Clippy Came Too Soon

Remember how many people hated Clippy?

Modern AI “assistants” are like a Dunning-Kruger version of Clippy. We actually lose time double-checking an “AI Overview” for factual errors. Lose time scrolling past them. Lose time saying “No, thanks” when they offer aid.

We are unpaid test subjects for AI tech developers.

Anyway, earlier this year I bought a Windows 11 laptop, in preparation for the Win10 EOL in October. Figured I’d start transferring workflow from my old, trustworthy Thinkpad, which can’t be upgraded to Win11.

I’ll give Windows 11 this, the move gave my new machine automatic access to all my old files via OneDrive. It’s basically like looking at the same desktop and same contents in File Explorer.

What I’ve disliked is the constant AI interruption. And Microsoft has stated that they’re headed for total AI integration in the future.
Then there’s the fact that their most recent update fails on so many machines. Trying to work that out took me down a rabbit hole of terminal commands, which still hasn’t solved the problem.

Let me back up a second. Over the past few years, I’ve been experimenting with making various old Chromebooks run various versions of Linux. And exploring my Steam Deck’s desktop mode, using the machine as a laptop when traveling, installing a PS2 emulator, etc. I’ve tracked down terminal code for SD card drivers that even most Linux users said to give up on.

So it’s not that I’m unwilling to enter command line code. My publishing career began in the DOS Age.

It’s that I shouldn’t have to do that for Windows. And if I’m going to be entering terminal commands, why not ditch all the AI BS and just go to Linux?

So here I am, on that Win11-built laptop, using Linux Mint. The Mint installation was nearly seamless. I did have to run one short line of code to install speaker drivers, but unlike the Win11 update, it worked.

Your mileage may certainly vary. Lots of people are tied to MS Office by their employer. Or Adobe products. Others want to run Windows-compliant games. The one thing I’ll miss is Affinity.

I’m not trying to evangelize Linux. All I’m saying is that it’s a perfectly reasonable alternative. Linux Mint feels as comfortable as Windows XP or 8, or 10 if you prefer. And it doesn’t jam half-assed AI down your throat.

Just sayin’.

BTW, Windows 10 support was extended to October 2026, so my Thinkpad workhorse has at least another year going for it. So there’s one less machine headed to the landfill anytime soon.