Custom Linux systems
A computer that works for you.
Linux is fast, free and isn’t built to report on you. I set it up for the way you actually use your computer, move your files across and show you around, so it feels like yours from day one.
On-site in Gippsland · remote help anywhere · try it alongside Windows first if you like
Why switch
Your computer shouldn’t have its own agenda.
Windows and macOS send diagnostic data by default, push their own accounts and apps, and decide when your computer updates. Some of that can be switched off. Some of it can’t.
Linux is different by design: open source, no advertising account, and you decide what runs. The hard part has always been getting started: choosing a version, installing it and making everything work. That’s the part I do.
Sound familiar?
- Your computer can’t upgrade to Windows 11, but it still runs fine.
- It gets slower every year and fills up with things you never asked for.
- You’d like to try Linux but don’t know where to begin.
- You want a clean, private computer that does its job without fuss.
The good news: Linux runs well on most computers, including many that can’t move to Windows 11, and I do the fiddly part.
Choosing your Linux
There are many kinds of Linux. Here’s where I’d start you.
Linux versions, called distributions, grow from a few big families. Pick what matters most to you to see where I’d usually begin. We’ll confirm the right fit together.
Where I’d usually start
Linux Mint
Ubuntu family · Cinnamon desktop
- A start menu and taskbar that feel familiar if you’ve used Windows
- Works with most hardware straight away
- A friendly update manager, and you choose when
The trade-off: apps can be a version behind the newest, in exchange for stability.
Where I’d usually start
MX Linux
Debian family · Xfce desktop
- Light on memory, so older machines feel quick again
- Built on Debian’s stable base
- MX Tools for everyday settings in one place
The trade-off: it looks plainer out of the box, and newer apps may come through Flatpak.
Where I’d usually start
Fedora Workstation
Fedora family · GNOME desktop
- Recent drivers for new laptops and graphics cards
- Up-to-date apps and a clean, modern desktop
- Strong security defaults, including SELinux
The trade-off: a new version arrives about every six months, so upgrades come round more often.
Where I’d usually start
Pop!_OS
Ubuntu family · made by System76
- Steam and its Proton layer run many Windows games
- A download with NVIDIA graphics drivers already included
- Automatic window tiling when you want it
The trade-off: some online games with strict anti-cheat won’t run on Linux. I check your list first.
Where I’d usually start
Debian
The original family · stable release
- Changes slowly and carefully, so it stays steady
- Each release supported for about five years
- The base that Ubuntu, Mint and MX Linux are built on
The trade-off: apps can be older. Flatpak fills the gaps where it matters.
For higher-risk privacy
Tails and Qubes OS
Specialist systems · free and open source
- Tails runs from a USB stick, sends traffic through Tor and forgets everything when shut down
- Qubes OS keeps each part of your life in its own isolated compartment
- Both are built for people with real reasons to worry
The trade-off: both take some learning, and Qubes needs a powerful computer. We’ll talk through whether you need them.
All of these are free, and most run straight from a USB stick, so you can try one before anything changes.
The Linux family tree simplified
- Debian 1993
- Ubuntu 2004
- Linux Mint
- Pop!_OS
- Zorin OS
- MX Linux
- Tails
- Ubuntu 2004
- Fedora 2003
- Arch Linux 2002
- EndeavourOS
- Manjaro
- Qubes OS its own design
How it works
No surprises, start to finish.
We talk about how you use it
What you do on your computer, the programs you can’t live without, and what you’d like to be different.
I check it’ll all work
Your hardware and your must-have programs, before anything changes. If something won’t run, you’ll know up front.
Install and move in
Linux installed, set up and tested, with your files moved across. Usually done on-site.
I show you around
Installing apps, running updates and doing what you do now, with support afterwards while you settle in.
For the technically curious
Under the hood
The technical detail, for anyone who wants it.
Which desktop do you set up?
It depends on you. Cinnamon feels familiar to Windows users, GNOME is clean and focused, KDE Plasma is the most adjustable, and Xfce is light enough for older machines.
How are apps installed and updated?
From the distribution’s software centre and package manager, which install signed packages from its own repositories, so no hunting for installers on random websites. Flatpak adds newer versions of popular apps, each in its own sandbox.
Is the disk encrypted?
On a privacy build, yes: full-disk encryption with LUKS, set up during installation. If the computer is lost or stolen, its data can’t be read without your passphrase.
What about Windows-only programs?
Many have strong Linux equivalents, such as LibreOffice, GIMP and Kdenlive, and web versions cover a lot more. Some Windows programs run through Wine. For a must-have that won’t, we keep a dual-boot or a small virtual machine.
And games?
Steam’s Proton layer runs a large share of Windows games on Linux. Games with strict anti-cheat often don’t, so I check your list first.
Can I try it without installing?
Yes. Most distributions run straight from a USB stick, so you can test your Wi-Fi, screen and sound before anything changes.
Free guide
Not ready to talk? Start with five quick wins.
A free guide to five changes that make a real difference, in about an hour, with free tools and no technical skills needed.
- A password manager, set up in 15 minutes
- Trackers blocked, phone permissions back in your hands
- Every step broken down, with a check for when it’s done
Email me a copy
The link, sent to your inbox to keep. One email, and nothing more unless you tick the box.
Good to know
Questions people ask
Something else on your mind? Ask it in the form below. Every enquiry gets a personal reply.
Will my programs work?
Most things have good Linux options, and we check your must-haves before anything changes.
Can I keep my current computer?
Usually, yes. Linux runs well on most hardware, and often better than Windows on older machines.
What if I don’t like it?
Start with a dual-boot and keep your current system alongside. There’s no all-or-nothing.
Do you sell computers?
No. I can recommend machines that work well with Linux and help you buy one, or set up the one you already have.
I’m not technical. Is this for me?
Yes. Distributions like Linux Mint are made for everyday people, and you get a proper walkthrough before I leave.
Let’s find your Linux.
Tell me how you use your computer. I’ll suggest where to start, and check your must-have programs before anything changes.