Windows or Linux Mint

Is Linux Mint really an alternative to Windows?

If you only use Web Browser Based Applications then there is no reason why you shouldn't just use Linux. I use Mint Cinnamon as it's the best balance of ease of use and performance.

Customisation? There is a lot you can do with Linux - if you want to.

Battery Life? You could potentially double your battery life and there is less bloatware with Linux compared to Windows.

Will my current software work on Linux? I can check for you free of charge to see if the primary programs work, or if Linux alternatives are required.

Are there any negatives to running Linux? Of course there are as it doesn't have the financial might of Microsoft.
Steam works well but some games still need Windows
Some software won't run on Linux, even if you install the Windows version using Wine. But there are often free Linux alternatives - even Photopea (on Web Browser) as an alternative to Photoshop

DUAL-BOOT gives you the best of both worlds - Use Linux most of the time and then switch to Windows for the few times you need it.

Benico Enterprises - Website Building and Hosting

Ready to use

Linux Mint Cinnamon is preinstalled with:
Firefox Web Browser - Chrome and others can be downloaded easily, from their websites
LibreOffice a free alternative to Microsoft Office
Dropbox for Cloud Storage - I also recommend MegaSync
Other cloud storage can be used via a web browser

It's easy to install Steam, Spotify and more from the Software Manager or download .deb files from websites.

You will rarely need to use Terminal, but if you do then websites usually give you clear instructions and I can provide assistance if necessary.

Download Linux Mint Cinnamon

Ready to make the leap?

If you are using less than 50% of your hard drive storage then I can use your existing drive - otherwise you will need a new drive, which I can quote and source for you, and then clone your existing drive to. Fees apply to purchase and cloning.

I can install Linux Mint Cinnamon as a dual-boot (or full installation) and ensure you have all the software you need and customise a few settings to make daily use as simple as possible. This will normally take about 2 hours.

RustDesk Support is available should you need remote assistance.

How much will this cost you? My standard fee is £50 plus the cost of parts, if required.
I will confirm costs with you after determining your specific requirements.

Mint Set-up by Benico Enterprises

Updated 9th January 2026

Linux Mint can be installed as a Standalone System or a Dual Boot Option alongside Windows.
So, you can use Windows for gaming and then Linux Mint for just about everything else, potentially more than doubling your battery life.
Dual boot can also be useful is something goes wrong with either system.

Ready to go, or quick install: Firefox (install other browsers for their websites), LibreOffice, Thunderbird Email (you may want to uninstall this but it can be really useful for easy email access), Blender, Gimp & Inkscape for Art & Design, Spotify, Steam, Whatsie (WhatsApp messenger),

Software Manager (pin to ta Panel or Add to Favourites)
Menu: Software Sources - change Main Mirror to fast local server
Check for updates
Install required additional software, such as:
Q4Wine - to run some Windows software
Lutris - one place access to all your games on Steam, GOG, Epic, EA & Ubisoft

Update Manager - edit Preferences
Interface - Select: Only show a tray icon when updates are available or in case of errors
Packages - Select: Cinnamon spice updates & Flatpak updates

Cloud Drive Storage: see options below

Wallpaper: customisable
Themes: customisable (Mouse Pointer, Application, Icons & Desktop)
Font Selection: Quicksand Bold 13, Quicksand Bold 12, Quicksand Regular 10, DejaVu Sans Mono Book 10, Quicksand Regular 11
Download & installation required

Applets:
Cinnamenu (replaces menu):
Layout: Sidebar location = Top, Show favourites on sidebar = Apps only
Content: Show categories, bookmarks and places, home folder
Appearance Panel: Set Panel Icon, Panel Text = Linux Mint Cinnamon
Menu: 24, 32, 40, 40, sidebar box style
*Power Consumption Display
*Power Manager: Display = Show percentage and time remaining
Exit: select options as required
Autostart programs: Enable/Disable auto start programs and add delays
Lock keys indicator with notifications - if your keyboard doesn't have clear indicators
CPU Temperature Indicator - I useful way to see if your computer isn't overheating
Power Profiles - a quick way to switch between power settings, to save battery or get that power boost when you need it
*Laptop only - not required for desktop PCs

INSTALLATION & SET-UP
I can install and set-up Linux Mint on your computer in about 2 hours
Contact me to discuss your options and pricing

Cloud Storage (Free)

Simple install from Software Manager
Dropbox - 2GB free - upgrade to 2TB for £95.88 per year or £9.99 per month - no mid range options
Almost useless storage - really only suitable for documents, which are generally smaller than other media

Download Linux file from website and install
Megasync - 20GB free - open source, encrypted - works will across across PC and phone platforms
BUT - storage is sometimes cloned when setting up on a new machine causing capacity issues, with new directories being created, even when the exact same settings are used. This happened to me on Windows and Linux. Re-installing and setting up again usually fixes any issues.
Transfer Quota's are limited over 6 hour periods, so this may cause some delays when setting up a new computer.

Microsoft One Drive - 5GB free - No native software - use a Web Browser to access files

Google Drive - 15GB free - No native software - use a Web Browser to access files

Proton - 5GB free - No native software - use a Web Browser to access files
Linux Desktop Software is in development - hopefully available during 2026

Why Mint and not others?

Okay so I've tried, albeit briefly for some:

Linux Mint 21>22 Cinnamon (based on Ubuntu)
4/5 Great compatibility either out of the box or with only a few tweaks
Known issue: Using a HDMI to DisplayPort cable won't work
Add Deskflow to control the mouse and keyboard on another computer on the same network
Missing features from Windows 11: Google Play Games & Android Phone Apps Link
Used since 10th June 2025

Ubuntu 24
The layout will take some getting used to but you can move things around
3/5 It's Mint but without the look - things just work
Setup options include adding all your own software or including too much software as default
Pro option free but not tested as it may not be necessary for most casual users
Tested November 2025

Linux Mint LMDE Cinnamon (based on Debian)
2/5 Some compatibility issues resulting in a less fluid experience
Tested November 2025

Fedora
2/5 Some compatibility issues resulting in a less fluid experience
Tested October 2025

Zorin
2/5 Frustrating, possibly as I didn't want to pay for extras
Tested July 2025

BenicoEnterprises

Windows or Linux Mint

Ready to use

Ready to make the leap?

The alternative toWindows 10/11

Mint Set-up by Benico Enterprises

Cloud Storage (Free)

Why Mint and not others?

Benico
Enterprises

The alternative to
Windows 10/11