Linux FAQ

The two most popular Linux OS are Linux Mint and Ubuntu, they are perfect for newcomers to Linux and are very user friendly.

Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS USB
Linux Mint 22.1 Cinnamon USB

Zorin OS is a popular choice for new Linux users coming from Windows, as it has a very similar look and feel. We have also put together a Windows 10 Migration Pack, with all the top Linux picks for users coming from Windows 10.

Zorin OS on USB Stick

Windows 10 Migration Pack

I have an old laptop about 10 years old. Could Linux run well on it?

Yes, absolutely, Linux is great for older hardware and can run very fast on older PCs and laptops. We have put together a pack of Linux OS suitable for older hardware, or just choose one you like the look of and try that.

Linux Lightweight Pack

I have a REALLY old laptop, we are talking 512mb of RAM. Is there a modern Linux OS that can run on it?

Again, Linux does the job! There are several up-to-date Linux OS that can run on really old PC hardware and laptops. Our Linux Revival Pack has a full suite of them, all carefully chosen which you can try out each one to see which you like best.

Linux Revival Pack

Yes, Linux OS has a "Live" mode in nearly every format we supply. Linux will run just from the DVD or USB and your PC's memory. Although, the Live DVD option is a bit slower and noisier, the USB versions of Linux OS are very fast, silent, reusable and you can also save some settings or files from a Live session.

Linux 64-Bit DVDs
Linux USB Sticks

Yes, if the Mac is manufactured between 2013 and 2020. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and Fedora 41 work well, with good hardware compatibility, but the odd tweak may be required to get everything working fully.

No, if the Mac is manufactured after 2020, as these use the new ARM-based Silicon chips (e.g., M1, M2, M3). The Linux OS options mentioned here will not work on the latest MacBooks and iMacs.

Find more details in our article here: Linux on a Mac

Nearly all customers will need or choose 64-bit, as 64-bit systems have been universally manufactured since 2010. However, Linux is so versatile that even PCs and laptops over 20 years old can still run certain Linux OS with up-to-date security and the latest applications. So we still offer 32-Bit for those niche customers who want to revive old hardware.

Linux 64-Bit DVDs
Linux USB Sticks

95% of Linux distributions offer the Live function on both DVD and USB, which allows you to test out or evaluate the Linux OS without any changes to your existing setup. The only exceptions are openSUSE, Debian, and Manjaro, where separate media (DVD or USB) is required to do either an installation or run it "Live". If you are going to run Linux "Live", we do recommend using a USB stick as it is much quieter, runs much faster (4x as fast), and is more reliable since running Linux Live requires a lot of reading and writing from the media.

Linux 64-Bit DVDs with Live Option
Linux USB Sticks with Live Option

Ubuntu STS (25.04) is a Short-Term Support version released every 9 months with 9 months of updates, great for those wanting the latest features but needing frequent upgrades. Ubuntu LTS (24.04) is a Long-Term Support version released every 2 years with 5 years of updates, ideal for stability and long-term use. STS versions come out every 9 months (e.g., 25.04, 24.10), while LTS versions arrive every 2 years (e.g., 24.04, 22.04).

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS on USB - Supported till 2029
Ubuntu 25.04 STS on USB - Supported till 2026