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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] 14 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Kali isn't meant to be a desktop OS. Use it only in VM or in a spare rig. It is meant to be a toolbox. So dual boot it with your daily driver OS or use in a VM.

Your Mac can take Linux just well: https://djharper.dev/post/2020/06/07/running-linux-on-my-macbook/

For your 300 bucks budget look nothing else than Thinkpad T480 or HP Dev One. T480 will need replacement batteries if not replaced yet.

[–] KuroJ 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Thanks! Think I'll try installing Linux on a VM first and see how it runs on my Mac. If performance is slow ill look into the Thinkpad.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 years ago (1 children)

See if you can run off a live USB instead of in a VM if you're testing for performance. VM is likely gonna perform worse than if you were to install it on your hardware. Usually when you make a USB installer for a distro you can boot to it and use the desktop like normal off the USB rather than running the install.

[–] KuroJ 2 points 2 years ago

Thanks for the information! I tried installing Linux on my Mac but I was getting partition errors (bought my 2015 Mac used) and after troubleshooting for a couple hours I decided to just go out and buy the t480. I got Pop! OS running on it smoothly and I"m enjoying it so far!

[–] Thermal_shocked 1 points 10 months ago

so tired of people recommending thinkpads when there are much better options. the fact the control and alt key were swapped for years is enough to never get ibm or Lenovo.