Today, you can find laptops on the technology market that come without an operating system. They raise many questions among buyers, especially those who are used to ready-to-use devices. In this article, we will examine in detail what laptops without an OS are, who they are suitable for, and what nuances are important to consider before buying.
What is a laptop without an OS.
A barebones (or FreeDOS/no OS) laptop is a device that comes without pre-installed software to manage its hardware. Unlike laptops with Windows, macOS, or Linux installed, these models give the user the freedom to choose which operating system to use. However, they require manual installation and configuration of the system, which may be unusual for beginners.
Why do stores sell laptops without an OS?
Stores offer laptops without an operating system for several reasons:
- Reduced cost: Devices without a pre-installed OS are usually cheaper because the manufacturer or seller does not have to pay licensing fees for using the software;
- Flexibility for the user. Some users prefer to install their own operating system, such as Linux, or transfer an existing Windows license to a new laptop;
- Special needs. Laptops without an OS are often chosen by programmers, system administrators, or other specialists who need to customize the system for specific tasks;
- Avoiding unnecessary costs. It is advantageous for corporate clients to purchase devices without an OS, since companies often use pre-prepared images of operating systems.
Benefits of Buying a Laptop Without an OS
Buying a laptop without a pre-installed operating system has its own unique advantages that make such devices attractive to certain categories of users. Here are the main ones:
- Saving money. The cost of a laptop without an OS is significantly lower, which allows the buyer to invest the saved money in improving other characteristics of the device, such as the amount of RAM or the size of the storage device;
- Choice of operating system. The buyer can install exactly the OS he needs, be it Windows, Linux, macOS (with appropriate support) or any other system;
- No unnecessary software. When installing the operating system on your own, the user avoids unnecessary software that often comes with pre-installed OS;
- Flexible configuration. Devices without an OS allow you to configure the system from scratch to suit your needs, including choosing a file system, partitioning disks, and installing additional drivers.
- Software relevance. The user can install the latest version of the selected operating system without the need to update outdated presets;
- Suitable for professionals. Programmers, system administrators and other professionals often need specific settings and programs that are easier to implement on a clean system;
- Ideal for learning. For students and beginners, a laptop without an OS provides the opportunity to learn how to install and configure an operating system from scratch;
- No license restrictions. The user can avoid being tied to licenses and choose free or open solutions, such as Linux distributions.
Disadvantages of Buying a Laptop Without an OS
Despite the obvious advantages, buying a laptop without an operating system is associated with a number of difficulties that may scare off some users. In this section, we will consider the main disadvantages of such devices:
- The need to install the OS yourself. The user will have to search for and install the operating system themselves, which can be difficult for those who have not previously encountered this process;
- No guarantee of compatibility. Not all drivers may be readily available or compatible with your chosen operating system, which may affect the performance of your device;
- Waste of time. Installing and configuring the system takes time, especially if the user wants to customize everything to suit his needs;
- Lack of technical support. Devices without an OS most often do not come with support for installing software, which can cause difficulties for less experienced users;
- Difficulty for beginners: People who are not familiar with the OS installation process may encounter errors or problems that will be difficult to fix without experience;
- The need to purchase a license. If the user plans to install Windows, he will have to purchase a license separately, which increases the total cost of the purchase;
- Lack of ready working condition. Unlike devices with pre-installed OS, a laptop without OS cannot be used immediately after purchase;
- Limitations for specific tasks. If the device is purchased for specific programs, there may be difficulties with installing the corresponding software;
- Problems with returns or exchanges. Stores may refuse to return the device if it has already been used to install the operating system.
What OS can be installed on a laptop without an OS
When purchasing a laptop without a pre-installed operating system, the user gets the opportunity to independently select the appropriate software. There are several OS options that can be installed depending on the user’s preferences, goals, and level of training.
Windows
- The most popular choice for most users. It offers a wide range of features and is compatible with most programs and games. However, you will need to purchase a license;
Linux
- A free and open source operating system, represented by many distributions (Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Arch, etc.). It is highly reliable, flexible and secure, ideal for programmers and system administrators;
FreeBSD
- An alternative to Linux with increased stability and security. Often used for servers and network tasks, but also suitable for advanced users on a laptop;
Chrome OS Flex
- Google’s free version of Chrome OS is suitable for older or low-powered devices and offers a lightweight, cloud-based environment;
What skills do you need to have to install the OS yourself?
Installing an operating system on a laptop without a pre-installed OS requires certain knowledge and skills. It may seem difficult for beginners, but with the right approach, the task becomes quite feasible. Below are the key skills that will help you successfully cope with this process:
- Knowledge of the BIOS/UEFI structure. Understanding how to enter BIOS/UEFI and set boot priority from a flash drive or other device;
- Working with bootable media. Skills in creating a bootable flash drive or disk with the desired operating system using programs like Rufus, Etcher or UNetbootin;
- Basic knowledge of file systems. Ability to choose between NTFS, FAT32, ext4 and other formats depending on needs;
- Installing Drivers: Understand how to find and install drivers for devices such as video, sound, network, and peripherals;
- Setting up disk partitions. Skills in dividing a hard drive or SSD into partitions for the OS, data, and backup;
- Working with the command line. Although not always necessary, knowing basic commands for Windows or Linux can greatly simplify installation and configuration;
- English language. Many instructions, manuals and program interfaces are available only in English, so basic knowledge will help you figure it out;
- Troubleshooting: Ability to troubleshoot errors such as boot issues, driver incompatibilities, or installation failures;
- Basics of working with Linux distributions. If you plan to install Linux, it is useful to know how to choose the right distribution and configure it.
When is it worth buying a laptop without an OS
Buying a laptop without an operating system is a good choice for those who want to save money on the purchase of a device and prefer to choose the appropriate software themselves. This option is perfect for experienced users who know how to install and configure the OS, or those who already have a license for the operating system. It is also a great choice for IT specialists, programmers and administrators who require flexibility in configuration. In addition, laptops without an OS are the optimal solution for organizations using their own software environments or operating system images.