Almost every laptop I have had Linux on came from a Windows background. That was pre-installed, used, then passed down to the used market, which is where I normally go and source them from. Even the couple of brand new laptops that I have bought… well, in NZ you just cannot order them with Linux - its Windows only, or buy an Apple (if you are both rich and foolish). Blank slate if you built your own desktop from parts, but otherwise always Windows.

So the first challenge is removing Windows and replacing it with a Linux distro of choice - in my case mostly Mint or Manjaro. This is a process which generates a new collection of brand-new expletives every time you go through it. Every machine has a different bios, different keystrokes to access it, and then the OS presents its own layers of challenge. So to help people walking this path here are some points and pointers.

Disclaimer: Don't take the information here as being just blindly applicable to your system. Linux installs vary, a lot, so what you read here is only to start you on the journey to figure out what will work on your system. Before you dive in go and read many more forums and postings, search for related terms, etc. NB- this is not for beginners!

There are just so many variables in this process, from bypassing or working with Secure Boot, TPM chips, multiple options to partition your drive(s), every point you might raise could have several correct answers. So, in very broad strokes:

• Download ISO for the Linux of choice, write it to disc or USB.
• Keep secure boot happy or disabled so you can boot the Linux ISO.
• Install your Linux of choice, take care with partitioning, package choices.
• After reboot, customise styling (light/dark), clean up fonts^[1].
• Also clean up any unwanted applications, then add those you need.
• Configure your browser, adding uBlock Origin and other add-ons.
• If applicable, migrate other settings, user files from backup, and email^[2].

I work a lot with documents, text and images. Having a small selection of sensible fonts is crucial to getting things done. Find out about "metric compatible" fonts and exclusively stick to using only free fonts.