Linux has become the next step for an old 2013 ThinkPad after ChromeOS support for the device was scheduled to end in December. The laptop had already been switched from Windows 10 to ChromeOS to improve performance, but continuing with an unsupported system was considered too risky as online threats become more difficult to assess.
Buying an SSD and returning to Windows 10 was not seen as a practical long-term option, so Linux emerged as the alternative. However, selecting a distribution was not straightforward. Rather than immediately creating bootable USB drives and testing multiple systems, the writer spent hours researching issues such as touchscreen support, audio drivers and compatibility.
That process highlights Linux’s less obvious cost. Its distributions are generally available without a purchase price, but the range of choices can be overwhelming for users who understand computers but have little experience with Linux. After considering the options, ZorinOS was selected despite remaining compatibility concerns.
The experiment is expected to continue into early 2027, while the user determines which parts of the operating system work well and which limitations are acceptable. The conclusion is that time is an investment comparable to money, particularly when replacing hardware or buying a newer computer is not financially realistic.
The security report accompanying the article also lists several incidents. Japan Airlines disclosed a breach involving a third-party system that exposed reservation codes and flight information for 92,000 passengers, along with personal details belonging to around 2,000 people. Other Asian airlines may also have been affected, so travelers are advised to be alert for related phishing attempts.
Quest Diagnostics said it was investigating a data breach involving patient information, although the number of affected people had not been determined. Netgear also released patches for vulnerabilities affecting several router and extender models; users are encouraged to check that their devices are running current firmware.
Binance reported the theft of $6.3 billion in cryptocurrency assets, an amount initially estimated at $5.8 billion. The losses were linked to a compromised corporate laptop, while Binance said user funds remained safe.
The article also warns that Google may use information from Gmail, Photos and Drive for personalized advertisements if users permit it. Those services can be removed under Google account settings by navigating to Data & Privacy, Personalization Settings, Manage Personalized Recommendations in Search Services and Connected Content Apps. Users who do not want this type of personalization can disable Personalized Recommendations in Search services altogether.
Sources: PCWorld.