Saying we like open source on NovaFuture would be putting it mildly. Truth is, we rely on it every day, not just because it’s free, but because it’s powerful, stable, and often better than the flashy stuff with a price tag.

I use open tools daily, with real joy, and I figured it was time to share some of that with you. Let’s start with the foundation: the operating system. The thing your whole computer runs on. I’ve been using Linux Mint since 2015, after a long journey through Red Hat, Mandrake, and Ubuntu. And I’ve never looked back.

What is Linux Mint?

Linux Mint is what happens when someone decides that using your computer shouldn’t feel like a tech support session. It was created in the mid-2000s by a French developer, Clément Lefèbvre, who wanted something clean, user-friendly, and powerful, without the usual Linux headaches.

At the heart of Linux Mint, there’s a simple and powerful motto: “From freedom came elegance.”

Built on top of Ubuntu, Mint takes all the good stuff and makes it simpler. You get a classic desktop layout that feels instantly familiar. Think Windows 98, but smoother, cleaner, and way more modern.

Everything is right where you’d expect it: open the start menu and you’ll find your apps neatly organized by category, Office, Multimedia, Games, Internet… No need to search or dig around. You’re at home right away, even if it’s your first time using Linux.

Under the hood, it’s solid. You’ve got all the power of Linux, without the geeky chaos. Whether you’re browsing, working, or creating, Mint just gets out of your way and lets you get things done.

Why ditch Windows?

Because let’s be honest, Windows has become a walking disaster. It’s no longer just an operating system, it’s a constant stream of annoyances designed to extract value from you at every step. You turn on your machine and you’re already bombarded with forced updates, pop-ups, and bloatware apps you never asked for. Even the start menu has turned into an ad space. And behind the scenes? Windows is quietly collecting data on everything you do. Telemetry, they call it. You can’t really turn it off, and you don’t get to choose what gets sent or to whom.

Windows 11 took all of that and somehow made it worse. The interface is slower, clunkier, and now even more tied to Microsoft accounts and their ecosystem of paid, mediocre apps. The built-in software store is filled with freemium junk and subscription traps. Want to use your computer without logging into the cloud? Too bad. Want to install a simple tool without going through hoops? Good luck. Everything is designed to lock you in, upsell you, and wear you down.

And let’s not forget the core problem: security. Windows remains the number one target for viruses, malware, ransomware, and shady installers. That’s why you need antivirus software, not because the internet is scary, but because your operating system is full of holes. And all of that for what? A system you already paid for once, that keeps asking you to pay again, with your money, your time, or your data.

There’s also a bigger question here: why keep feeding a company that’s been pushing the same toxic model for decades? Closed systems, fake innovation, built-in obsolescence, and total disregard for users. Every Windows machine sold comes with a hidden price, the license. You’re paying for Windows whether you want it or not, even if you never use it. That money goes straight to Microsoft to keep fueling the same system that locks people in and slows them down.

Choosing a computer without a Windows license isn’t just a smart move, it’s an instant way to save cash. And if you’re building or refurbishing your own machine, it’s even better. You pay for the hardware, not for some bloated system that works against you. Walking away from Windows isn’t just about tech. It’s about reclaiming your freedom, your privacy, and your money.

What changes when you switch? Everything and nothing!

The truth is, you don’t have to change a thing. The layout feels familiar. You still have your start menu, your folders, your apps. You don’t have to “learn Linux,” you just use your computer like always. No treasure hunts, no weird shortcuts, no secret rituals.

But the difference? You feel it. Instantly. It’s fast, not “a bit faster,” but lightning fast. Your machine boots in seconds. Apps open instantly. Nothing drags, nothing freezes. It’s like someone finally took the brakes off your computer.

And if something ever goes wrong? You’re not alone. The Linux Mint community is massive, friendly, and incredibly helpful. Forums, wikis, chat rooms, real people who actually want to help, without trying to sell you anything. It’s a whole ecosystem based on sharing, not upselling.

So yeah, everything’s still there. But suddenly, it all works better.

It’s simple! Don’t listen to the command line fanatics.

You don’t need to be a programmer, a hacker, or some command-line wizard to use Linux Mint. Installing apps? Updating your system? Connecting to Wi-Fi or plugging in a printer? It’s all done through a clean, intuitive interface. Click, install, done. For everyday use, everything is graphical, smooth, and straightforward. No black screen full of code required.

But here’s the cool part: if one day you do want to go further, Linux is ready for you. Want to host a website locally with Apache and MySQL while you build it? Go for it! Want to speed up 3D rendering or video encoding using a cluster of machines? You can! A few simple commands, with endless guides and helpful communities to walk you through.

That’s the real beauty of Linux: it starts simple, but it doesn’t put limits on what you can do. It opens doors Windows doesn’t even let you see.

What can you do with it?

Pretty much everything! Once Linux Mint is installed, and that only takes a few minutes, your computer is ready to go. No setup marathon, no app hunting, no “activation” nonsense. You get a fast browser (Firefox), a full office suite (LibreOffice), a multimedia player, image editors… It’s all there, right out of the box.

Need more? Just open the Software Manager, a clean and simple app store full of open source tools. Thousands of programs, all sorted by category. Click to install, and you’re done. Office, graphics, development, audio tools, you name it.

And yes, gaming works too. If you thought Linux couldn’t handle games, think again. Just install Steam, log in, and start playing. Big titles like Cyberpunk 2077? They run! And here’s the bonus: since Linux Mint is super lightweight, your system isn’t wasting resources on background junk. More RAM and CPU for your game means more FPS and smoother play. Less bloat, more boom.

Whether you’re working, creating, or playing, Mint delivers. No friction. No frustration. Just freedom.

Let’s put it this way: if the majority of web servers in the world run on Linux, it’s not by accident. It’s because Linux is built with security in mind, from the ground up. No bloated background processes, no mysterious telemetry, no backdoors hidden in endless EULAs. Just a clean, efficient system that puts you in control.

And viruses? Not really a thing here. You don’t need an antivirus constantly running in the background, draining your battery and nagging you with popups. Linux systems are way less exposed to malware simply because of how they’re built, and because you’re not installing shady .exe files from who-knows-where.

Even hackers, the real ones, use Linux. Not just because it’s powerful, but because it helps them stay invisible. It’s the system of choice for people who really know computers.

Come on, can you imagine Neo trying to break the Matrix on Windows? Please! He’s in a dark room with six monitors, typing commands on Linux like it’s second nature. That’s how real freedom looks, and it starts with a secure system.

How do you install it? (Dual boot or full switch)

There are two main ways to get started with Linux Mint. If you’re just curious and want to try it out without losing anything, go for the dual boot. But honestly? If you’re ready to breathe again, just wipe Windows and be done with it.

Option 1: Dual Boot (safe testing)
You install Linux Mint next to Windows. When your computer starts, you choose which one to boot. No panic, no risk. You get to explore Mint, see how it feels, and still have your old setup in case you chicken out (you won’t).

To do it:
• Download the Linux Mint ISO from the official site
• Create a bootable USB stick (with Rufus, Etcher, or similar)
• Reboot your computer and boot from the USB
• Try Mint live (no installation yet)
• If you like it, launch the installer and choose “Install alongside Windows.”
Mint will handle partitioning and set up a boot menu for you.

Option 2: Full install (ditch Windows)
Let’s be real: most people don’t really need Windows. Once you’ve seen how fast and clean Mint is, going back feels like swimming in syrup. So why not go all in? During installation, just choose “Erase disk and install Linux Mint.” Boom. Clean slate. Fast system. No regrets.

But what if I really need one or two Windows apps?
First, are you sure? There’s usually an open source alternative that’s just as good, or better. But if you really do need them, you’ve got options.
• Wine lets you run many Windows apps directly in Linux. It works surprisingly well for things like Notepad++, older games, or utilities.
• Virtual machines let you run a full Windows system inside Linux. Tools like VirtualBox or VMware let you create a “computer within your computer.” Perfect for those one-off programs that refuse to run anywhere else.

So yeah, there’s no excuse. You can test the waters or dive straight in. Either way, Linux Mint makes the switch smooth, clean, and, once you’ve done it, hard to regret.

Bonus: What about my old PC?

Got an old laptop gathering dust? Fans spinning like a jet engine just to open a browser tab? Linux Mint can bring it back to life, no kidding.

One of Mint’s biggest strengths is how light it is. It runs smoothly even on older hardware, where Windows 10 (or worse, 11) would crawl. And if your machine is really outdated, you can use the XFCE edition, a version of Mint with a super lightweight graphical interface that still looks clean and modern. No flashy effects, no unnecessary bloat, just a fast and responsive system that gets the job done.

And here’s the key difference: when Windows decides your hardware is “too old” and cuts off updates, even if you paid for the system, you’re just left behind. No more security patches, no more driver support. You’re out.

With Linux Mint, your system stays up to date. Security patches, driver updates, and software maintenance continue, even for older machines. As long as your hardware works, Mint keeps supporting it. That’s how it should be.

No planned obsolescence. No forced upgrades. Just a solid OS that respects your hardware, your time, and your money. Better for your wallet, better for the planet, and better for you.

Conclusion: Linux Mint is more than just tech

Switching from Windows to Linux isn’t just a technical upgrade, it’s a statement. A quiet but powerful act of digital independence. But honestly, it’s even more than that. It’s a mindset shift. A breath of fresh air for the way you use your computer… and the way you think about technology.

Yes, Linux had a bad rep for being elitist, and let’s be fair, it wasn’t totally undeserved. But that’s the past. Tools like Linux Mint have changed everything. They’re simple, intuitive, and genuinely beginner-friendly. In many ways, it’s even easier to use than Windows. No tricks. No surprises. Just a system that respects you.

And once you get a taste of open source? You probably won’t go back. The freedom, the control, the sheer pleasure of using software that’s made for people, not profits, it’s hard to beat.

So don’t wait. Change your system. Try it. And when you do, come tell us what you think, right here or over on the forum. I’ve got a ton more open source tips to share, and if you want to keep me running late at night crafting new guides, you can always buy me a coffee. It helps cover the site’s costs too. Thanks 🙂