 2% of the original price of your computer. For example, if your laptop costed $500, we would ask for a suggested donation of $10 in return for switching the operating system. Sessions are no-obligation - no pressure to switch.Where will the appointment take place?
The address for Burwood Neighbourhood House is 1 Church St, Burwood VIC.When are appointments available?
Friday afternoons 12PM-3 PM, click here to book your 30-min session.I’m not good with computers. Are you sure that Chrome OS Flex/Linux Mint is right for me? What if I find it difficult to use?
Before you commit to any changes, we can run Chrome OS Flex/Linux Mint off a USB stick so you can experience it for yourself before deciding on whether to switch. Chrome OS Flex/Linux Mint is different in some ways from Windows, but your session will include instructions on how to use it, and we offer free tech support for anyone we help make the switch.I regularly use Microsoft Office. Will switching to Linux affect my work?
Linux has an alternative to Microsoft Office called Libre Office, which is fully compatible with Microsoft Office files. We can help you set it up. Note that it means that MS Office users won’t be able to open your files, but this is easily solved by exporting to PDF before you send out your LibreOffice documents (unlike Microsoft Word, PDF is an open format) to MS Office users.What if my computer is too old?
If your computer was purchased before 2010, it may not work, but we’ll try our best to install it for you regardless.What happens to the files on my old computer?
You are responsible for backing up your own files. We will erase your hard disk and do a fresh install of Linux Mint/Google Chrome OS Flex.I’ve lost my laptop charger. Is there still a way to make the switch?
We have an universal laptop charger that fits most laptops. So even if you’ve lost your power supply, chances are that we can still help you, and then we can help you purchase a power supply for yourself.What if the switching process fails?
We do not guarantee success, however, in our experience the switching process works 80% of the time. Because of this, we recommend you take a computer that you were going to throw out anyway. In the unlikely situation that your computer cannot be switched to Linux Mint/Chrome OS Flex, we recommend taking it to your local e-waste recycling.
