format_quote I have an Acer 5754 Laptop which currently has Win 7 installed. My question is: can this computer be upgraded to Win 10 for free, or should I look for a Linux solution and if so, which version? format_quote

Possible way to upgrade your Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free

According to zdnet.com there is a possible way to upgrade your Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free. If you have a PC running a "genuine" copy of Windows 7/8/8.1 (Windows 7 Home, Pro, or Ultimate edition, or Windows 8.x Home or Business, properly licensed and activated), you can use the following link to possibly install Windows 10 as a free upgrade:

Dual booting Linux

If that doesn't work then if you have experience with using Linux then it may be worth trying to dual boot Linux so that you always have access to Windows 7 if you wish. Dual booting means that both operating systems can run on your laptop and you can choose which one to use at startup. It is sometimes quite complex to set up though:If you haven't used Linux before then you may find it quite difficult to use at first, and may not have all the features and programs you are used to on your Windows laptop.

Purchasing Windows 10

If you find the advice above does not work in terms of getting Windows 10 for free, here is the place where you can buy Windows 10:In the UK store the Home version of Windows 10 is currently £119.99.

Check your laptop against Windows 10 system requirements

I can't find your exact current laptop model, but before you embark on installing/purchasing Windows 10, it may be worth checking whether your current laptop will successfully run Windows 10:

Buying a new laptop

Because of the cost of a new version of Windows 10, it may be more cost effective to think about buying a new laptop, especially if you find that your current laptop may not support Windows 10.I personally recommend HP laptops, but if you find Acer has served you well then it's always worth looking at those as well. My only advice is any new laptops that are under £350 tend not to be as fast as many would like to do their day to day tasks, so I always look at laptops over that £350 price point first.

Buying a refurbished laptop

Your other option is to look at buying a refurbished laptop with Windows 10. This is a cost-effective option, but obviously the laptop may be a year or two old and you have to be careful to check how the condition of the laptop is described.