Windows 10 EoL is fast approaching, so I thought I’d give Linux a try on some equipment that won’t be able to upgrade to Windows 11. I wanted to see if I will be able to recommend an option to anyone that asks me what they should do with their old PC.
Many years ago I switched to Gentoo Linux to get through collage. I was very anti-MS at the time. I also currently interact with Linux systems regularly although they don’t have a DE and aren’t for general workstation use.
Ubuntu: easy install. Working desktop. Had issues with getting GPU drivers. App Store had apps that would install but not work. The App Store itself kept failing to update itself with an error that it was still running. It couldn’t clear this hurdle after a reboot so I finally killed the process and manually updated from terminal. Overall, can’t recommend this to a normal user.
Mint: easy install. Switching to nvidia drivers worked without issue. App Store had issues with installing some apps due to missing dependencies that it couldn’t install. Some popular apps would install but wouldn’t run. Shutting the laptop closed results in a prompt to shutdown, but never really shuts off. Update process asks me to pick a fast source (why can’t it do this itself?)
Both: installing apps outside of their respective stores is an adventure in terminal instead of a GUI double-click. Secure boot issues. Constant prompt for password instead of a simple PIN or other form of identity verification.
Search results for basic operations require understanding that what works for Ubuntu might not work for Mint.
While I personally could work with either, I don’t see Linux taking any market share from MS or Apple when windows 10 is retired.
You might not be. But have you ever worked in IT support?
I can speak to this. I did phone support for 6 years working with VoIP (internet phones). In my experience, it’s much less their ability to learn and much more their willingness. So many people I worked with never wanted to go off their beaten track of what they already knew how to do.
They would do it often because it was a management decision and they were stuck with calling support. Even just training a group of 4-5 people how to transfer a call could take 15-30 minutes of explaining all the details. They don’t want new phones. They just want to get back to the work they know.
There are certainly exceptions and occasionally they will even find it fun to learn something new or get new features, but this was definitely not the rule.
I’ve always considered the perfect technology to be one you never realize you’re using. Linux, as broad and powerful as it’s utility can be, is anything but seamless to someone who doesn’t already have years of experience with it.
Like linux on the steam deck. Very seamless console experience.
Who’s calling Microsoft IT support after buying a new laptop?
The type of people who are going to struggle adopting an entirely new OS that sometimes requires more than simply “using it”.
This minority struggles using any system, so switching alongside others, away from convoluted, anti-libre software, Windows/macOS, will ensure they continue to receive help.
I agree with the fact that they will struggle with any system… they MIGHT be a minority (I’m not entirely convinced of that to be honest) but it isn’t small minority that can be expected to simply “tag along” for something like this.
Addendum: My comment is not to say they handle windows better than Linux or vice versa…it is change that they will rebel against, not the adoption of Linux. Better the devil they know…
Windows changes whether you expect them to like it or not.
You’re not wrong.