I Deleted Microsoft Windows! Linux Day 130 PSA

Summary

After 130 days without Windows, the creator shares their journey of switching from Microsoft to Linux. They explain the reasons behind the decision, including concerns over telemetry and the 'rental' model of software. Through trial and error with various Linux distributions, the creator highlights what works and what doesn’t, from Nvidia GPU acceleration to audio interfaces and multi-monitor setups. Despite some hiccups, Linux Mint has become their daily driver. The video concludes with a call for feedback on future hardware and software tests, as well as thoughts on Windows updates before it becomes obsolete.

Takeaways

• 😀 The user has been using Linux for 130 days, having switched from Microsoft Windows due to issues with telemetry, updates, and privacy concerns.
• 😀 The main reason for switching to Linux was the need for an operating system that gets out of the way and allows users to focus on their work without intrusive updates or data collection.
• 😀 The user experimented with several Linux distributions before settling on Linux Mint, citing its stability and compatibility with their hardware and software requirements.
• 😀 One of the major challenges during the transition was dealing with hardware compatibility issues, especially when switching from Nvidia to AMD GPUs, which required a full system reinstallation.
• 😀 TimeShift was implemented to ensure reliable backups, preventing data loss and allowing the user to restore the system to a previous state when things went wrong.
• 😀 Linux Mint allowed the user to easily use all their must-have tools, including DaVinci Resolve for video editing, OBS for streaming, and various photography tools, making it a viable daily driver.
• 😀 Gaming on Linux exceeded expectations, with titles like Guild Wars 2 running better on Linux compared to Windows, thanks to Steam's support for Linux gaming.
• 😀 The user’s decision to switch was motivated by the desire for more control over their OS, a more secure environment, and the avoidance of Microsoft’s telemetry features.
• 😀 The user suggests that the Linux experience may not be for everyone, as it depends on one's specific needs and required software and hardware compatibility.
• 😀 The user invites feedback from the audience, asking whether they should test additional Linux distributions or hardware configurations, or return to Windows to perform updates to avoid potential issues.

Q & A

Why did the speaker decide to move away from Microsoft Windows?

The speaker moved away from Microsoft Windows primarily due to privacy concerns about telemetry and data collection. They were also dissatisfied with Windows' perpetual cost model and the increasing amount of telemetry and spyware in newer versions like Windows 11.

What prompted the speaker to almost revert back to Windows during their Linux transition?

The speaker almost reverted back to Windows after encountering issues with their Linux setup, including hardware compatibility problems when switching between Nvidia and AMD GPUs. This led to system instability that nearly forced them to give up on Linux.

Which Linux distribution does the speaker currently use, and why?

The speaker is currently using Linux Mint, as it was the most stable and compatible distribution among those they tested. They found that it worked seamlessly with their essential hardware and software needs, including tools for video editing, streaming, and photography.

What challenges did the speaker face when trying to move from Windows to Linux?

The speaker faced several challenges including hardware compatibility, lack of drivers for certain devices, and issues with software availability. Specifically, they needed Nvidia GPU acceleration, multi-monitor support, and compatibility with peripherals like audio interfaces and stream decks.

What tools or software did the speaker need to function properly on Linux?

The speaker required specific software and tools to perform their work, including an Nvidia GPU for video editing, an audio interface (Scarlett 2x2), multi-monitor setup, OBS Studio for streaming, and DaVinci Resolve as their video editor.

How did the speaker resolve a critical error in their Linux Mint setup?

The speaker used Time Shift, a backup tool, to restore their system to a previous state. They accessed Time Shift via a terminal after booting into compatibility mode and selected a backup from a few days prior to fix the issue, which successfully restored their system.

What is Time Shift, and how does it work?

Time Shift is a backup tool for Linux that creates incremental backups of the operating system. It allows users to restore the system to a previous state, similar to Time Machine on macOS. The speaker used it to recover from an error that prevented them from using their Linux Mint system properly.

What is the speaker’s stance on the future of Windows 10?

The speaker is concerned about the end of support for Windows 10 and the mandatory shift to Windows 11, which includes unwanted features like the Co-Pilot and more telemetry. They are not a fan of these changes and are exploring alternatives like Linux or macOS.

What was the speaker's experience with gaming on Linux?

The speaker tested gaming on Linux and found that games like Guild Wars 2 ran better, with smoother performance and higher frames per second compared to Windows. This success was made possible through Steam's compatibility with thousands of games on Linux.

What is the speaker’s opinion on the planned obsolescence of devices, particularly with Apple?

The speaker is critical of Apple's planned obsolescence strategy, where devices are intentionally made to slow down or become obsolete after a certain period. They believe this practice is unfair to consumers, but they acknowledge that macOS, being Unix-based, is an attractive alternative to Windows or Linux.