Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Microsoft's own mistakes are pushing users toward Linux faster than anyone expected
Make Use Of ^ | Jul 19, 2026 | Dipan Saha

Posted on 07/19/2026 12:41:18 PM PDT by ProgressingAmerica

Desktop Linux has seen a massive surge in popularity in the past few years alone, which, ironically enough, is in no small part thanks to Microsoft. The recent string of Windows hiccups has forced folks to migrate to Linux, and the number seems to be ever-increasing.

...

Microsoft has no one to blame but itself for this mess. Windows had all the advantages and the correct formula for success, and being bundled in almost all personal computers certainly helped.

Linux, in comparison, had always been a niche “alternative” operating system for hobbyists. Not anymore, though.

However, their recent track record of incorporating puzzling new features (that, more often than not, are half-baked) that no one asked for is making it hard for the average user to interact with it.

...

You want an operating system that gets out of your way while you use your apps. Windows has a bad habit of tripping the user with nagware, and it’s only gotten worse over time.

(Excerpt) Read more at makeuseof.com ...


TOPICS: Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: getamac; linux; microsoft; windowdpinglist; windows; windows10; windows11; windowspinglist
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20, 21-40, 41-60, 61-69 last
To: ProgressingAmerica

Another article telling me that Linux is replacing Windows. I’ve been running or dual booting Linux since Red Hat was free. For the average user and for all of the below average users, Windows is still the go to OS. Mac is in 2nd place because we all have iPads and iPhones. Linux and Android are still in 3rd place and will remain there because the OS is invisible to most users. They don’t want to deal with it at all. Once they get used to something, they don’t want to change. Most of us would be happy if we still had Win 7.

We hate Microsoft because they keep updating! The current hardware is extreme overkill for almost all users. It’s not the OS we hate, it’s the updates!


61 posted on 07/20/2026 6:15:19 AM PDT by Poser (Cogito ergo Spam - I think, therefore I ham)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Bob434
I will do that. According to a source on Youtube, they said "You have to use Disk2VHD to clone your physical disc to the image. Install Virtualbox in Linux and copy the image, Use VB to convert the VHD to VDI. Then create a new VM and choose "Use an existing Virtual Hard Drive file" from the Hard Disk section."

When I get ambitious again I'll give that a try.

This is the source video:

The ONLY VirtualBox Guide You Need in 2026

My username there is papabear562. You can see my conversation with them.

62 posted on 07/20/2026 8:45:27 AM PDT by ducttape45 (Jeremiah 17:9, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 56 | View Replies]

To: ShadowAce

To be fair, it’s because Linux is finally getting viable thanks to SteamOS and the improvements Steam made for Linux.


63 posted on 07/20/2026 10:48:29 AM PDT by for-q-clinton
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 41 | View Replies]

To: dayglored

Thanks for the ping.


64 posted on 07/20/2026 11:45:59 AM PDT by GOPJ (Commies build walls to stop citizens from escaping. WE build walls to keep people from breaking in. )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 46 | View Replies]

To: ducttape45

Thank you for that- Sounds like a good project- something i iwll likely try too- I’ve got it bookmarked for re3view later-


65 posted on 07/20/2026 3:43:18 PM PDT by Bob434 (Time flies like an arrow, Fruit flies like a banana)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 62 | View Replies]

To: Paladin2

“One of my kids recently got a ‘69 Catalina convertible from his older neighbor.”
They’re gonna turn us into Cuba, one way or another.

https://www.anywhere.com/cuba/travel-guide/classic-cars


66 posted on 07/21/2026 4:43:48 AM PDT by Buttons12 ( )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 36 | View Replies]

To: x

“You must have paid for the extended service package.

If you didn’t support for Windows 10 ended last year.”

Correct, but somehow I got it for free.


67 posted on 07/21/2026 11:40:48 AM PDT by Forgiven_Sinner (Seek you first the kingdom of God, and all things will be given to you.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 52 | View Replies]

To: ProgressingAmerica
puzzling new features

You seem to have misspelled creepy self-serving whorish betrayal of ones customers.

68 posted on 07/22/2026 10:06:18 PM PDT by Still Thinking (Freedom is NOT a loophole!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: butlerweave

They only hire more pajeets.


69 posted on 07/25/2026 9:46:03 AM PDT by wastedyears (Never forgive for the USS Liberty.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20, 21-40, 41-60, 61-69 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson