Comparing Linux and Windows is important to stay informed.
Comparing Linux and Windows is important to stay informed.
It might have changed, but some software would definitely fit in Windows. It seems developers are deliberately preventing it (similar to how certain games block users). Some can work, but most others are stuck because of the general "Linux needs special fixes" attitude. Outside the cutting-edge hardware, it's not straightforward. I often had to track down drivers for Windows, even for networking, so I’d boot Linux—complete with a bunch of ISO images and Ventoy—which handled everything fine. Support is decent, though finding the right tool can be tough; most alternatives are just not as solid. The real problem is people keep insisting it's different, while Windows 7 through 11 are quite varied.
For online games it makes sense they restrict access for safety, but you can search for the app and remove it from settings. At least it avoids unnecessary bloat, though I agree default options are better. Using the Linux terminal is new to many and might not compare directly to Windows in terms of ease. If you find it hard to use modern operating systems quickly, especially for future Windows plans or alternatives, it should perform at least as well. Fragmentation is a challenge—yes, it can be frustrating—but substitutes exist. For productivity or work tools, the same applies: newer features, better support, and compatibility matter more. Some people adapt easily, but most need a smoother experience. The difference in interface feels noticeable for those less familiar with tech, yet Windows still offers a more streamlined experience with fewer clicks. I think the biggest gap is UI/UX familiarity and consistent usability, which Windows handles better overall. Even between versions, the core experience remains similar, so users prefer familiar layouts. When Linux distros are introduced, even Mac users notice improvements in design and usability. It’s still evolving, but progress is visible.
This topic is quite contentious. Current anti-cheat measures seem minimal at best and don’t compare favorably to Windows in other areas. I’m avoiding that discussion here—it was just an illustration. My focus isn’t on whether it’s good or bad, but on the restrictions around removing non-essential software (including edge cases). My point wasn’t very clear, so let me clarify: people generally didn’t face problems using PS to remove unnecessary apps on Windows. Why then do some dislike Linux for its terminal use? That’s a small minority in my view. My dad is a perfect example of a R=1 user—he had a personal laptop and strongly opposed Windows 10 when updates were lacking. He wanted to try Kubuntu so he could revert if needed, but that was years ago. His setup used FireFox, and moving profiles wasn’t a big deal. This was a long time ago, and his machine still runs Kubuntu. From my experience, Linux offers real office tools without subscriptions and media players that work out of the box. Windows, on the other hand, is straightforward to configure from the start. Linux has a solid media player that handles common formats without needing extra downloads.
It’s often a race to catch up, but the reality is more complex than we realize. I haven’t attempted to eliminate everything, yet I did remove a few items. For instance, some applications proved difficult to take out, so I had to reinstall Edge after it broke during an update. Once uninstalled, it remained stuck, and fixing it was tough because it was deeply woven into the operating system. Still, it seems the developers plan to separate Edge in future updates.
I’m not pushing technical commands or using command-line tools on Windows, but I’m sharing my perspective. Most users find it straightforward to set up a clean installation. Generally, people seem comfortable with this approach. There’s no widely adopted Linux alternative that matches Windows in terms of ease of use and support. We don’t have a standard option, and it’s uncertain if one will ever emerge.
That said, I’ve seen enough older users who expect everything to stay consistent and familiar. When Windows updates arrive, it’s usually manageable—just a few adjustments needed. Some software is exclusive to Windows, so for basic tasks like office work or emailing, it works fine.
On the flip side, younger users clearly need Windows for various reasons; they simply don’t have alternatives that function well. The 8.1 version was sufficient, but 10 brought noticeable improvements in performance and some settings. Still, it felt incomplete, especially with UI/UX elements. Over time things got better, though it felt like a patchwork until version 11.
Now it’s more polished—especially in core applications like Notepad, Paint, and the new media player. For certain settings, I rely on CP for efficiency, and some configurations are still tweaked. It’s a quirky part of the experience; the team is working on better integration, but it’s not fully finished.
They’ve started updating their main applications in version 11, which is a positive step. Free versions of Office are still available, though not ideal. I’ve also seen some Linux content creators like Wendell improve support and features, but it remains far from mainstream.