Q: Regardless of having spent my whole profession in tech, I’ve all the time been a sluggish adopter (aka cheapskate, privateness freak and cynic) in my private tech habits. At any time when I get a brand new pc, I accomplish that to some lower-priced mannequin that’s being phased out. I purchased my first Mac laptop computer in January 2007, after which changed it with a late-2010 MacBook Air in 2014. I solely use my pc for accessing the web, sifting by means of images (earlier than storing offline), and a few mild spreadsheet work or phrase processing (no music, films, calendars, or video games).
My late-2010 MacBook Air is reaching its finish sport if I persist with Mac OS. I can’t improve my Mac OS due to the classic {hardware}. I’m fastidious about on-line safety however, for sure, I’m involved about not with the ability to obtain safety updates due to the classic of my OS and browsers.
Lately I went into a neighborhood PC retailer (sure, we’ve got a kind of household companies up right here nonetheless!), and the man working it introduced out a 2013 MacBook Air that he transformed to Linux. I used to be intrigued and did some cursory analysis on-line, and it seems I might go along with Ubuntu Linux and squeeze a bit of extra life out of my MacBook Air.
Knowledge migration wouldn’t be a problem; I not too long ago moved every thing offline in 2021 once I needed to improve my Mac OS (so I solely have some incremental information emigrate). I don’t know what I’d must do with my Phrase and Excel information in a Linux atmosphere, however I’m positive there are answers. I’m ignorant about Linux safety.
Might you inform me the professionals and cons of going Linux and protecting my 2010 MacBook Air?
— Mike Joines, Anacortes
A: Sure, you’ll be able to run Ubuntu Linux on MacBooks, although it should require putting in digital machine software program. Thankfully, there’s UTM, a free and open-source package deal that can do the job.
Ubuntu can also be free and open supply. And from what I can inform it’s no less than as safe as Apple working methods.
Lastly, you’ll be able to work with these Phrase and Excel information in LibreOffice on Ubuntu.
That stated, I hesitate recommending transferring from a well-recognized working system to a brand new one, particularly in case you are a sluggish adopter. Studying the ins and outs of latest working system, in addition to completely different variations of the packages you’re use to working with could be difficult. And whereas there’s an lively group of Ubuntu customers you’ll be able to name on for assist, you’re not prone to discover many neighbors, co-workers or members of the family who can supply recommendation for those who run into an issue.
In my opinion, sure, out of curiosity I put in Ubuntu on one in all my computer systems some time in the past. And I used to be impressed with its capabilities.
However for those who don’t have that curiosity I’d counsel doing one in all two issues. My first advice is to improve to a more recent MacBook that continues to obtain safety updates. Secondly, if that’s not an choice you can proceed to make use of your previous MacBook however I’d urge you to be further cautious about clicking on hyperlinks and visiting web sites that might not be reliable. And, after all, frequently again up any knowledge you care about in case you get hit with malware.
Q: I’ve an HP laptop computer that I purchased from HP by way of its web site. My concern is that out of the blue I get an error message saying the battery is counterfeit. I purchased direct so this shouldn’t be so. Is there a means that I can cease this warning with out going to a pc retailer?
— Karen Schlemmer
A: It is a recognized concern that HP acknowledges, they usually have supplied directions that ought to eliminate that error message. Basically, it’s essential uninstall after which reinstall drivers that handle the battery. You’ll discover detailed directions right here: st.news/battery-help.
https://www.seattletimes.com/enterprise/know-how/pros-and-cons-of-linux-and-how-to-deal-with-hp-laptop-battery-issues/