A Linux® laptop or desktop is a computer system that runs on the Linux® operating system (OS). Unlike traditional Windows systems, which come pre-installed with their respective OS, Linux® devices usually come without an OS installed. This allows you to choose and install their preferred flavors of Linux®, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, or OpenSUSE.

Explore PCs with Linux Options
Experience the performance, stability, and flexibility of Linux. With its open architecture, Linux gives you the freedom to customize your system and optimize it for the way you work.
Select Linux as your operating system during the Build Your PC configuration process.
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Using Linux® on laptops and desktops provides numerous benefits, including enhanced security and privacy, extensive customization, and superior performance, especially on older hardware. It is cost-effective and open-source, with a vast array of available software. The active community offers strong support, aiding troubleshooting and learning. Linux®'s flexibility suits various uses, from casual computing to professional development and server management. It also offers excellent learning opportunities in operating systems and programming. Known for its stability and reliability, Linux® is ideal for continuous operation without frequent reboots, making it a preferred choice for many users.
Ubuntu is an open-source operating system based on the Linux® kernel. It is one of the most popular distribution operating system of Linux®, known for its user-friendly interface and extensive software library. Ubuntu is free to use, distribute, and modify, making it a top choice for both personal and professional users.
Lenovo is committed to providing our customers with the best technology and user experience. By choosing a device with Linux® preloaded, you can benefit from a fully optimized and certified Linux® operating system that works seamlessly with our hardware. This ensures maximum performance, security, and reliability for your daily computing needs.
Yes, you can easily install other Linux® distributions on your Lenovo computer if you prefer using something other than Ubuntu. Our devices are designed to be compatible with various Linux® distributions, giving you the freedom to choose the one that best fits your needs.
Not at all! Our Ubuntu-based devices are designed for both beginners and advanced users. The user-friendly interface and extensive software library make it easy for anyone to get started. Moreover, if you encounter any issues, our customer support team is always available to assist you.
Yes, you can run Microsoft Office applications on your Lenovo computer with Ubuntu by using the online version or installing them through compatibility software such as Wine. Alternatively, there are open-source office suites available for Linux®, such as LibreOffice and OpenOffice.
Yes, most peripherals such as printers, scanners, and external hard drives will work on a Lenovo computer with Ubuntu. However, it is always recommended to check for compatibility before making a purchase.
Yes, Linux® works well for gaming on laptops and desktops. With platforms like Steam offering a growing library of Linux®-compatible games and tools like Proton and Wine enabling more Windows games to run on Linux®, gaming performance is improving significantly. Additionally, Linux® supports major gaming hardware, and drivers from graphics card models are increasingly upgraded for Linux®. Overall, gaming on Linux® has become a practical and enjoyable choice for many gamers.
While Microsoft Office isn't natively available for Linux®, you can use alternatives like LibreOffice, which offers similar functionality. Additionally, web-based versions of Microsoft Office applications can be used in a browser. For running the actual Microsoft Office suite, tools like Wine might help, but compatibility can vary.
Some good Linux® distributions for laptops and desktops include Ubuntu, known for its user-friendly interface and extensive community support; Fedora, appreciated for its cutting-edge features and regular updates; and Linux® Mint, which offers a familiar experience for former Windows users with a sleek, straightforward interface. Additionally, Debian is praised for its stability and vast repository of software, while we provides a balance of performance and ease of use, featuring rolling updates and a variety of desktop environments.
Choosing the right Linux® distribution depends on your needs and experience level. If you're new to Linux®, user-friendly distributions like Ubuntu or Linux® Mint are ideal due to their ease of use and strong community support. For more customization and control, consider Fedora or Debian. Additionally, think about the specific tasks you'll be performing, such as development, media production, or lightweight performance on older hardware. Research each distribution's features to find the best fit for you.
Yes, you can run both Linux® and Windows on the same laptop or desktop by setting up a dual-boot system. This involves partitioning your hard drive to allocate space for both operating systems. When you start your computer, you can choose which OS to boot into. Another option is using virtualization software like VirtualBox, which allows you to run one OS within another, providing flexibility without needing to reboot your system.
Yes, Linux® laptops and desktops are generally considered secure due to their robust architecture and open-source nature. The open-source model allows for continuous scrutiny and rapid patching of vulnerabilities. Linux®'s permission and user management systems add layers of security, preventing unauthorized access. Additionally, Linux® users often benefit from a lower profile compared to other operating systems, reducing the risk of targeted attacks. Regular updates and a strong community focus on security enhance overall protection.
Yes, you can use a variety of popular software on Linux® laptops and desktops. Many widely-used applications, like web browsers (Firefox, Chrome), office suites (LibreOffice), and graphic editors (GIMP), are available natively for Linux®. Moreover, compatibility layers such as Wine allow you to run many Windows applications. For specialized software, there are often powerful Linux® alternatives available. Additionally, cloud-based services and web applications work seamlessly on Linux®, ensuring you have access to essential tools and platforms.
Linux® often handles software updates more efficiently than other operating systems. Package managers in Linux® distributions manage updates for the OS and installed software, ensuring you have the latest security patches and features with minimal hassle. Updates are usually quicker and less intrusive.
Yes, Linux® is an excellent choice for programming on laptops and desktops. It offers a robust, developer-friendly environment with support for multiple programming languages and tools. The availability of powerful package managers makes installing development tools and libraries straightforward. Linux®’s strong command-line interface enhances productivity and automation. Additionally, it provides access to a wealth of open-source software and development frameworks, making it ideal for coding, testing, and deploying applications in various programming landscapes.
Yes, Linux® is highly customizable. You can change the desktop environment, install themes, and tweak almost every aspect of the user interface. Whether you prefer a minimalist setup or a feature-rich environment, Linux® allows you to tailor your system to your preferences.
Linux® supports multitasking through its efficient memory management and robust process scheduling. The kernel handles multiple processes simultaneously, ensuring that each task gets appropriate CPU time without significant performance degradation. This is enhanced by features like preemptive multitasking and virtual memory, which allow Linux® to manage resources effectively. Desktop environments provide task managers to monitor and control running applications, making it easier for users to switch between tasks and keep their workflow smooth and uninterrupted.
Yes, you can connect Linux® laptops and desktops to a wide range of devices, including printers, scanners, external drives, and more. Most peripherals are supported either natively or through additional drivers. Linux® distributions provide tools to help manage these connections, making it easy to configure and use various hardware. For some specialized devices, you may need to seek out specific drivers or software.
Linux® has become increasingly user-friendly for newcomers. Modern distributions like Ubuntu and Linux® Mint offer intuitive graphical interfaces, easy installation processes, and extensive documentation. Additionally, community support forums and tutorials are readily available to assist new users with any questions or issues they may encounter. While there may be a learning curve for those transitioning from other operating systems, Linux®'s user-friendly features make the transition smoother for beginners.
Linux® manages system resources on laptops and desktops efficiently through its kernel, which handles process scheduling, memory management, and I/O operations. The kernel prioritizes tasks using a fair scheduling algorithm while dynamically allocating memory to ensure optimal performance. Tools like top, htop, and system monitor provide real-time insights into resource usage. Additionally, Linux®'s ability to manage disk space with filesystems such as ext4 and Btrfs, combined with its robust handling of hardware drivers, ensures smooth and stable system performance.
Yes, Linux® laptops and desktops are well-suited for professional environments. They offer robust security features, stability, and flexibility, making them reliable for various business tasks. Linux® supports a wide range of productivity and development tools, including office suites, email clients, and programming environments. Many enterprises use Linux® servers, and having Linux® on workstations ensures seamless integration. Additionally, Linux®'s open-source nature allows for customization to meet specific business needs, supported by a strong global community.
Yes, Linux® is a preferred platform for web development due to its powerful command-line tools, support for web servers, and compatibility with various programming languages. You can easily set up development environments, test web applications, and deploy websites directly from a Linux® machine.
Yes, Linux® has excellent support for virtual machines. It offers a variety of powerful virtualization tools such as KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine), VirtualBox, and VMware. These tools enable users to create, manage, and run multiple virtual machines efficiently. Additionally, Linux® distributions often include built-in support for virtualization, making setup straightforward. Linux®'s robust performance, security features, and extensive community support make it an ideal platform for running and managing virtual machines for both personal and professional use.
Linux® uses file systems like ext4, Btrfs, and XFS, which are known for their stability and performance. Understanding how these file systems work can help you manage your storage efficiently. Linux® also supports NTFS and FAT32, allowing you to work with files from other operating systems.
Yes, Linux® laptops and desktops can be an excellent choice for students. They offer a stable and secure operating environment with access to a wide range of free and open-source software for productivity, coding, and research. Linux® is also highly customizable, allowing students to tailor their systems to their specific needs. Additionally, learning Linux® can provide valuable skills for future careers in technology and IT fields.
Yes, Linux® laptops and desktops can connect to network printers. Most modern Linux® distributions support a wide range of printers through the Common Unix Printing System (CUPS). You can set up a network printer using the system's printer settings or CUPS web interface. Additionally, many printer manufacturers provide Linux®-compatible drivers, ensuring seamless connectivity and functionality for network printing tasks across various Linux® environments.
Yes, Linux® supports dual monitors on both laptops and desktops. Most modern Linux® distributions come with built-in support for multi-monitor setups. You can configure dual monitors using system settings or display management tools like Xrandr or Arandr. Linux® handles various display outputs such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA, making it straightforward to extend your screen real estate and improve productivity with a dual-monitor configuration.
Yes, you can run Windows applications on Linux® laptops and desktops using compatibility layers like Wine or virtualization tools such as VirtualBox and VMware. Wine translates Windows API calls into POSIX calls, allowing many Windows programs to run natively on Linux®. Alternatively, virtualization software enables you to install a full version of Windows within a virtual machine, providing seamless access to Windows applications without dual-booting.
Linux® Laptops & Desktops for Work, Development & More
Choosing a laptop with a Linux operating system or desktop starts with a few practical questions: Which distribution do you plan to use? What applications need to be run? What hardware, displays, docks, or peripherals are part of your setup? Answering these questions helps narrow the type of Linux computer and configuration that fit your workflow.
At Lenovo, we offer Linux options across select laptops, desktops, Linux computers and workstations, including systems from the ThinkPad, ThinkCentre, and ThinkStation portfolios. You can compare Linux PCs configurations based on form factor, hardware requirements, software compatibility, connectivity, and available operating system choices. Features and Linux availability vary by system, configuration, and region.
What Is a Linux® Computer?
A Linux computer is a laptop, desktop, or workstation that runs an operating system built around the Linux kernel. The kernel manages core system resources, including processor use, memory, storage, and interactions between software and hardware.
A Linux distribution combines the Linux kernel with system tools, software libraries, package-management tools, and other components needed to run the operating system. Distributions can differ in desktop environments, software repositories, release schedules, package formats, and application support.
Linux can support a range of compatible development, productivity, and everyday computing applications. Software and hardware compatibility can vary by Linux distribution, version, and system configuration.
Linux operating system options are available on select Lenovo systems, and certain Lenovo systems are certified for specific Linux distributions and versions, including Ubuntu®. When comparing Ubuntu laptops or other Linux PCs, check the operating system available with the specific configuration, along with application compatibility, hardware support, and regional availability.
Plan for the Linux Distribution Lifecycle: Linux distributions follow different release and maintenance schedules. If you expect to use the same PC configuration for an extended period, consider how distribution updates, application support, drivers, and organizational maintenance requirements fit together. This is especially important for business and technical environments that depend on a consistent software platform.
Which Lenovo PCs Can You Consider for Linux®?
Our portfolio gives you several laptop, desktop, and workstation families to evaluate for Linux environments. The appropriate series depends on your applications, preferred form factor, hardware requirements, and available operating system choices.
Select systems can offer Linux during the Build Your PC configuration process. Availability varies by product, configuration, distribution, and region.
The Lenovo product families below provide useful starting points when exploring Linux-based workflows.
Table 1: Lenovo Product Families for Linux Environments
| Lenovo Series | Designed to Support | What to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| ThinkPad E Series | Business laptop workflows | Applications, Linux distribution, connectivity, and peripheral requirements |
| ThinkPad L Series | Business computing across different laptop configurations | Distribution, form factor, connectivity, and connected devices |
| ThinkPad T Series | Professional and business computing | Applications, docking, networking, distribution, and hardware requirements |
| ThinkPad X Series | Portable professional computing | Distribution, portability, connectivity, docks, and peripherals |
| ThinkPad X1 Series | Business and mobile computing | Applications, distribution, display setup, docks, and connected devices |
| ThinkPad X9 Series | Business laptop workflows | Distribution, applications, hardware configuration, and peripherals |
| ThinkPad P Series | Mobile workstation and technical workloads | Professional applications, graphics, drivers, libraries, and distribution requirements |
| ThinkCentre M Series | Business desktop computing | Distribution, desktop configuration, displays, networking, and peripherals |
| ThinkCentre Neo Series | Business desktop environments | Distribution, configuration, connectivity, and application requirements |
| ThinkStation P Series | Desktop workstation and technical workloads | Professional applications, graphics, storage, drivers, and distribution requirements |
Features and Linux options vary within each series. Check the configuration and operating system choices for the individual system you are considering.
ThinkPad Laptops for Linux Workflows
ThinkPad E Series, ThinkPad L Series, ThinkPad T Series, ThinkPad X Series, ThinkPad X1 Series, and ThinkPad X9 Series laptops provide options across business and mobile computing needs. Users evaluating a Linux ThinkPad or Lenovo Linux laptop should check the operating system choices for the specific configuration. ThinkPad P Series mobile workstations support more specialized professional and technical workloads. When researching the best laptops for Ubuntu for a particular workflow, compare Ubuntu certification, operating system availability, application compatibility, hardware requirements, and the specific configuration offered in your region.
Available Linux options and configurations vary by system and region, so review your application, hardware, and operating-system requirements before selecting a configuration. These checks also apply when comparing Linux personal computer or Linux based laptops across different product families.
ThinkCentre Desktops for Linux Workflows
ThinkCentre M Series and ThinkCentre Neo Series provide desktop options for business and technical environments. When comparing Linux desktop computers, or other configurations, consider your applications, displays, networking, storage, and peripheral requirements alongside the available operating system choices.
ThinkStation Workstations for Linux Workflows
ThinkStation P Series Linux workstations support professional and technical computing environments. Review operating system, applications, graphics, storage, and driver requirements when evaluating configurations for engineering, visualization, data, and other specialized workloads.
How to Choose a Lenovo Linux® Computer
Once you know the Linux environment and applications you plan to use, you can focus on the hardware and connectivity required for your Linux PC setup.
Users should compare keyboard visibility alongside screen resolution, storage capacity, wireless connectivity, ports, speaker and camera features, and device dimensions. A compact laptop may be easier to move around the home, while a larger design may provide additional keyboard space or a dedicated numeric keypad.
When evaluating the best PC for Linux for a particular workflow, compare distribution compatibility, application requirements, processor, memory, storage, graphics, connectivity, and peripheral support for the specific configuration.
Match Hardware to Your Applications
Processor, memory, storage, and graphics requirements depend on your software and workload. Development environments, containers, virtual machines, local datasets, and technical applications can increase system requirements. Engineering, visualization, artificial intelligence, and compute applications can also depend on specific graphics hardware, drivers, or software libraries.
Check Connectivity & Peripheral Compatibility
Consider your complete setup rather than the computer alone. Displays, docks, printers, external storage, network adapters, input devices, and specialized equipment can have operating system-specific requirements. A compatible physical connector does not necessarily mean every function of a connected device is supported. Check the system specifications and requirements of essential peripherals before finalizing your configuration.
A Compatible Port Does Not Confirm Full Device Support: A dock, display, printer, network adapter, or other peripheral can connect physically without every function being supported by a particular Linux environment. Check device, driver, firmware, and distribution requirements for hardware that is important to your setup.
Consider Containers & Virtual Machines
Containers and virtual machines can add processor, memory, and storage requirements. Linux containers generally share the host kernel while separating applications and their dependencies. Virtual machines create separate guest operating system environments through virtualization software. If these tools are part of your workflow, review the requirements of the container or virtualization platform you plan to use.
Tips to Consider When Choosing a Linux® Computer
A few practical checks can help you narrow the Lenovo laptop, desktop, or workstation configurations that fit your Linux environment. Before you buy a laptop with Linux, confirm that the available distribution, essential applications, drivers, and connected devices support the specific configuration you are considering.
- • Start with your applications: Check which Linux distribution and version your essential software supports
- • Review operating-system choices: Confirm which Linux options are available for the Lenovo configuration you are considering
- • Match hardware to your workload: Compare processor, memory, storage, and graphics requirements with the applications you plan to run
- • Check your complete setup: Review requirements for docks, displays, networking hardware, external storage, and other peripherals
- • Plan for containers and virtual machines: Consider the additional processor, memory, and storage resources these tools can require
- • Confirm configuration details: Operating-system choices, hardware options, and availability can vary by system and region
Reviewing these areas together can help you focus on Linux computers that align with your software, hardware, and connectivity requirements.
Linux® Preinstallation, Compatibility & Certification
Linux preinstallation, compatibility, and certification describe different aspects of a system's Linux environment.
- • A Linux operating system laptop or desktop option refers to a specific configuration offered with Linux as the operating system. Availability can vary by model, configuration, and region. Pre-installed Linux laptop options should therefore be checked at the individual configuration level.
- • Linux compatibility relates to whether a system can operate with a specific Linux environment under the applicable hardware, software, and configuration requirements.
- • Linux certification applies to a defined hardware platform, and Linux distribution evaluated through the relevant certification program.
These terms are related but not interchangeable. If you want a computer supplied with Linux, check the operating system shown in your final configuration
Preinstalled, Compatible & Certified Are Different: A PC offered with Linux, a system that can support a Linux environment, and a configuration certified for a particular Linux distribution are not necessarily the same thing. Check the operating system option and applicable compatibility or certification details separately.
Find a Lenovo Linux® PC That Fits Your Workflow
Your applications, preferred Linux distribution, hardware needs, and connected devices provide a practical foundation for narrowing your PC choices. Once those requirements are clear, you can focus on the Lenovo form factor and configuration that fit the way you plan to work.
Explore ThinkPad, ThinkCentre, and ThinkStation systems for Linux workflows. Compare hardware, connectivity, operating system options, and software requirements. Consider how your applications and peripherals fit into the setup. Then review the systems available in your region and choose the configuration that aligns with your needs.