Want to save your old computer? Try one of these 9 Linux distros - for free

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As someone who's been around the block a few hundred times with technology, planned obsolescence has long bothered me.

When Microsoft released Windows 11, it became clear that a lot of hardware wouldn't support the new version of Windows. Many people ended up having to purchase new systems if they wanted to stick with Windows. For some, that wasn't an option, so they had to continue using a Windows operating system that would eventually fall out of support. That meant no more security updates, which can leave users -- and their data -- vulnerable.

Also: Linux Mint vs. Zorin OS: I've tested both Windows alternatives, and here's my choice

If you've found yourself in such a situation, there's hope in the form of a handful of Linux distributions designed specifically for older or less-powerful ...