Is Microsoft trying to push me away? (Part 2)

I'm not sure when I started to become annoyed with the Windows OS. Maybe it was the alternating cycle of great versions, followed by "WTF is this?" versions. Perhaps it was something that I noticed as I learned more about how the OS worked. Perhaps it was the way that updates were handled; that is, keeping your PC running after you try to shut down. There are more reasons I can consider, but something was just making me want an alternative. 

Resistance is futile. You will be updated.

Image poorly altered by Nerikull

Now, I understand the need to update systems. Whether a hotfix for a bug, a new feature, or whatever, they are a necessary part of our connected life. I also understand that when you are dealing with Microsoft (or Apple, for that), you're dealing with a closed-source system, and have to just roll with whatever they want.
In this respect, there was a reason that I stayed with Windows for as long as I have. Apple's MacOS, for as little as I've used it, wasn't bad as an OS, but the overbearing feel of "Apple Only" just didn't appeal to me. I wanted the control and ability to configure the hardware and OS to my liking. Sure, there was only so much one could do to Windows, but at least you could build your own machine.

"Dave, I think you may have over-done it a little..." 

Photo by Aaron Yip

This, and the higher prices of Apple products, put me off the idea of owning a Mac, or any other iWhatever. I'm not saying this to bash Apple users, as it has always been a matter of personal preference. I've used Windows almost exclusively for years, so...yeah.
Recently, though, there have been things that have made me wonder if I wanted to keep with Windows:

(1) The Dreaded update/upgrade. Let's face it, every Windows user cringes when the notice shows up. It will either pop up on the screen while you are working on something, or it surprises you when you try to shut down. It's as if Microsoft does this with the knowledge that there are users who REALLY don't want to leave their PC running while they head out to work. Worse than that, what if it's your work laptop, and you're shutting down to go to work? Yep, good luck with that.

Insert evil digital laughter here

Screenshot by Nerikull

(2) Something is wrong, good luck! I remember when something went really wrong, and you got that Blue Screen of Death. If you looked close enough, you would be able to find something to reference, and either made a call or went to the internet to find out what really happened. Beginning with Windows 8, the BSOD changed. In a way, I can see why Microsoft would change the BSOD, given that so many users don't know and don't care what those codes mean. For the geeks, however, it was a headache.

How can you correct the uncorrectable? 

 
Screenshot by Bessie Shaw, www.drivethelife.com

(3) New isn't better, and no program for you! Now, I fully understand why any company would need to update programs, and why they would fully replace some programs. It may have to do with compatibility with new versions of an OS, or to add wanted features and delete unwanted "features".
I stopped buying "brand name" computers because I was tired of bloatware. I would just get the OS, and add programs that I wanted. Now, in 2018, the OS is adding its own bloatware!!! WTF?
Oh, it just gets more irritating. I like to make videos from time to time, and upload them to YouTube. I'm horrible with editing and stuff, so I stick to what I know: Movie Maker. Imagine my horror when I had to put in a new hard drive, and upon installing Windows 10, I see that there's no Movie Maker. Sure, I hear rumors that they are working on a new program to replace it, but I was stuck having to find a stand-alone to install and use.

GrrrrRRAAAHHHHH!!!!!

©CBS

I could go on with the things that are starting to piss me off about Windows these days, but I think my point is made.

So, what can I do? Years ago, I had heard about this "Linux" OS, and had a bit of curiosity toward it. Until I started college, I hadn't thought much about it until I was made to use Ubuntu as part of my coursework. Between Linux and the wonder of Virtual Machines, I happily dove into the pool of Linux, and the many flavors available. I'm still feeling my way through as I had with Windows, but I'm really enjoying the functionality, flexibility, and that I can work on things while the system updates. Sure, there are things I still don't understand, but I'm learning.

Don't Panic! It's not Windows. 

Screenshot by Nerikull

At the moment, I'm doing the dual-boot setup, as I still need to work with Windows for my coursework. I'm certain that when I'm not doing that, I'll be using the Linux OS for most everything else. Certainly, there are some programs and games that I won't be able to use in Linux, but that's ok. I'm not playing online as I had been in the past. I'll live with this.

Microsoft did what it felt it needed to do, and in this, have been pushing me away. Hello, Linux!

--Nerikull Murakami

All photos in this blog are credited when known, and used under CCL and Fair Use guidelines.