Linux and Computer Science majors

Student Lounge College Life
1

Hey. I’m a HS Junior and I need to get a laptop for an internship over the summer, which I will also be bringing with me to college. I have been using Linux (Debian) for the last 5 years and have become accustomed to it and really enjoy it. I also find that using Linux is very helpful for doing low level programming in C and cybersecurity. I was wondering if there are any problems with using Linux in college, given that other things like WiFi and printers are working.

If there are any completely necessary Microsoft applications, I’m also wondering if there are any problems with using a compatibility layer like Wine to get them working.

Finally, I wanted to know if there are any heavy processing tasks that I would need an expensive laptop for. I want to spend the least amount of money REASONABLY possible, meaning that I don’t have a problem spending some money, but if there’s no added benefit to spending that money I’d rather not. I’m also open to laptop recommendations and buying used.

Thanks!

2

In many CS departments, the instructional computers will use Linux or Unix, so your own Linux computer may be useful to do work offline.

Whether or not anything (including non-CS courses) depends on Windows-specific software depends on the college and department. Wine can be hit-or-miss. Many laptops these days come with Windows preinstalled, so adding Linux as another boot option and using it most of the time can work, while using Windows only when necessary for Windows-specific software.