Linux Mint Migration

INCLUDES:
- Update BIOS/Firmware to latest versions. Often necessary due to security vulnerabilities.
- Purchase and install 2.5" to 3.5" drive adapter, from $4 to $15.
- Purchase and install 500GB SSD. Can be as low as $30 for PNY CS900 SATA III 2.5" drive.
- Install Linux Mint Cinnamon 22.2. At least 8GB recommended, 4GB minimum. MATE and XFCE run on less.
- Harden both Firefox and Brave Browser configurations from defaults.
- Install Open Source Privacy & Security focused applications (see below).
- Securely transfer all user data including from installed browsers up to 2TB.
- Perform file deduplication, grooming & reorganization, if appropriate.
- Provide 64GB Flash Drive for user data backups, cost less than $8.00.

OPTIONAL:
- Purchase and install memory upgrade from 4GB to 8GB or existing to 16GB (if supported). Cost can range between $20 to $100
- Windows or Linux 16/32 GB USB recovery disk. Cost less than $7.00.
- Purchase and automate backups to 1 TB SSD USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Portable SSD, consistently around $100

All migrations include on-board diagnostics and device cleaning.
Choose between Cinnamon, Mate or XFCE. NOTE: Cinnamon requires a minimum of 8GB memory for best results.

Privacy & Security Focused ADDONS:
* Xfburn (if a CD or DVD burner is installed)
* KeePassXC -Cross-platform Password Manager
* Brave Browser - Block ads and get way faster webpages just by switching your browser.
* Czkawka - Fast & Free Duplicate File Cleaner
* PeaZip - Free file archiver utility.
* PDF Arranger - Small python-gtk application to merge or split PDF documents and rotate, crop and rearrange pages.
* VideoLAN - Free open source cross-platform multimedia player for playing most multimedia files as well as DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols.
* XnView Multi Platform (MP) - Powerful, versatile and free image viewer, photo management, and image resizer software.
** For banking or bookkeeping, Home Bank or GnuCash respectively (upon request or need).
** For multiple computer environments install Syncthing for local data synch between computers. No cloud OneDrive, Google Drive, or DropBox needed.
-- Only self-hosted, sovereign data YOU own --.

Full support included—no obligations, but gratitude is always welcome.

RECENT USE CASES:
Desktop: HP rp5800. Saved client from making $2,600 purchase for Windows 11 "compatible" computer forgoing forced Microsoft Windows 11 unnecessary "upgrade" and eliminated annual expenses totaling over $200 previously spent on Microsoft Office 365, McAfee Anti-Virus, and Intuit subscriptions.
Upgrade cost for adapter & new 500GB SSD: $44.08