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The old-laptop -> install-linux-because-windows-wont-run -> tech-career pipeline is absolutely real.

It got me to learn C, graphics programming, operating systems, networks and firewall, literally everything I wanted to do required a couple of days deep in arch linux wiki learning about all kinds of inter-connected systems.

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Yep, this is how I spent High School, although I did have prior interest in computers. I started tinkering with Debian on a hand-me-down HP pavilion and ended with a ThinkPad T60 with Arch. Developed a lot of skills that helped me get started in my career.

When I ditched Windows and installed Ubuntu 8.04 on my personal computer was my gateway into further tech (building PCs, using a terminal, programming, etc.) and set the foundation for my career.

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