What can I do with a linux computer?

[guardsman6]

I took my old pc running windows vista and installed linux mint on it because vista is terrible. I was wondrering, what kind of cool features does linux bring to the table, what can I use it for? I could use it as a steam machine or nas, but I really don't know too much about linux and would like to know all the improvements it brings over windows. Thanks.

[Raudi_]

I took my old pc running windows vista and installed linux mint on it because vista is terrible. I was wondrering, what kind of cool features does linux bring to the table, what can I use it for? I could use it as a steam machine or nas, but I really don't know too much about linux and would like to know all the improvements it brings over windows. Thanks.

I ran linux on an old laptop to use it as a media center. So thats the main thing I use it for.

[Peter Vaughan Truslow]

it brings higher security for the most part, it is lighterweight and runs faster, but you probably knew  that. it adds a software installation handler and a software store. it is able to use many more storage file systems. it is superior for modifying android devices(as they also run the linux kernel) 

the main reason I use linux is for tinkering with software or for making slow computers usable again.

[rockking1379]

you can have fun experimenting with new and exciting things. use it for programming. use it for watching videos. depending on your distro, try using firefox and get netflix to work. there is some work to be done for it but its possible. try to run a small web server on it and have some fun with it.

[Kungr]

FreeNAS, PFsense, Kodi (XBMC), steam machine. As a desktop session try gnome-shell it is a slick interface. I agree with Pjtruslow just tinker. Also were does it fit in your home network? Need mediaPC for the extra TV? Need a NAS for data and printer serving? I have my old i3 running as a sweet PFsense router because i'm sick of the consumer grade routers.

[guardsman6]

FreeNAS, PFsense, Kodi (XBMC), steam machine. As a desktop session try gnome-shell it is a slick interface. I agree with Pjtruslow just tinker. Also were does it fit in your home network? Need mediaPC for the extra TV? Need a NAS for data and printer serving? I have my old i3 running as a sweet PFsense router because i'm sick of the consumer grade routers.

Freenas and pfsense looks interesting to me. As far a pfsense though, I know that I will need something like an intel noc, but do I need to upgrade my processor or ram? Like I said earlier, its a very old pc with an intel core 2 duo @2.5 w/ 3gb of ram, will that be enough? And freeNAS and pfsense are both orperating systems right, so I can only run one or the other right? or can I run both simultaneously on one pc?

[Kungr]

Well FreeNAS is a NAS Software obviously. PFsense is a router software. Your processor and ram is good for just a router. As a NAS it is probably good considering the only user on it will be you and maybe a mediacentre. You can run PFsense and FreeNAS on one pc using VirtualBox (free) but that will require a steep learning curve and googling to determine how Vbox works and how all your routing and interfaces will work.

 

But if you want a two in one combo, i haven't looked, but I know some NAS OSes have XBMC plugins. Or you install ubuntu server with a GUI (gnome, haha) and use it as a NAS and XBMC machine . Anyways, tinker and find a good fit. Google and linux forums are your friend.