Ok, so maybe your computer isn’t that old.

But what are you supposed to do when Windows Update keeps doin its thing, and you keep buying new software, and the longer you go, the slower your PC gets?

Invest in a new computer?  Trust those TV ads and do an online scan to get “instant” results?  Take on a Do-It-Yourself expedition into your computer’s innards to upgrade its hardware?

I’ve done all of the above.  But for a truly low cost solution, there is no way you can improve old hardware like installing Linux.  You’ve heard of Linux – its that free operating system that is any uber-nerd’s middle finger to Microsoft.  Ok well maybe you haven’t heard of it directly, but if you have heard of (or used) any of the new Google-powered cell phones,  you’ve seen it in action.

Linux is extremely powerful, infinitely customizable, and as time goes on, a viable option to Windows.

There are a TON of variations of Linux out there to meet your needs (Ubuntu, Fedora and Mandriva are amongst the most popular).  Most have outstanding support communities that far exceed standard support you receive from most software makers.  And, for the most part (gaming is a big exception), you can pretty much do anything on Linux that you could do in Windows or on a Mac.

But here’s the truth about Linux: for the everyday computer user, you are in for some self-education if you want to switch to Linux yourself.  That’s not necessarily a bad thing – that’s how I got into it.  Even installing Linux can be a difficult task if you’re not sure what you’re getting into.

Here’s the good news though: various companies have interest in Linux and getting it into your hands.  Just like the Google Android phones, most websites are powered by Linux, and if you are going to get a netbook over the next few years, there’s a good chance it will have a pre-configured version of Linux on it as well.

Further, if you are interested in using Linux for everyday tasks, or if you want to spark some life into your computer (or your company’s fleet of computers), a wealth of vendors, including GWebware, are here to help set up your system, and configure it to your liking (you can even make your desktop look just like Windows or a Mac!).

Want to see it work before you take that step?  Some big companies, including Cisco, the Burlington Coat Factory, use Linux, and so do many government agencies.  Is it your time?

You already know its a good thing to recycle your old computer – here’s your chance to reuse it and extend its life before you take that step and invest in a new one.