Linux can run from just a USB drive without modifying your existing system, but you’ll want to install it on your PC if you plan on using it regularly. Installing a Linux distribution alongside Windows as a “dual boot” system will give you a choice of either operating system each time you start your PC.

Can Linux run on any hardware?

You can install Linux on almost any computer hardware — Mac or Windows PC. There is a reason, when you buy a computer to run Linux, that you should get one with Linux pre-installed.

Will Linux work on any laptop?

You can buy recent laptops that come with Linux from manufacturers as big as Dell or buy many Windows laptops and everything will work just fine. Chromebooks have also added a new option for low-cost, lightweight, fully Linux-compatible systems—but you’ll still want to do some research before choosing your new laptop.