As inexpensive as a new PC can be these days there's no need to toss out an older computer when it can easily be "refreshed". If you have an older Windows XP computer it may not be possible or practical to upgrade it to a newer version of Windows. These older computers work well with Ubuntu Linux, an alternative operating system that comes with all the applications you might ever need. Ubuntu Linux is free!
Ubuntu is not Windows. It's an entirely different system. So, any old Windows software will not work. However, you can install Ubuntu so that it works with Windows so you have the best of both. If you can give up the old Windows system for new, then you can install Ubuntu and start fresh. It's like getting a new computer for free. If you're not sure about Ubuntu, you can download it, burn a CD, and give it a try before committing to it. You can also order a free CD from Ubuntu if your CD drive is shot.
Ubuntu is very easy to learn. Ubuntu sets itself up. Everything you need is on the menus on the top left. Ubuntu comes with Firefox and OpenOffice (a Microsoft Office equivalent). I suggest using Google Docs, instead (you'll need a free Google account - if you're using Gmail, you have Google Docs).
Much of what we do these days is web based. Ubuntu is very secure. There's no worries about computer viruses and spyware - Linux systems (much like Mac's) don't have this problem.
One hidden "gem" is that Ubuntu can rescue files from an infected PC. Start a Windows computer from an Ubuntu CD and it can "see" your Windows files and you can copy them to a safe location. If you've ever had to reload an old Windows XP based PC you know how long and tedious this can be - if you have or can find the disks.
So, what's the catch? None other than not being able to run Windows based software and games and a little readjustment. Applications have different names but work pretty much the same. You won't be able to run AOL's software (does anyone still use that software when you can just go to the AOL website?). iPod's can also be quirky but iTunes is meant for more modern computers. Yes, Facebook will still work, as will Twitter. Those are web based.
If you have an older PC, give Ubuntu a try.
