If you decide you want to install it on your computer, you can do that right from the live environment.Ĭhris Hoffman is the former Editor-in-Chief of How-To Geek. Create a bootable USB drive for your Linux distribution, boot from that USB drive, and you can try the Linux environment without tampering with your computer's software.
Once you've chosen a Linux distribution, it's as easy to try as Neverware CloudReady. There are no dirty hacks required-it just works. You can even watch Netflix in Chrome on Linux now. They're also a great way to upgrade any old computers you have that may be running Windows XP or Windows Vista, giving them a modern operating system with security updates and an up-to-date browser for free. Linux distributions make a great choice if you're just looking for a basic desktop environment to browse on. Consult our guide to the best Linux distributions for beginners to choose one that works for you. Related: The Best Linux Distributions for Beginnersįor example, Lubuntu is a great option if you're looking for a lightweight Linux desktop that will run well on an older computer.