Xtra PC

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

  1. NE5
    Posts : 146
    Windows 10 (ex Windows 7 home)
       #1

    Xtra PC


    has anybody tried one of these devices, which supposedly instantly converts your PC to linux ?

    And how good are they ?

    - - - Updated - - -

    Computer Companies Hate This Product, Which Makes Your Computer Like New In 10 Seconds
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 14,020
    Win10 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home, Win7, Linux Mint
       #2

    I can't speak to that particular product but when visiting clients who have issues with their computer I carry a 16GB USB Thumb drive with Linux Mint installed for use in diagnosing possible hardware issues outside of Windows.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 7,607
    Windows 10 Home 20H2
       #3

    The product is good for those who want to use Linux but do not know how to download and install it.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 23,256
    Win 10 Home ♦♦♦19045.4355 (x64) [22H2]
       #4

    Xtra PC-but-wait.jpg
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 18,432
    Windows 11 Pro
       #5

    NE5 said:
    has anybody tried one of these devices, which supposedly instantly converts your PC to linux ?

    And how good are they ?

    - - - Updated - - -

    Computer Companies Hate This Product, Which Makes Your Computer Like New In 10 Seconds
    Why not just download one of the hundreds of Live linux versions available for free and buy a few liters of Petro with the money you saved? (Did I get that terminology right for the UK?)

    Matthew Wai said:
    The product is good for those who want to use Linux but do not know how to download and install it.
    Yeah, but nowadays most Linux flavors have their own versions of Media Creation Tools that create the bootable USB for the user. The advertisement in the OP is nothing more than just a scam.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 23,256
    Win 10 Home ♦♦♦19045.4355 (x64) [22H2]
       #6

    NavyLCDR said:
    Why not just download one of the hundreds of Live linux versions available for free and buy a few pints down at the pub with the money you saved?


    Fixed.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 1,767
    Windows 10 Pro (+ Windows 10 Home VMs for testing)
       #7

    First... remember that it's just an advert.

    It doesn't convert a Windows PC to Linux. Instead it boots a Linux live distro from the USB stick.

    It boasts of 16GB storage yet doesn't mention persistence, i.e. the ability to store settings on the USB stick (like Wi-Fi SSID/password combos, preferred screen res, volume, etc.) so you don't have to set them up manually every time the USB stick is used.

    It doesn't mention that USB sticks are slower in both read and write operations than SSD/NVMe drives and further limited by the speed of the USB port the USB stick is attached to... so take its claim that it speeds up both old and new PCs alike with a pinch of salt.

    Remember that Linux is free (although support and service options can often cost quite a bit) so you're essentially paying $35 for a 16GB USB stick they probably buy in bulk for £2.50/$3 (USB 2) or £5/$6 (USB 3). It's pointless paying for a USB 3 stick if the destination laptop only has USB 2 ports. As for the testers happily paying $400... I just laughed.

    Like @Berton, I too carry around a Linux Mint live distro on a USB stick for diagnostics. I use the Linux Mint Xfce distro as that requires the least hardware resources (just 2GB RAM) and boots slightly faster than my preferred Linux Mint flavour (Cinnamon). I've used it many, many times since I created it about 5 years ago and it's as reliable today as when I first made it (with Rufus).

    Caveat emptor (let the buyer beware)... 'cos you could do this yourself very easily.

    For example, have a look at these two How-To Geek articles:
    How to Create a Bootable Linux USB Flash Drive, the Easy Way
    How to Create a Live Ubuntu USB Drive With Persistent Storage

    Finally, you could possibly do exactly the same with a higher capacity high-speed SD card (that doesn't stick out like a sore thumb) for much less money than $35. I don't know for sure - I haven't tried - but it's essentially the same process.

    Hope this helps...
      My Computer


  8. WXC
    Posts : 13,170
    Windows 10 Pro 64-bit 22H2 19045.4046
       #8

    Ghot said:
    Xtra PC-but-wait.jpg



    Billy mays...best pitchman ever!


    RIP
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 23,256
    Win 10 Home ♦♦♦19045.4355 (x64) [22H2]
       #9

    WXC said:


    Billy mays...best pitchman ever!


    RIP


    If he ever comes back to life, I bet that's the first thing he says... "But wait, there's more".
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 5,048
    Windows 10/11 Pro x64, Various Linux Builds, Networking, Storage, Cybersecurity Specialty.
       #10

    NE5 said:
    has anybody tried one of these devices, which supposedly instantly converts your PC to linux ?

    And how good are they ?- - - Updated - - -

    Computer Companies Hate This Product, Which Makes Your Computer Like New In 10 Seconds
    Stay away!

    Aside from being a bunch of BS, it probably contains a nice assortment of malware as well.

      My Computer


 

Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:28.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums