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A Linux user tries out Windows 10
Network World ^ | 1 April 2015 | Bryan Lunduke

Posted on 04/02/2015 4:34:12 AM PDT by ShadowAce

Every now and then, it's nice to break out of your bubble, to really get outside your comfort zone and see how things are "on the other side of the fence."

I love Chinese food. Could eat Chinese food every day of the week. But, once in a while, it's a good idea to mix things up. You know. And order a pizza.

This is that time for me. Only instead of Chinese food, it's Linux. Instead of pizza, Windows 10 (Technical Preview). That's right. I'm a full time Linux user, and I just spent a few days trying to live in the preview edition of Windows 10.

One thing should be emphasized right off the bat: this is not a review of Windows 10, and it is not a list of every feature of the system (there are other articles for that). This is a Linux advocate taking some time out to see how things work in the upcoming major release of Windows and seeing what he can learn from that experience. Are there things Windows 10 does better than Linux, which we in the Linux world should take some cues from? (Every system has advantages, right?)

It should also be noted that I am focusing entirely on desktop functionality. I tested the Windows 10 Technical Preview on a Dell M3800 (which was previously running Linux) and a VirtualBox virtual machine (with 8GB of RAM dedicated to it).

In other words: no tablets were harmed in the making of this article.

Really, I'm asking (myself) two questions here:

  1. Is there anything awesome in Windows 10 that Linux can learn from?
  2. Are there enough awesome things in Windows 10 that I, as a Linux user, am missing out on by not running it as my primary operating system?

Let's dive in to the areas I think are most noteworthy for helping to answer those questions. If I leave a feature out, it's likely because it was just not relevant to those two questions.

Windows playing catch up

There are two noteworthy new features in Windows 10 that many Linux desktop environments have possessed for years (nay… decades): Virtual Desktops, and effective, tiled window management.

I mention this because it shows that Microsoft is paying attention and implementing some excellent features found in competing systems. Sure, in the case of Virtual Desktops, Microsoft is a good four decades behind its competition… but better late than never, right?

The implementation of this feature in Windows 10 is completely, absolutely, 100% adequate. You start out with a single "desktop" and can add new desktops one at a time. Application windows can be moved between desktops, desktops can be removed… everything that you would expect. It doesn't feel quite as polished and smooth as the implementation in, say, GNOME Shell. But it's an acceptable first attempt at catching up with the Linux world.

Likewise, the improvements to window layout and management are nice. Called "Quadrant Snap," it's basically the ability to "snap" open windows to a "quadrant" of the screen. It's been updated in Windows 10 to be a bit more flexible – for example, one window can take up the whole left half of the screen, with the right half containing three windows stacked vertically, each taking an equal amount of vertical space. It's similar in many ways to the functionality of many of the tiling window managers out there, such as xmonad or awesome.

Nothing mind-blowing here, but good features that we've been enjoying on Linux since before the first episode of Friends was a gleam in Jennifer Aniston's eye.

Windows taking the lead

Perhaps that should read "Taking the lead… with caveats."

There are two areas where I feel Windows 10 is doing things that are better (or at least in a more ambitious way) than what we're doing on Linux. Unfortunately for Microsoft… they're not really nailing these features as well as they need to.

The first is "Cortana." This is to Microsoft what Siri and Google Now are to Apple and, well, Google – a sort of personal information search service with some support for natural language input and voice recognition.

In Windows 10, this functionality is interfaced with a little search box that sits right next to the Start menu (more on that below). Voice dictation is an excellent feature of any system. As is voice synthesis. And, heck, having a central spot to see things like your to-do list for the day, weather, traffic, etc… that's all quite handy.

Unfortunately, in my testing, Cortana was just not fun to use. And I'm not bashing it for lack of functionality (this is still a "Technical Preview" of Windows 10, after all) or bugginess (though it was plenty buggy). My issue with this feature is that using it to do just about anything was significantly slower than using a mouse, keyboard, or touchscreen to accomplish the same tasks.

For a great demonstration of how maddeningly inefficient Cortana can be, see this video from the WinBeta folks. Take note of how long it takes him to set a simple reminder alarm. This experience seems to be the norm.

You see? It has amazing potential… but if it's no fun to use, it doesn't much matter.

The second feature that is almost fantastic (emphasis on "almost") is the Windows Store.

It is exactly what the name implies. It's a software store, in much the same vein as the Google Play store or the Ubuntu Software Center. The design is fine – easy enough to search and navigate (many similarities to Google Play here).

But, and this is a big "but"... there's simply not a lot of software available, as it's limited to "Metro" style applications (read: not classic Windows software). This takes what could be an amazing feature and makes it rather…meh.

Right about now you may be wondering why I included this feature as an area where Windows 10 is "taking the lead" over Linux. And that is because the majority of Linux distributions lack a solid software "store" experience. Even the Ubuntu Software Center leaves a lot to be desired. It's rather slow, has a very limited selection of software for purchase, and what's there isn't overly easy to discover.

If Microsoft were to open up the "Windows Store" to applications built for classic "Windows"...this would be a very handy feature. And I see no reason why they couldn't do exactly that. Though, as it stands, I'll stick to my declaration of "meh."

Windows not doing as much as I thought

Which brings me to two features that were simply underwhelming, the ones that had been outed rather heavily and which I expected to be the shining examples of the quality and innovation of Windows 10: the new Start Menu and support for ultra-high resolution displays.

First, let's talk about the new Start Menu.

In Windows 8, Microsoft killed the Start Menu – that simple, nested menu that let you find and launch applications (a paradigm used in operating systems since the days of the Pharaohs). Microsoft opted instead for a full-screen display of animated tiles, which, as every four-year-old can tell you, was both annoying and stupid.

In Windows 10, the Start Menu is back… kind of. There's no more full screen of animated tiles (Windows users dodged a bullet, there). But what Windows 10 has now isn't all that much better. Other than the fact that it's not, technically, full screen.

The new Start Menu bears little resemblance to what you might remember. On the left side of the Start Menu is a list of all of the software on your PC. In alphabetical order. With no categories. Have a lot of applications installed? Too bad for you, because that list is going to get crazy long.

On the right side of the Start Menu you'll find the grid of animated squares that you had hoped were burned alive. No. That's not fair. This is an improvement. In Windows 8 you had a full screen of squares that accomplished nothing… in Windows 10 the Start Menu is simply filled with those squares – and is, hence, annoyingly larger and stupider-looking than it should be.

Luckily, the good folks at Microsoft provide a "full screen" button that makes this new Start Menu take up the entire screen. For those moments, I suppose, when you feel you could be more annoyed by the Start Menu… if only it took up your entire field of view.

The second feature to let me down, HiDPI support, really let me down in a big way.

I used the Dell M3800's 4k screen (3840x2160) and, based on the noise Microsoft has been making about support for upwards of 8k screens (!!!), I expected the experience to be awesome right out of the gate.

It wasn't. (It's not the fault of the M3800's screen…which is gorgeous.)

In order to make most applications usable – on that high of a resolution on a smaller screen, text and buttons can quickly become unusably small – I had to set the DPI scaling in the control panel fairly high. And even then, things weren't all roses and candy bars. (Is that an actual saying? "Roses and candy bars"? Probably, right? Hell with it, I'm sticking to it.)

Toolbars in some applications became distorted and unusable. Text in other applications became jagged and funky-looking. Other times, things simply became pixelated and ugly. (To be completely fair, sometimes the DPI scaling worked excellently well. But only sometimes.)

Windows 10 isn't alone in having issues with HiDPI screens.

MacOS X, last time I used it, had similar problems with many applications. Admittedly, this was several years ago, so that may have changed. I tend to not use Apple products. I respect myself too much for that.

And many Linux desktop environments encounter similar difficulties. GNOME Shell and Ubuntu's Unity, for example, both handle scaling to those ultra-high resolutions fairly gracefully… until you start using software that isn't bundled with the environment itself. Then all hell can break loose – buttons too small to click, mismatched text sizing within a single application, all sorts of shenanigans.

The fact that Microsoft is touting this HiDPI functionality so highly, yet not really providing anything more interesting than what Linux has had for a few years, is rather – what's the word I'm looking for – meh-worthy.

"Meh" seems to be a running theme in Windows 10. Which is quite the opposite of "awesome."

Did I answer my own questions?

Having a good-looking software store is pretty critical. And that's something still lacking in non-Android Linux-based systems right now. Even Ubuntu could use some serious improvements in its software store experience.

Am I missing out on anything by not running Windows 10 as my primary operating system?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: Are you kidding me? I couldn't repartition that drive fast enough and re-install Linux.

But I'm glad I spent the time in Windows 10 Technical Preview. Maybe when the final version of Windows 10 ships, I'll take it for another spin to see what they've improved. The reality is that, for being a "Technical Preview," this was fairly stable and quite peppy. Not Linux-levels of peppy, mind you. But not bad, either. Not "awesome," but not bad.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go hide in my bunker and hope that the steel-reinforced doors can keep the Windows fans at bay.


TOPICS: Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: linux; meh; windows; windows10
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1 posted on 04/02/2015 4:34:12 AM PDT by ShadowAce
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To: rdb3; Calvinist_Dark_Lord; JosephW; Only1choice____Freedom; amigatec; Ernest_at_the_Beach; ...

2 posted on 04/02/2015 4:34:45 AM PDT by ShadowAce (Linux -- The Ultimate Windows Service Pack)
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To: ShadowAce
My opinion, and approach, to computers is simple .... it's like asking for a date.

Hi
I'm knarf
D'ya like me ?
No ?
buh bye

If it ain't user friendly, or continually demands I walk on eggs so I don't upset her pretty little head ... I don't want it.

3 posted on 04/02/2015 4:42:23 AM PDT by knarf (I say things that are true ... I have no proof ... but they're true)
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To: ShadowAce

I tried Linux a couple of times, not for me. I’m too braindead and lazy to even learn the vocabulary. Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook and Firefox take care of 99% of my computing needs on an XP system.


4 posted on 04/02/2015 5:04:13 AM PDT by WinMod70
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To: WinMod70; knarf

As knarf said above (basically)—you should use what works for you.


5 posted on 04/02/2015 5:22:17 AM PDT by ShadowAce (Linux -- The Ultimate Windows Service Pack)
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To: ShadowAce

I’ve got Win 10 preview in VirtualBox on my MacBoo Pro. I haven’t played around with it much yet, but annoyance #1 (same as Windows 8) is that you can’t even create a single user account without creating or using a Windows ID.

I mean, I know Apple pushes you to get/use an Apple ID, but at least it’s optional and they give a clear means of bypassing it (as I have on a Mac Mini I use as a home theater hub). But it appears that Microsoft makes it mandatory, or at least doesn’t give you a clear option on how to proceed without it.


6 posted on 04/02/2015 5:30:16 AM PDT by kevkrom (I'm not an unreasonable man... well, actually, I am. But hear me out anyway.)
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To: WinMod70
Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook and Firefox take care of 99% of my computing needs on an XP system.

Holds true for most computer users.

7 posted on 04/02/2015 5:30:25 AM PDT by McGruff (Boy that Ted Cruz sure is catching alot of flak.)
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To: ShadowAce
Windows 10 isn't alone in having issues with HiDPI screens.

MacOS X, last time I used it, had similar problems with many applications. Admittedly, this was several years ago, so that may have changed. I tend to not use Apple products. I respect myself too much for that.

Not sure what he's talking about, other than making a gratuitous swipe at a rival that is typical of an O/S fanboy. I'm typing this on a new iMac with a 5K retina display and it's gorgeous and perfect. Every app works great on the 5K screen.

8 posted on 04/02/2015 5:37:35 AM PDT by Mr. Jeeves (Heteropatriarchal Capitalist)
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To: kevkrom

Sure you can. But why would you not use a Microsoft ID. That’s where a lot of the great features come in.


9 posted on 04/02/2015 5:50:52 AM PDT by for-q-clinton (If at first you don't succeed keep on sucking until you do succeed)
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To: for-q-clinton

Because when I set a computer up, I typically start by making an “admin” account with none of those types of IDs. Then I make individual user accounts with limited privileges so I’m never actually logged in as “admin” for routine use. (And even then, I can do most admin tasks with a regular account by providing the admin credentials.)

Frankly, I recommend this for anyone on any OS - always run your everyday account with the minimum privileges you need and use some sort of admin account to deal with privilege escalation when needed.


10 posted on 04/02/2015 6:09:31 AM PDT by kevkrom (I'm not an unreasonable man... well, actually, I am. But hear me out anyway.)
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To: ShadowAce

At this point in the development process, the UI “look and feel” is probably the least polished part of the package, so the author’s conclusions are not unexpected.


11 posted on 04/02/2015 6:18:37 AM PDT by tacticalogic ("Oh, bother!" said Pooh, as he chambered his last round.)
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To: ShadowAce
Cortana was just not fun to use. And I'm not bashing it for lack of functionality (this is still a "Technical Preview" of Windows 10, after all) or bugginess (though it was plenty buggy). My issue with this feature is that using it to do just about anything was significantly slower than using a mouse, keyboard, or touchscreen to accomplish the same tasks.

I asked it to find a web page by name in another drive. I might as well have asked it to find the square root of Pi! I ran searching and then disappeared.

Having a good-looking software store is pretty critical. And that's something still lacking in non-Android Linux-based systems right now. Even Ubuntu could use some serious improvements in its software store experience.

Wrong. Having a store is not even necessary for Windows, as everything you need is available, mostly for free, by just searching for it and using reputable sources. Easier and much more variety than Linux. I am still waiting for a real equivalent to AutoHotKey for Xubuntu that i use on a laptop.

In Windows 10, the Start Menu is back… kind of. There's no more full screen of animated tiles (Windows users dodged a bullet, there). But what Windows 10 has now isn't all that much better. Other than the fact that it's not, technically, full screen.

You can make it full screen by hitting the r. top arrow. But it is still too set up like for a kindergarten. Classic Shell is still an improvement even without the (don't call it) Metro UI.

Below is the difference btwn the default WTP start menu and classic shell. Which would you prefer? (You can nuke items in either one.)

WTP-Start"

MyPicture41

What Windows needs to do is to make the OS more customizable like Firefox. Linux is actually more so as regards window and desktop personalization, as W/8/10 offers less than W/9x/XP.

The Right Click Context Menu Extender should be standard. Also a clock like T-Clock , which shows seconds (which MS has yet to think was a worthy option after 15 years) and other options.

T-Clock" alt="" border="0">

Here is a neat tweak to add things to the Windows key and X shortcut (which itself is a plus for Win/8/10):

http://www.askvg.com/exclusive-customize-new-quick-access-menu-win-x-menu-in-windows-8-add-remove-rename-or-move-shortcuts-and-much-more /

12 posted on 04/02/2015 6:28:38 AM PDT by daniel1212 (Come to the Lord Jesus as a contrite damned+destitute sinner, trust Him to save you, then live 4 Him)
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To: kevkrom

http://m.hanselman.com/blog/HowToSignIntoWindows8Or81WithoutAMicrosoftAccountMakeALocalUser.aspx


13 posted on 04/02/2015 6:49:58 AM PDT by NaturalScience
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To: knarf
If it ain't user friendly, or continually demands I walk on eggs so I don't upset her pretty little head ... I don't want it.

Hahaha! Reminds of a poster I saw once:


14 posted on 04/02/2015 7:03:35 AM PDT by Bloody Sam Roberts (I've been to the 15th broken moon of the Medusa Cascade & the diamond coral reefs of Kataa Flo Ko.)
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To: McGruff

Yup, that’s me.


15 posted on 04/02/2015 7:43:59 AM PDT by PapaNew (The grace of God & freedom always win the debate in the forum of ideas over unjust law & government)
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To: ShadowAce

Does this mean that Windows 10 gets rid of that stupid “ribbon” menu and gos back to the simple, user-friendly menu?


16 posted on 04/02/2015 7:48:28 AM PDT by PapaNew (The grace of God & freedom always win the debate in the forum of ideas over unjust law & government)
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To: knarf

It’s interesting how “user-friendly” works and it applies to just about anything that is produced be it operating systems or cars. Users basically see user friendliness in a product as “smart” whereas products that are unnecessarily difficult to use are “dumb.”

Now the engineers creating any of these products may be the smartest guys in the world. What user-friendly products usually means is the COMPANY is smart. Smart enough to know that engineering smarts and acrobatics isn’t enough. They know that developing a concept or a product that does amazing things is only step one.

Smart companies focus their smart engineers on the second step also: making it simple and easy to use and maintain. It requires the engineer to put himself in the shoes of the average Joe and making it easy for him. That is one reason Hewlett-Packard became one of the most successful companies in the world. Their printers, among other things, are so simple and easy to use and maintain - that is a result of painstaking and deliberate efforts on HP’s part to make them as easy to use as possible.

There’s too many companies that are wrapped around how great they think they are and no enough who realize they are only as good as the customer thinks they are. And that comes from not only functionality and reliability, but the deliberate goal of making it easy of use. “The customer is always right” isn’t just a nice saying, it really is true.


17 posted on 04/02/2015 8:06:39 AM PDT by PapaNew (The grace of God & freedom always win the debate in the forum of ideas over unjust law & government)
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To: ShadowAce
"Could eat Chinese food every day of the week."

You could, but you wouldn't be around long.

18 posted on 04/02/2015 8:25:45 AM PDT by Ethan Clive Osgoode (<<== Click here to learn about Evolution!)
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To: daniel1212

He said there were no categories in the Win 10 start menu or something.


19 posted on 04/02/2015 9:14:42 AM PDT by GeronL
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To: ShadowAce; Abby4116; afraidfortherepublic; aft_lizard; AF_Blue; Alas Babylon!; amigatec; ...
Cross-ping to the Windows List... Tip-o'-the-Fedora to ShadowAce...


20 posted on 04/02/2015 9:18:04 AM PDT by dayglored (Listen, strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is...sounding pretty good about now.)
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