BkMk
ping
I built my Windows 8.1 computer in 2014.
Free upgrades all the way to Windows 11.
With MS SQL Server Express (free but limit to 10 GB) running on Linux I’m tempted to switch to Linux. I do enough data querying for my family’s investments and other things to warrant something more powerful than MySQL. But the developer tools within MS Visual Studio are second to none in my opinion. If I wasn’t into those things, Linux would be great for everything else I use a computer for.
Circa 1990 on a bulletin board......
Me: I heard you are working on some kind of Unix system?
Linus: Yes, it’s going to be free, do you want to try it.
Me: Hell yea.
If only Microsoft had built an OS that was highly-resistant to viruses and other malware... but no -
And with the forced end to Windows 10, millions of users are left with computers that won’t receive even basic updates.
On the other hand - it takes resources to produce updates - even for security. But again, here we are with a system that requires way too much upkeep.
MS “We have this crap new OS that likely won’t run on your fairly recent computer, which will force you to buy a new computer- and because folks are being slow about upgrading, We are dropping support for 10 so that your computer will be vulnerable to viruses from here on out.”
But the same sort of thing happens with Linux. I'm running Linux Mint 20.3 and I'm getting no end of nags telling me it's obsolete and I should update to something newer.
However, Mint (and most other "modern" Linuxes) will update themselves in place. Keep your files where they are, run the update and Bada-Bing, you're on the updated version.
I just had Linux installed on a new laptop that I bought. I haven’t transferred everything over from the old computer yet. Two suggestions:
1. Get help installing it. I tried unsuccessfully twice to do it myself. I had to get a computer expert to help. He had a lot of difficulty. It is my understanding that, if you are running Windows 11, there are extra difficulties involved.
2. If you are going to load both Windows and Linux, allocate most of your hard drive for Linux.
I just find Linux's suckage more endurable.
I am still using windows 7!
Works fine.
Bkmk
I have a geek buddy who’s given me a standing invitation to switch to Linux. I learned on Windows 98 when I was a tot, so it’s hard to break the habit.
However, Windows 7 was peak, far as I’m concerned. Windows 8 was a downgrade and 10 was irritating. Windows 11 is worse.
Aside from the new environment, Linux would probably not play well with some of my favorite software.
Besides, so many versions of Linux. Who knows which one is best? I sure don’t.
Bump
I have two boxes too old to upgrade. One of these is dual-boot with Linux already; the other is being used as a media server and can run just fine under that OS when I decide to convert it too. For the newer boxes Win 11 is already running. My initial impression is that it isn't really enough different to justify a major version upgrade - maybe better called Win 10.1, if you like - but it's no dog either (Windows 8, I'm lookin' at YOU). Ah, for the days of Microsoft Bob. Now that was an OS... ;-)
Anyone familiar with a thing called “startallback?” https://www.startallback.com
They claim “Embrace, enhance, unsweep classic UI from under the rug”
...but I notice their alternative language is Russian. If I’m gonna be snookered I’d rather it be by a jerk in Cupertino.
Bump for reference.
SUPER! Thank you ransomnote. I had to jump and run and make a trip right after I posted the first thread about this where the source article got pulled. Thank you for doing the homework and covering my slack! :)