Linux has a hidden cost. But I installed it on my old laptop anyway

I finally tried Linux on one of my PCs last night. It’s my first time on a device of my own—and security is definitely why I’m finally plunging down the rabbit hole.

Yep, security. You may never pay a cent for Linux, but it still costs you.

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The problem

Like most people, I have old tech in my home. My main laptop is 9 years old. Its backup is an old corporate ThinkPad dating back to 2013. I take that second laptop to busy places or when I just don’t want to worry about theft. I’ve left it exactly as I got it—I’ve never added more RAM or swapped its spinning platter drive for a faster SSD.

I could have stuck with Windows 10, which still is getting security updates for now. But so is ChromeOS. Last year, to help boost performance, I switched. Google’s operating system is less demanding, which lets the ThinkPad run smoother during web browsing despite its age.