Description
Ditch Microsoft’s Windows and/or Apple’s MacOS… GO LINUX!
If you have a laptop that you wish to run Linux, and do not feel confident enough to install it yourself, our service is the perfect solution for you. Most laptops ranging 2 – 10 years old are excellent candidates to run Linux. We can install Linux on most laptops and even Macbook computers. So if you have a device that you would like to run Linux on but just do not wish to tackle the process yourself, ship us your system and we will take care of it for you.
Step 1 – After your order has been placed, you’ll be asked to fill out a web-form asking for the specific make/model/year of your device. Please send us this info ASAP so we can confirm there will be no issues with the install. We will reply quickly with relevant details such as where to ship the device and let you know if there are any issues anticipated with the install (there rarely are, but there is always a chance based on the make/model/year of the device).
Step 2 – Backup your data! We can not and will not be liable for preserving your data on the device while the device ships to us or from us.
Step 3 – Safely package the laptop and ship it our way! If you can send us the tracking information when you ship, that would be very much appreciated. When the package arrives, we will send you a notification as well. We are working to streamline this process, but for now, this is the best system we’ve got.
Step 4 – Once received, we will get to work and let you know when the device is configured and back in the mail on route to you. Our turn around time from when the item is received is usually 2-3 business days. If this takes longer for any reason, we will let you know via email and/or phone depending on the severity of the delay or issue we are facing with your device.
Linux Install Service on Your PC (Dell, HP, ASUS, Lenovo, etc.)
Nearly all standard PC’s can run Linux. We try and standardize on running a Ubuntu based Linux distribution called Zorin, however, some laptops may not be compatible with this option. Please check out Zorin.com to learn more about this operating system! We believe Zorin is the simplest and most user friendly Linux based operating system available with established documentation and support to help customers and our own team troubleshoot as//if needed.
Linux Install Service on Your Macbook (You must select this above prior to checkout)
Our Linux Install Service provides you with the opportunity to run Asahi Linux on your Macbook, featuring the KDE Plasma desktop environment. This service focuses on delivering a versatile and privacy-focused computing experience.
It’s important to set realistic expectations about hardware compatibility and functionality. Due to certain hardware limitations, particularly with M1 and M2 chips, some features like full Thunderbolt 4, USB 4, and high refresh rate displays may not be fully supported. The ports themselves will work, but the additional features that Thunderbolt and USB 4 provide will not be available. Other functionalities such as Touch ID, Touch Bar, and local dimming displays might also have limited support or require additional configuration.
We will let you know what specific limitations apply, if any, based on the information provided in the web-form received after checkout.
We aim to offer a reliable Linux experience on your MacBook, tailored to optimize performance within the constraints of your device’s hardware. This includes professional installation, customized setup, and ongoing support for OS specific issues you may come across. Despite the limitations, our service ensures that essential features like display, keyboard, trackpad, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth are well integrated and functional.
For more detailed information on supported devices and features, please visit the Asahi Linux Device Support page -> https://github.com/AsahiLinux/docs/wiki
Back up your system
Before you send your laptop to us, please insure that all of your data is fully backed up to a safe and secure location. We will not be responsible for any data loss. The system will be wipe clean in the process and all data will be permanently deleted and unrecoverable. Backing up your data before installation is ESSENTIAL.
We strive to guide you through any challenges, ensuring you get the most out of your new Linux system.
Q: What is Linux?
Linux = Freedom from BigTech!
Linux is an open source operating system designed to run on laptops and desktops that has been around since the mid 1990’s. Most all enterprise servers run on Linux and the marketplace for consumer devices running on Linux is currently exploding.
Linux based operating systems are designed to give YOU back control of your device and prevent unwanted companies and applications from running in the background of your computer doing things you don’t want or need them doing. For more details, please read through -> https://www.linux.com/what-is-linux/
Q: Will my Current Microsoft or Apple Applications Work?
There is no easy answer to this, as it greatly depends on what specific applications you are using and how you use them.
Some accounting software, such as Quicken for example, do not have an available NON-Windows or MacOS option. Microsoft Office will not run on the device without a custom Windows “emulator” of sorts called WINE.
In both cases, however, there are open source or paid software alternatives that either DO work in a Linux environment or via a web based Software as a Service (SaaS) model which makes the operating system you’re using not essential.
If you have questions about specific software working or not, please reach out to us at support@mark37.com and we’ll let you know what options are available.
Q: What Security Programs Should I Use?
One needs to re-learn what they think they know about digital security when using a Linux operating system vs Windows or MacOS.
This is primarily due to the transparent nature of open source operating systems which prevent the vast majority of unwanted applications from either working at all on a Linux device or attempting to run without you giving it permissions to do so.
We HIGHLY recommend giving this quick video a watch to learn the why and how related to Linux security -> Should Linux Users Run Anti-Virus?
Q: Will I be Un-trackable Using This Device?
The short answer is that individuals (or agencies) with enough means and motive can find creative ways to “hack” into your devices despite all of our best efforts. This is the equivalent to an individual trying to stay safe and protected while still operating in the world, with the best security and body guards available, when an army or intelligence agency is throwing their full weight behind your capture or assassination.
This being said, using Linux alone pulls the vast majority of the blatant spyware from Google, Apple and Microsoft off of the device. Though not a silver bullet solution, it is a gigantic step in the right direction.
Leveraging the suite of VPN, browser and related tools and services that we cover in our Healthy Alternatives to BigTech post will take you even further!
For a more detailed and nuanced answer to this question, please consider reading our article “Can we Really Go Ghost with our Devices?”
I Need More Help Deciding What to do…
Not a worry. Escaping “the Matrix” of the digital surveillance state we live in today can be daunting. Feel free to schedule a free 15-30 minute consultation with our team HERE or simply send an email to support@mark37.com with any questions you may have outstanding for a quicker response.