Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Best Laptop for Linux? (self.linux)

submitted 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) by KuroJ to c/[email protected]

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Hello all,

I'm in the market for buying a new laptop to install Linux on. I'm trying to stay with something relatively cheap (Around $300 and below). I'm getting ready to start a degree program in cyber security and did some research, and it seems Kali Linux would be the best distro for me to install.

I would install it on my current computer, but I only have a 2015 MacBook Pro, and I've read that a few people run into some issues installing on a Mac compared to a regular PC.

With the above in mind, do I need to increase my budget or does Linux run fine on low-end laptops?

Thanks!

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[–] [email protected] 10 points 2 years ago (3 children)

Interested in Linux? Getting a degree in Cyber Security?

A used ThinkPad. The older the better

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

This with libre boot.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

https://minifree.org/ 👀

[–] KuroJ 2 points 2 years ago

Thanks for the advice!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I second this! If all you need is low end and Linux compatible laptop, Thinkpads are, almost annoyingly, regarded as the tinkerer/hacker Laptop. After some research (one search on ebay) they are going for very cheap, far within your budget.

I did a little research and found this which states that for the graphical installation, it will take "at least 2 GB of RAM and 20 GB of disk space" and in some cases certain apps/programs recommend 8 GB of RAM.

I recommend 8 GB of RAM for now and a 128 GB hard drive. If you can get a smaller drive go for it, but just stick with the main brands like Crucial or Western Digital when it comes to drives. I recently had my SSD corrupted in my thinkpad because the previous owner bought a cheap drive that randomly disconnected at times.

I believe RAM is replaceable and upgradeable in most thinkpads, but verify that before purchase, it'll save you the disappointment of being stuck with 8 GB of RAM.

I hope this helped :)

[–] KuroJ 1 points 2 years ago

Thanks for the information! I ended up going with a t480 and installed Pop! OS on it. I"m enjoying it so far!