I use Linux because it’s reliable, secure, and efficient for a wide range of tasks.
I use Linux because it’s reliable, secure, and efficient for a wide range of tasks.
Someone from Linus Media Group initiated a debate on Twitter by sending a simple congratulations. The reaction in the comments was expected. I planned to discuss the three operating systems and share my views on their pros and cons. First, I’ll cover MacOS. I purchased a Macbook Air a few years ago. My previous experience was with a company iPhone, which I disliked. In short, the white screen was uncomfortable after prolonged text use—especially for work emails. I used it for some photos, and since my laptop ran Linux at the time, Bluetooth didn’t connect properly. I tried various free Bluetooth apps, but none worked well; it seemed the phone lacked native support. I also struggled with a Steam rally that needed GPS navigation, as my phone didn’t have it. This was the second iPhone I owned; the first one was defective right out of the box and wouldn’t ring or play audio. No audio, dead speakers—hard to live with. These issues were common for me on Android, but I switched to Sailfish in 2012/13 after becoming one of the early supporters. I’ve been using it ever since.
The phone didn’t perform well in games, but that’s okay. It’s backed by Russian and Chinese developers (Aurora), so I expect Sailfish to become a strong competitor over time. iOS limited my customization compared to what Android offered. I attempted to edit the camera in a blog post, but compression options were too basic—no fine control over bitrate. Installing software that required compiling took about half an hour on my Air, with the processor at full capacity. Eventually, I gave up and switched to Linux Mint.
Windows was my work system. Linux Mint and OpenIndiana are my home choices. I started with DOS, so I’m familiar with Windows from the beginning. The process of rebuilding Windows XP felt like a full day—installing OS, apps, licenses, patches, drivers, and reconfiguring settings. At home, I had a Netware server with ZEN, which helped automate software setup. The "deny priority" Active Directory worked better than what I experienced with Novell.
I also faced challenges with friends whose systems were constantly updated. They were frustrated by cloud services, subscription fees, and telemetry. I’m now installing Libre Office for Windows users, valuing its cost savings. Software costs mattered a lot back then—many features required purchasing licenses, and losing a license could mean losing access to emails or files.
For storage, I use a NAS with automatic mapping of shares, so files are backed up without manual effort. My NAS runs on LED indicators for health checks. I have SSDs on my PCs and use RAID 10 for redundancy. I store large files locally and back them up to the server weekly. My system includes a 20GB partition for Linux apps and a 25GB partition for home data, allowing easy reinstallation without losing files.
I configure settings using pre-set folders for videos, music, documents, etc., making it simple for users. I’ve installed an apt-get manager to automate updates and reinstallations in under an hour. Configuration files already contain my preferences, but drivers and manufacturer settings remain a hurdle.
Graphics drivers are now more manageable, and Steam’s performance is excellent. I still have UT 2004 with a Linux installer, though it no longer supports audio due to driver changes. RGB lighting isn’t reliable, so I rely on Windows for that.
I support Linux Mint on Patreon, which helps fund other developers. While Steam has many games that don’t run on Linux, I’m content with my setup. At work, I use SCCM for automated builds. Linux’s stability and free software outweigh the downsides compared to Windows’ complexity and licensing hassles. Indie games are also thriving on Linux—no need for Wine or VirtualBox.
Windows offers broader compatibility, but the frustration of activation, updates, and system reinstalls makes it less appealing. I prefer Linux for its reliability, customization, and cost-effectiveness.
Home setup includes W10 on desktop, W10+Linux Mint on laptop (dual boot). Workstation uses Linux Mint as VM. I’m also configuring a Frankenstein server with Ubuntu Server via terminal only. Additionally, my Raspberry Pi runs Raspbian.
Windows 10 is running on my main home computer for gaming and other tasks; I find it a solid everyday operating system. Fedora is installed on my laptop, and I favor Linux or Unix setups for work productivity. I haven’t used a Mac before, but I’m thinking about getting one someday.
Achieved 10 Pro for your main desktop and laptop using VMware vSphere ESXI version 6.5. Running an Ubuntu server, Windows Server 2016 with 2 CPUs, and a Windows XP home VM—no specific reason for the setup.
Windows 10 runs on various clients while Windows Server 2016 and 2012 R2 are hosted on the file server. Most storage is kept on the file server, with shared user documents and appdata managed via redirected folders. Group Policy remains a powerful tool regardless of the client choice—whether I lean toward MacOS or Linux, its capabilities make Windows appealing.
Windows 10 runs smoothly both at home and in the office. At work I build software with Microsoft tools and move it to Azure—Windows is my go-to. At home I prefer simplicity; I don’t have time for complicated setups or third-party apps. Just a clean install, no extra programs, and everything boots quickly. I can play all the standard PC games without hassle. MacOS and Linux would require much more effort and maintenance, which isn’t practical for my needs.
Windows 10 remains user-friendly for everyday tasks, even though gaming and Linux aren’t as seamless. "It’s just copying from the internet," but it works fine. My NAS is using Unraid too.