A Plague on Both Your OSes
If it's too old, you're too loud.
September 10, 2025
What's your plan for planned obsolescence? Windows 10 support ends October 2025. Intel Macs are getting dropped from macOS updates. Millions of functional computers are about to be declared obsolete.
If your workflow depends upon it, you won't be able to avoid spending thousands of dollars on hardware upgrades.
But here's something to consider: Don't throw away your "old" computers.
That's what Linux is for.
You may be thinking: Isn't Linux for power users who memorize cryptic strings of command-line sequences?
That's what AI is for.
With AI assistance, it's become far easier to make Linux live up to its promise as an alternative OS for regular people.
I've put together (with the help of AI, of course) a list of prompts to get you started.
Try DIY First: 10 AI Prompts for Linux Migration START SAFE:
- The Risk-Free Experiment
Walk me through setting up Ubuntu in VirtualBox on [Windows/Mac]. Include download links, VM settings for [your RAM/storage], and how to take snapshots so I can experiment safely. 2. The Hardware Reality Check
I have a [year/model] laptop with [specs]. Help me identify potential Linux compatibility issues, especially WiFi, graphics, and audio. Provide solutions for any problems. MIGRATION ESSENTIALS: 3. The Software Translator
I currently use [list your essential software] on [Windows/Mac]. Give me Linux equivalents and explain how to install them using package managers. 4. The File System Guide
Explain Linux file structure for someone coming from Windows. Where do programs install? Where are my documents? How do permissions work differently? 5. The Data Migration Plan
How do I safely backup and transfer my [photos/documents/bookmarks/email] from [current OS] to Linux? Include step-by-step instructions. WHEN THINGS BREAK: 6. The Problem Solver
I'm having this Linux issue: [paste exact error message]. My setup: [Ubuntu/other distro], [desktop environment], [hardware]. Give me 2-3 different approaches to fix this. 7. The Terminal Demystifier
I'm scared of the Linux command line. Give me 10 essential commands with practical examples that relate to tasks I already do with mouse clicks. MAKE IT YOURS: 8. The Customization Starter
Help me customize my Linux desktop to feel like [describe ideal setup]. I'm using [distro/desktop]. Show me themes, shortcuts, and productivity tweaks. 9. The Dual Boot Decision
Walk me through dual-booting [current OS] and Ubuntu on my [laptop specs]. Include partition sizing, backup strategies, and how to reverse it if needed. 10. The Complete Migration
Create a comprehensive migration plan from [current OS] to Linux. Include timeline, data backup, software alternatives, and potential problems. My computing setup I have an Intel NUC from 2017 that had been running exclusively on Windows 10. With the help of AI chatbots, I followed the instructions to create a new hard drive partition, install Ubuntu, and configure my new apps. Then, with Claude Code / Gemini Code running in a terminal, I had it handle some of the trickier configuration issues, all without having to wade through software manuals or message boards. Which means that instead of sending it to a landfill, I now have a working Linux machine for experiments, skill development, and hobbies.
For work, I use a Surface 7 Laptop acquired last year during my Power Platform phase. And even though I'm no longer actively building exclusively in the Microsoft ecosystem, I'm happy to still have one foot firmly planted in that world, as I expect to see some powerful capabilities created for business users throughout the current cycle.
But the actual development work? I do that in using VS Code running inside of Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) -- basically running Linux inside Windows to get real work done.
Your turn Try a few prompts and see how far you get.
If even AI-guided hacking isn't your thing, find someone who needs a job. Send them this post and your old laptop. Pay them $200 to save yourself $2000.
I'd go into that line of business myself if I didn't have a tourism business to launch.
Either way -- DIY or hand it over to someone who will DIFFY (do it fast for you) -- let me know how it goes!