- Computers are going to get more artificial intelligence and all that.
- Linux is now easy for anyone to use.
- It can be more private and will run on the computer you have now.
Whether you like it or not, artificial intelligence is coming to your computer—but what can you do about it?
Microsoft's Copilot+ PC is packed with artificial intelligence, right down to its name. We expect Apple to add a ton of new AI features to iOS 18 and macOS 15 at WWDC next month, and Google being Google. But what if you don’t want to use artificial intelligence on your computer? What if you’re concerned about the environmental impact of AI, privacy vulnerabilities, and the ethics of training on data without the creator’s permission? The answer may be to switch to Linux. Yes, Linux.
"As someone who has worked extensively in the technology and cybersecurity fields, I can tell you that Linux is indeed a viable alternative for those looking to avoid AI integration in mainstream operating systems like macOS and Windows," Reade Taylor, systems engineer and founder of cybersecurity company Cyber Command, former head of IBM's internet security division, told Lifewire via email.
As they add more features, we have less and less control over our computers. Dropbox, iCloud, Copilot, and all of Apple's continuity features rely on the cloud to send data back and forth. Artificial intelligence is already firmly embedded in our computers, powering text auto-correction, identifying friends and family in the pictures we add to our photo libraries, and more.
These features are amazing and convenient. But they come at a price. Do you remember when you could put your Mac to sleep and when you woke it up a few days later, the battery power barely dropped? Not now, because your computer never really sleeps again. Of course, there are privacy concerns about having your computer constantly connected to the platform owners (Microsoft, Google, and Apple).
It now appears that AI hype is indeed sweeping across all aspects of our computing lives. I worry about runaway energy use and the trawling of training data without regard to the wishes of its creators. Additionally, next-generation PCs are packing additional chips just to handle artificial intelligence on the device. Finally, we've reached a place where computers are fast enough to last a full day on a charge and do everything without a fan, and do we want to ruin it all?
The answer to this problem has long been Linux, an open source operating system that offers as much privacy and lockdown as you need. The problem is that it's never particularly user-friendly. Historically, simply installing a new application required opening a terminal window (those black-on-white-text windows that hackers use in movies) and entering cryptic commands.
But in recent years, things have changed a lot. You can buy a computer with Linux already installed, but even better, it can be easily installed on a computer you currently own. In fact, you can give it a try without deleting anything from your existing settings.
App installation has also become easier, with an app store-like repository allowing you to add apps with one click. You'll find all the apps you need, like Slack, ready and waiting. If not, there are other options.
“Switching to Linux means you may have to say goodbye to some proprietary software and games. Applications like the Adobe Creative Suite or some dedicated professional tools do not have native Linux versions, and while there are alternatives, they may not be enough. Everyone’s needs,” ACCURL CEO and technology expert Cameron Lee told Lifewire via email.
So what exactly is Linux? It's just another operating system, like macOS or Windows, except it has more "flavors," or combinations of applications and desktop environments. It has much lower hardware requirements than macOS and Windows, making it perfect for resurrecting older computers.
You have to get used to a new way of doing things, like switching from Windows to Mac, but it's mostly getting familiar with folders, menus, etc. Some versions are designed to be easy to use for users switching from other operating systems.
"For those wary of privacy and ethical issues with artificial intelligence, a user-friendly distribution like Ubuntu can be an excellent choice," Taylor said. "It provides a powerful and user-friendly environment that minimizes the tracking and data collection you typically encounter in macOS or Windows."
Ubuntu and other "distros" often come with a suite of applications, web browsers, alternatives to Microsoft Office, email applications, and more. You'll be up and running in no time.
Linux may still not be for everyone, but now it is. Anyone who wants more control over their computing lifespan or simply wants to stick with an older computer rather than get stuck in an upgrade cycle now driven by the need for artificial intelligence. Take a look. You might like it.
