Linux OS

Generally, if the PC supports Linux and it can find the basic drivers (video, sound, and network) the “pre-fab” installations (like Ubuntu, Mint, etc.) install pretty simply off a CD/USB stick and boot right into a desktop that looks like Windows. Obviously there are some unique features, but it’s surprisingly intuitive and functional if all you will do is browse the web, email, etc.

The basic procedure is download the setup file (probably a .ISO), burn it to a disc, and then configure the computer to boot off the CD. It will either start a graphic interface or maybe some DOS like setup screens. You’ll probably get prompted for how to setup the disk drive partitions (easy if you don’t plan to dual boot) and off it goes to install itself,

I’ve played around a few times but never did anything serious with those systems. Once you need to work on finding custom drivers or troubleshoot a problem, the skill level needed jumps up pretty rapidly. You can find quite a few walkthroughs on some topics, but a lot of it you have to take on “faith” because the commands and syntax are generally *not* intuitive.

I don’t know if there are any Mint specific classes. Any Linux course should mostly apply to any package (as far as basic commands, user access/security philosophy, etc.) but in my opinion, unless you need it for work or are a serious computer tinkerer, it’s best to just enjoy the basics that work right out of the box.

Mark Mc. ✉
Jan '18

You need a "lite" distro for an Atom processor. Most of the current distros will have your drivers in it as the intel chipset was pretty popular in the netbooks. Puppy and Lite Mint would work. As Mark says just download the iso and go from there. With the new interfaces in Linux you should get a windows like user experience so learning curve is pretty minimal.

MK ✉
Jan '18

You can use open office or runs windows VM in virtual box or use wine

Skippy ✉
Jan '18

As long as you have internet you can find almost any program as web interface, including Office. Most are now using web interfaces with subscriptions so just need a browser.

MK ✉
Jan '18

I agree with Randall - linux mint Xfce will suffice. It will give you simple web browsing, word processor (libre or the like) etc. Don't expect it to be super-fast, but your computer will run faster that with win7 and, very important, stable.
Puppy linux is also light and well suited for your computer.

if your computer has a cd/dvd burner, you could download linux, burn it on the disk and try it (so called "live CD"). If you'll like how linux works, install it.
If you don't have CD/DVD burner, than you'd need to use USB stick - this is more complicated process.
Nowadays, most linux OS became more user friendly - easy to install, easy to add hardware/peripherals and additional programs/software.
In my experience, there is no real need to "learn" Linux or take any classes.

Please note that there are many "popular" programs that don't run on linux.

Most likely, you'll like linux and stick with it. Good luck!

Pyc ✉
Jan '18