Computer Slow? Windows Fatigue? I'll Install Linux For You
- Details
Hi there, I'm Matt and have been living in Cambodia on and off since 2013.
Over the years I've found myself helping people who wanted beginner-friendly Linux installed on their computer as Windows just wasn't for them anymore.
Even more so with the release of Windows 11.
Contact me at email
Will Linux work perfectly for me? Better than Windows?
For most users, yes.
We can even set up Dual-boot where you'll have Windows and Linux installed at the same time.
Or use a second laptop as distros like Linux Mint runs great on older hardware. If you don't have an older laptop then simply purchase a cheap or used one in Phnom Penh. This is a great way to get familiar with Linux before installing it on your main computer.
The users with Linux Mint absolutely love it and rarely look back. See video below or more reviews here.
Note: Linux Mint out-of-the-box is similiar to Windows XP and 7 after a default install. Very popular with beginners and power users alike.
Ready for Linux: Bring your laptop and we'll meet at the Riverside
Name your favorite spot in the Riverside area, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, preferably with good WiFi.
Have the laptop ready and I'll install either Linux Mint or Ubuntu for you there.
Once we've agreed upon a meeting place
I'll show up with a USB pendrive containing the Linux OS installer and get everything set up while you kick back with a beverage or two. Installation including updates should take around an hour depending on WiFi speed.
When we install Linux the entire disk will be erased
You are responsible for doing the necessary backup of files you want saved from your computer before we begin.
Meaning; make sure you have a backup of important files on a separate hdd/pendrive so your laptop harddrive is ready to be formatted.
Dual Boot; Windows and Linux simultaneously
Should work fine, but might not. Assume that every file on the computer will be lost. Have a backup made before we start.
Disk Encryption
Some users want their harddrive encrypted, meaning during boot up before the operating system loads, you'll be asked for a password. This is practical to enhance protection of your personal files in case of computer theft, for example.
After the Linux OS install I'll set up your computer with
- Firewall: UFW - Uncomplicated Firewall, for enhanced protection (simple 'enable')
- Apps of your choice like Telegram, Firefox, Chrome Browser, Chromium, Tor Browser, VLC Player, Spotify, LibreOffice, Thunderbird for emails, Transmission for torrents, Netflix by logging in with a web browser, Qmmp for oldschool Winamp fans etc
- uBlock Origin; currently the best adblocker for an ad-free experience on websites - including YouTube
- Redshift; an app that makes your screen warmer to reduce eye strain, with a local redshift.conf
- VPN if you want one, I recommend Mullvad which is based in Sweden and works great with Linux Mint and Ubuntu.
Mullvad also comes with a built-in DNS Content Blocker, where you can easily auto-block giant lists of IPs connected to Ads, Trackers, Malware, Gambling, Adult Content and Social Media. You can switch these buttons on and off individually. They accept debit and credit card, PayPal and also crypto like BTC, ETH, etc. You can even send them cash anonymously in the mail - For Gamers: Steam’s Proton makes thousands of Windows games run well on Linux, with many working flawlessly and sometimes even better than on Windows, though not all games are supported. Supported games can be looked up here
Other things I can and have helped with - Ad-Free Phone:
- Android phones: Install F-Droid and set up Fennec browser which supports uBlock Origin for an ad-free experience on the phone, including YouTube. Supports 'play in the background' if adding an extension
- Android phones: Install F-Droid and set up NewPipe, a YouTube alternative frontend app which comes with an ad-free YouTube experience out-of-the-box, meaning no ad interruptions during music, podcasts etc. Supports 'play in the background'
- Android phones: Set up a VPN on the phone. Again, I recommend Mullvad. You can be logged in on up to 5 devices with a single account, hence your computer and phone is covered
Other things I can and have helped with - Crypto: Bitcoin to USD in Cambodia, Ethereum, Wallets:
- If you are already familiar with crypto and just looking for a Bitcoin to USD off-ramp in Cambodia, go with bitcoincambodia.com.
For privacy sake simply simpleswap.io whatever crypto (USDT, USDC, ETH etc for better liquidity) to BTC, and receive the BTC on a new self-custody wallet like Electrum, then transfer the BTC from the new wallet as per the Bitcoin Cambodia instructions once you set up a trade there.
Use SimpleSwap at your own risk. If they see you with an IP from a country that they consider suspicious, they might hold back your crypto until you KYC (Know Your Customer) meaning the old passport or drivers license scan etc.
It can take up to 24 hours to finish the trade on Bitcoin Cambodia but if you are early in the day then they are usually much faster.
They will send you the USD via TrueMoney which is similiar to Wing. You need a local phone number to do this as TrueMoney (and Wing) works by you receiving a code from the sender that can only be used with your phone number, or whatever other local phone number the sender is sending to. Once the clerk at TrueMoney sees that you are the owner of that phone number (by checking your phone,) and you also provide the special code from the sender - i.e. Bitcoin Cambodia - then you'll receive the money cash in hand
