Windows Software Upgrades
Business PC users have had a hard time of late. Is it finally time for a change?
the Problem With Microsoft Windows…
Windows, the dominant operating system in both office and home environments, is often seen as the safe choice. However, recent PC system updates and outages have shaken this perception. These incidents have exposed Windows’ vulnerabilities, including inadequate security and susceptibility to hacking or disruption.
The latest Windows 11 displays other flaws and annoyances too. Their intrusive co-pilot AI, mindless ‘helper’ apps, advertising, and relentless upselling. Such things should never be in an operating system. And it won’t improve. Rumours suggest Microsoft will ultimately move to a full monthly cloud subscription model, meaning if you don’t pay or have no internet access, your PC won’t boot and/or apps won’t work!
It’s clear that most small business owners who don’t have big budgets or IT people on staff to manage all this, need a more secure, private, less invasive option.
1. So here’s what I did, and you can too…
Assuming you’re an average business user running the standard Windows Office suite as your main software, we can replace Windows with Linux. It’s faster, more stable, and has a solid pedigree, quietly powering 75% of the internet since the 1990s. The people setting up these systems work in the web hosting industry, not in local PC shops—and there are many of us about.
The upgrade from Windows to Linux is surprisingly easy. The latest Linux Mint is specifically designed for those new to Linux and what I use. But there’s also the stunning Zorin OS. Both are real game-changers for looks, usability and include loads of free software. Those running Windows will have few problems upgrading to these systems. Here’s a quick review.
The most noticeable improvement you will see after ditching Windoze 10/11 is that everything starts and runs much faster, due to the complete absence of spyware, ‘security apps’ and the mountain of bloated MS code and unknown apps running in the background. If you’re on a laptop, the battery will last longer too, as the CPU isn’t working as hard.
2. Upgrading My Email and Office Apps too…
I’m also shutting down my Google business mail (used since 2004) as well as my Microsoft account. I will use the more secure NZ$18/mth Protonmail for my 3 business domains, at well under half the cost, which also provides backup storage and a very handy VPN. Their free protonmail desktop and mobile apps are excellent.
As Microsoft Office software only runs on Windows, I can open up these docs using the free Libre Office that comes with Linux.
But for better compatibility with both MS Office and as a Google Docs online replacement, the best is OnlyOffice. Their free offering is fine initially.
Where to start…
We can assist those within the Auckland region through planned visits, zoom/jitsi video calls, or perhaps long term working in with regular PHA or similar events to save travel time and costs.
In the meantime, I plan to document some of the installation tips in posts and video tutorials here over the coming months for any DIY enthusiasts. Am also talking to local second hand PC and laptop providers to see what deals we can do for affordable, ready-to-go systems. For the small business Linux laptops, I expect these will be in the $600-$1200 price range.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions on the above or just want to chat about your current software systems.