Who'd have thought that 2021 would be the year of Linux on the desktop. Not because it has gradually improved (it has), but because the alternative has declined so much.
In fact I welcome my evil Microsoft overlord any day before I use something from Google. I see MS as the lesser of two evils.
Microsoft is doing it too:
https://www.pcworld.com/article/423165/how-to-turn-off-windo...
There's still Linux.
And if you really need offline editing, you can still have all the pros of Linux + office if you install a Windows VM escape hatch just for Word.
The distribution fragmentation... I'm expected to install flavour X or Y of Linux not actually knowing before I start that my hardware even supports it? Brain = explode.
Joining a community (Linux) that stomps all over people that have a dissenting view (I actually like Windows - have done since I started using it in 1990) is philosophically not a community I want part of (Stallman is an exception I have a lot of time and respect for).
A VM adds complexity - why would I do that when native Windows is pain-free and just works?
And no, I don't "need" offline editing, I just want it. After all the cloud is a computer just like mine - that happens to belong to someone else. The cloud introduces a risk of data theft and complete data loss. And yes, probability is low, but impact and exposure are both very VERY high. I don't run that risk at all using my own hardware.
> ODT files don't play well with MS Office
Can't you save in docx format from within libre office?
> Linux doesn't work on my hardware, and Visual Studio doesn't work on Linux.
Could you elaborate on these two points?
> The distribution fragmentation...
The downside of a strong open source community is that you are spoiled for choice, yes.
> that stomps all over people that have a dissenting view
Not Linux specific I'd say. There are people like that everywhere.
> why would I do that when native Windows is pain-free and just works?
If Windows works perfectly fine for you, then yes, Linux + VM doesn't make much sense. For the rest of us that are not fans of how Windows runs things, it's usually a last resort option and very few people use it.
> I don't "need" offline editing, I just want it.
Sorry, that's what I meant, more like either/or want/need.
> And yes, probability is low, but impact and exposure are both very VERY high.
Definitely, that's why you'll find lots of people in the Linux community that run their own NAS at home and have lots of fun with it.
All your points are noted. Importing ODT files into Word makes a mess of formatting and layout. I've wasted many hours fixing documents. Linux doesn't like my graphics card, and on my previous hardware setup wouldn't recognise my ELP web cam, my Windows Phone, and for some inexplicable reason, my Ergodox keyboard.
Visual Studio is software for Windows - it won't work on Linux (I see no benefit in virtualising when I have so many other issues with Linux, plus the real or imagined perf impact of virtualisation - at age 50 I'm way past the place where I spend a week on a PC build just to see if I can - I know I can, I no longer want to).
Yes, there are vocal people behind every technology. I guess I'm just tired of hearing "Linux" as the panacea for all things Windows or Microsoft. I know Microsoft's history. Better than many, having used their stuff starting with MS DOS in '84, maybe '85, and having actually worked there.
You wrote - If Windows works perfectly fine for you, then yes, Linux + VM doesn't make much sense. For the rest of us that are not fans of how Windows runs things, it's usually a last resort option and very few people use it.
You're absolutely correct in that statement. My problem with Linux isn't that. My problem is what a5aAqU did in his reply to my first comment. He suggested Linux even though my post made my preference clear. This happens almost every time I mention using and liking Microsoft products and technologies.
It's not something I'd ever consider doing to anyone saying they use/like Linux. I love when people get along, regardless of... well, anything. Diversity is beyond value. It's how we grow.
Apologies again, I did not mean to offend.
I wasn't suggesting that you switch to Linux. I was just pointing out that you can't escape the keylogging by using Windows. Linux is the major platform where you can fully control your computer, but it still might not be the right platform for you.