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Rather, as Linux forums well attest relative to the small percentage of Linux users, it is the lack of compatibility in Linux, plus the lack of comparable software for customization (without learning to code), that keeps Windows from being as good of an OS as Windows.

I think you meant to say "keeps Linux from being as good of an OS as Windows."

That said, Linux isn't for everyone. No one denies that. Linux has its use cases the same way Windows has its use cases.

If you're an end user who wants to plug in a device and have it "just work" chances are you're buying a Mac.

If you're an end user who needs to use software that's primarily Microsoft based and have a relatively recent computer and peripherals, then you're going to go Windows. It actually does a pretty decent job keeping most hardware drivers up to date with the most current OS though there are times hardware will stop working because that device's manufacturer stopped supporting the device and creating drivers for it. (I have a printer and webcam that fit into this category.)

If you're an end user capable of doing some minimal code, or an engineer such as I am and need to perform engineering specific tasks using customized software and code then chances are you're going Linux.

BTW, the Canon Printer and Logitech USB Webcam above that Windows no longer supports as of Win10 are perfectly supported and functional on my Ubuntu Linux 21.04 desktop. Go figure.

" I think you meant to say "keeps Linux from being as good of an OS as Windows." That said, Linux isn't for everyone. No one denies that. Linux has its use cases the same way Windows has its use cases. "

Very true. My objection is to the blithe response to every Windows thread to "just install Linux" as that would typically be the solution.

"If you're an end user who wants to plug in a device and have it "just work" chances are you're buying a Mac."

When you determine what hardware components are in$talled then it prevents a lot of issues, but that does not make it a more workable solution in costs.

"If you're an end user who needs to use software that's primarily Microsoft based and have a relatively recent computer and peripherals, then you're going to go Windows. It actually does a pretty decent job keeping most hardware drivers up to date with the most current OS though there are times hardware will stop working because that device's manufacturer stopped supporting the device and creating drivers for it. (I have a printer and webcam that fit into this category.)"

And my old LIDE USB scanner!

"BTW, the Canon Printer and Logitech USB Webcam above that Windows no longer supports as of Win10 are perfectly supported and functional on my Ubuntu Linux 21.04 desktop. Go figure."

And Mint automatically detected and enabled printing to our Brother L2395 laser printer without me doing anything, to my glad supprise.