FAQs

With the end of support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025, over 250 million PCs worldwide (including millions in Australia) will no longer receive security updates. This leaves them vulnerable to ransomware, zero-day exploits, and identity theft.

Upgrading to Windows 11 often requires new hardware, as approximately 70% of Windows 10 PCs do not meet the requirements (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and compatible CPU). Many users face costs of $1,000+ for a new machine.

Windows 11 also introduces significant new privacy risks, including enhanced telemetry and AI features such as Copilot and Recall (on Copilot+ PCs). Recall captures screenshots of your screen activity every few seconds for AI processing – raising serious concerns about invasive data collection and potential data leaks.

Microsoft Data Collection in Windows (2025)

Data Category	What It Collects	Privacy Impact
Diagnostics	Crash reports, device health, app usage	Profiles user habits; sent to Microsoft
Typing/Keystrokes	Input patterns (not passwords/content)	Infers behaviour; limited opt-out
Mic/Webcam	Accessed only with app permission	Risk of leaks if system is compromised
Files/Browsing	Indexed for search; history and settings	Builds user profiles; telemetry-enabled
Location/Health	If enabled in apps	Tracks movements and shares via services

Our solution:

Switch to our affordable, easy-to-use Privacy Laptops powered by Zorin OS Pro – a Linux-based operating system specifically designed for Windows and macOS users.

Zorin OS Pro offers zero telemetry (no tracking), is fully open-source, and provides strong security without invasive AI features or constant screenshot captures. Your personal data stays private by default.

Switching to a Privacy Laptop allows you to exit the constant tracking and data harvesting from Microsoft, Apple, and Google.

We purchase new Dell laptops and professionally configure them with Zorin OS Pro. There are no hidden tracking, forced updates, or heavy antivirus requirements – just faster, more secure computing where you own your data.

Why You’ll Love a Privacy Laptop:

• Familiar Interface: 12+ desktop layouts that mimic Windows 10/11, macOS, or traditional Linux. Switch between them in seconds.
• Security & Performance: Highly resistant to malware. Includes lightweight pre-installed antivirus, faster boot times, better battery life, and regular updates without slowdowns or forced reboots.
• Ready-to-Use: Arrives professionally hardened and set up – just power it on and start working.
• Growing Popularity: Zorin OS saw over 100,000 downloads in just 48 hours after the Windows 10 end-of-support announcement.

Watch this short overview of the Operating System (OS) we use.

Read More: Ditch Windows Nightmares: Why Linux is Your Ultimate Privacy PC.

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Yes – every Privacy Laptop arrives with Zorin OS Pro fully loaded and a carefully selected bundle of privacy-focused apps pre-installed and optimised for security, usability, and performance.

These apps enhance your privacy, security, and anonymity while providing a familiar and productive experience for users switching from Windows or macOS.

Pre-Installed App Categories

• Productivity and Office Suite
• Creative and Media Suite
• Utilities and Connectivity
• Proton Ecosystem
• Other Bundled apps

Productivity and Office Suite

• LibreOffice Suite: Full office package (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, drawing). A direct, private alternative to Microsoft Office with excellent file compatibility.
• Planify: Simple task manager for to-do lists, reminders, and project planning. Great for families and non-tech users switching from Windows To-Do or Outlook.
• Xournal++: Note-taking and PDF annotation with handwriting and stylus support. A privacy-focused alternative to OneNote.
• Logseq: Knowledge management and note-taking tool with markdown support and zero telemetry. Ideal for users moving from Evernote.
• Scribus: Desktop publishing for brochures, newsletters, and PDFs. A pro-level but beginner-friendly alternative to Publisher or InDesign.
• FreeCAD and LibreCAD: 3D and 2D CAD software for design and modeling. Secure, open-source alternatives to AutoCAD.
• Foliate: Clean e-book reader with library management and annotations. No ads or telemetry.

Creative and Media Suite

Zorin OS Pro includes a professional-grade creative suite (valued at over $5,000 in equivalent proprietary software), all pre-installed and optimised for your hardware.

• Kdenlive or PiTiVi: Advanced video editors with effects and multi-track support. Secure alternatives to Premiere Pro.
• GIMP (with extras) or Krita: Powerful image editors and digital art tools. Photoshop-compatible with strong privacy.
• Inkscape: Vector illustration tool for logos, diagrams, and design. A scalable alternative to Illustrator.
• Ardour or Audacity: Professional and simple audio recording/editing tools.
• Blender: Industry-standard 3D graphics, animation, and effects software (used in Hollywood).
• Darktable: Raw photo processing and editing workflow. A privacy-respecting Lightroom alternative.
• OBS Studio: Screen recording and streaming tool with local saving only.

Utilities and Connectivity

These handle everyday tasks securely, with Zorin OS Pro’s lightweight design ensuring 5-10s boot times and extended battery life.

• Brave (default browser): Privacy-focused browsing with built-in tracker blocking.
• Evolution: Email client with calendar and contacts. Easily integrates with Proton.
• Zorin Connect: Securely syncs your Privacy Laptop with Privacy Phones over encrypted local networks (no cloud). Share notifications, files, and use your phone as a remote.
• Network Displays: Wireless screen casting/mirroring for TVs and monitors.
• Deskflow (formerly Barrier): Share one mouse and keyboard across multiple computers securely over local encrypted connections.
• Other essentials: Rhythmbox (music), VLC (video), Transmission (torrents), VirtualBox (virtualisation), Remmina (remote desktop), and more.

Proton Ecosystem

As official partners with Proton, we pre-install their suite of Swiss-encrypted, zero-access, no-logs apps:

• Proton Mail: Secure your communications with encrypted email (more info)
• Proton VPN: Keep your online activity secure and private (more info)
• Proton Drive: Organise your photos and files with secure cloud storage (more info)
• Proton Calender: Organise your schedule privately (more info)
• Proton Pass: Protect your online identity with an encrypted password manager (more info)
• Proton Authenticator: Secure your online accounts with 2FA across devices (more info)
• Standard Notes: Write and store private notes across your devices (more info)

Other Bundled Privacy Apps

We vet and pre-install other Bundled Apps for you to build digital resilience with privacy, security, and anonymity. This includes:

• Mullvad Browser: Complements Brave for diverse, tracker-resistant browsing.
• uBlock Origin: Powerful ad and tracker blocker.
• ClamAV with ClamTK GUI: Lightweight antivirus for extra reassurance.
• BleachBit: Secure system cleaner for wiping temp files and history.
• Cryptomator: Encrypts files and folders for any cloud storage.
• Onionshare: Anonymous Tor-based file sharing with no servers.

Why We Pre-Install These Apps

We carefully vet and configure every app so your laptop arrives ready to use with maximum privacy and minimal setup. This saves you significant time and helps you avoid the common pitfalls of DIY configurations.

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PrivacyPros uses rigorously tested, brand-new Dell laptops sourced from official Australian suppliers. We currently offer two excellent models:

• Dell Latitude 3340
• Dell Pro 14 (PV14250)

Why These Dell Models?

We chose these specific laptops because they deliver outstanding compatibility, performance, and value for privacy-focused users:

• Proven Linux Compatibility: 100% seamless integration with Zorin OS Pro. WiFi, Bluetooth, camera, trackpad, and all hardware components work out-of-the-box with no driver issues.
• Quality and Reliability: Carefully vetted for performance. Upgrades ensure lightning-fast operation (around 5-second boot times), lag-free multitasking, and significantly better battery life compared to older Windows setups.
• Everyday Power: Ideal for browsing, office work, streaming, video calls, and light productivity. RAM and SSD are upgradeable (on Pro models) for future-proofing.
• User-Friendly for Everyone: Perfect for non-tech-savvy users and families transitioning from Windows or macOS.

What to Expect from Your Privacy Laptop

• Seamless Experience: Hardware is fully compatible with zero driver installation required for WiFi, Bluetooth, camera, and other components.
• Fast and Efficient: Lightweight Zorin OS Pro delivers ~5-second boot times, smooth performance, and up to 2x better battery life than many older Windows laptops. Easily handles 20+ browser tabs.
• Familiar Interface: Quickly tweak the desktop layout to look and feel like Windows 11, older Windows versions, or macOS. Non-tech users and families transition easily.

Transform Your Laptop into a Desktop Setup

1. Connect a compatible HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB cable to your monitor or display.
2. Zorin OS automatically detects the screen – go to Settings > Displays to mirror or extend your desktop.
3. Dual or triple screen setups are ready instantly – drag windows freely between screens.

Ready for secure, private, and user-friendly computing?

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Our Privacy Laptops are powered by Zorin OS Pro – a secure, user-friendly Linux operating system specifically designed for privacy and ease of use.

If you’re not familiar with technical terms, think of the operating system (OS) as the “brain” of your laptop. It controls everything from opening apps and connecting to the internet to managing your files and security.

Zorin OS Pro is the premium version of Zorin OS (normally ~$80), and we include it at no extra cost to give you the best possible experience.

Why Zorin OS Pro?

Zorin OS is built on Linux, a free and open-source operating system trusted worldwide for its stability and security. Unlike Windows or macOS (which are closed-source, meaning only the company can see and modify the code), Zorin’s code is open for anyone to inspect and audit. This transparency helps quickly identify and fix security issues and ensures there are no hidden backdoors or invasive tracking.

Here’s why Zorin OS Pro stands out – especially if you’re switching from Windows:

• Easy to Use for Beginners: It looks and feels very similar to Windows, with familiar menus, taskbars, and layouts. There’s no steep learning curve — you can start working or browsing immediately.
• Built-in Privacy and Security: No hidden tracking, ads, or data collection. It blocks invasive features like telemetry (automatic data sending to companies) and forced AI tools. Our experts further “harden” the system with advanced privacy settings and pre-install the Proton ecosystem (Swiss-based encrypted tools) to maximise protection against hackers, viruses, and surveillance.
• Full Control in Your Hands: You decide what runs on your laptop. There are no unwanted updates, forced features, or bloatware. It’s ideal for everyday tasks like email, web browsing, document editing, streaming, and creative work.
• Pro Features for Productivity: Includes premium customisation tools, extra desktop themes, advanced file management, and excellent support for creative applications.
• Why Linux Over Windows or macOS?: Standard operating systems from Microsoft and Apple often collect your data (search history, location, usage patterns) and share it with advertisers or other parties. Zorin OS Pro removes that entirely, giving you a privacy-optimised laptop without sacrificing performance or usability.

New to Linux? No Problem.

Linux is generally more secure than Windows (far fewer viruses target it) and runs smoothly on our hardware. We’ve extensively tested Zorin OS Pro to ensure excellent compatibility with common apps and peripherals.

Switching to a privacy-focused operating system is one of the smartest steps you can take toward reclaiming control of your digital life.

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Yes – but our model focuses on self-reliance and long-term digital resilience rather than unlimited one-on-one support.

Unlike many transaction-focused sellers, we are genuinely invested in your privacy journey. That’s why we provide high-quality resources designed to help you succeed independently.

Every Privacy Laptop comes with a comprehensive Quick Start Guide (QSG) to get you up and running quickly with the basics. This includes curated learning resources, video links, and practical guidance. The QSG is carefully created to give you the basics that you need without creating dependency on constant external help.

Ongoing or Advanced Support

Because we are a small, mission-driven team focused on keeping prices as accessible as possible, we do not offer unlimited one-on-one support after purchase.

For more personalised help with advanced configurations or ongoing privacy strategy, we offer dedicated consultation services.

For everything else, the following resources are the fastest and most effective:

• Your provided Quick Start Guide and User Manuals
• This FAQ section
• the Zorin OS documentation (Zorin Help)
• the Zorin OS community forum (Zorin Forum)

Our Philosophy

We believe the best long-term privacy and computing experience comes from empowering users with excellent tools and clear guidance – rather than ongoing support tickets. Our goal is to set you up for success from day one with a system that is stable, private, and easy to maintain.

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Our policies are designed with transparency and full compliance with Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

Warranty

All Privacy Laptops come with a 12-month Basic Onsite Service warranty.

We only purchase brand-new Dell laptops through official Australian distribution channels.

What the warranty covers:

• Manufacturing defects and hardware failures

What the warranty does NOT cover:

• Deliberate or accidental damage from abuse or misuse
• Cosmetic damage (scratches, dents)
• Damage from excessive force or improper use
• Water or liquid damage
• General wear and tear
• Unauthorised repairs

How to make a warranty claim:

Contact us via our contact form with the inquiry type ‘Warranty, Returns & Cancellations’. After we verify your order, we will provide return instructions (including original packaging and proof of purchase). Return postage and handling fees are at your expense. We will then liaise with the supplier and advise you of repair, replacement, or other options.

Returns

Because our Privacy Laptops are custom-hardened privacy devices, returns are handled in accordance with Australian Consumer Law for non-standard goods. Remedies focus on faults or defects, not change of mind.

We clearly disclose this policy upfront. We are unable to accept returns for change of mind.

Cancellations

Sales are generally considered final once an order is placed, as we begin sourcing and configuring devices shortly after purchase.

However, we aim to be flexible and ethical:

• If payment was very recent and we have not yet started sourcing or configuring your device (usually within the first 24-48 hours), we may offer a full refund for the product and postage at our discretion.

To request a cancellation, contact us via our contact form with the inquiry type ‘Warranty, Returns & Cancellations’.