If you’ll forgive this YouTube video’s clickbait title, the content is actually a pretty balanced explanation of what’s happening with Windows right now.
For most of the past 40+ years, I’ve been a Windows user because that’s what was generally an employer’s OS for writing and editing. And for a home computer, it’s been cheaper than Apple. But when an employer preferred Apple, I’ve happily used Apple. I may have bristled at Apple’s gated community, but I’ve also admired the stability it brought.
So whenever friends or family members have asked about their best choice, I’ve sized up their needs and personality, and suggested either OS to suit. Never have I suggested Linux; I didn’t even want to go down that path myself.
But now? If asked for a recommendation, Linux would be a reasonable third option. Apple for stability and ease of use, Windows for compatibility to most publishers, and some brand of Linux for simple, unobtrusive, day-to-day operation.
I’m not a Linux evangelist. Personally, for most self-publishing, I’m still using Windows 10, and I will until either (a) my old Thinkpad dies, (b) I run out of backdoor options for OS security updates, or (c) a Linux alternative to Affinity Publisher becomes available, to suit DriveThruRPG’s PDF requirements.*
I’m no Linux evangelist. But a few weeks ago I got so fed up with Windows 11’s bugginess and Cortana insistence that, with some trepidation, I replaced it with Linux Mint on the HP Envy x360 laptop I bought last year. The installation was nigh perfect directly from a thumb drive. I was thrilled to discover that even a popup touchscreen keyboard was available right “out of the box.” The single exception was no drivers for the internal speakers, and even that fix was just a simple OS update.
Watch the video. You’ll understand why Windows is becoming increasingly frustrating for the average user. Maybe an Apple Mac is the best choice for you. But don’t discount Linux altogether. It might be just the OS you’re looking for.
*Yes, Scribus can manage, but there’s less guidance for a sporadic user like me.
I bought a new laptop with Windows 11. I hated Windows 11 so much I gave the laptop away.