This would be my method: keep it simple rather than making a full change. Use one Linux and one Windows machine. Run them side by side without stress or worry about missing programs. Explore the options on Linux at your own speed, without feeling pressured to abandon everything at once. Discover what software is available there, and see how Adobe Subscription Spyware (ASS) compares to alternatives.
Individuals choose gaming consoles to enjoy games, not the other way around. Likewise, people select operating systems to run specific software, not the reverse. Make sure you don’t mix the ends with the means. If you’re open to using certain programs just so you can run Linux, here’s a note for you—welcome to the Linux fan club or the Windows hating club for some.
They generally focus on making things work out of the box, which is important for most Linux users coming from Windows. It’s not just about differences; in many situations they expect a smooth setup without extra hassle. If you find a distribution that already comes with drivers and apps—especially if it functions well—that would be perfect. You can then move on to more advanced features like command lines and sudo later.
This has a major drawback... much like dual booting. Probably people would stick with what they know instead of trying something new. Aka Windows, right? It’s not impossible, but it would need a lot more time and effort than simply switching over. (I’m doing this now with my Windows 11 laptop and Windows 10 desktop.) It’s not enjoyable and feels really tedious. I end up using the desktop about 90% of the time because things just work that way.
Initially, I appreciate all the responses and details shared; they clarified the situation and gave me a clearer direction. I acknowledge that adopting Linux involves significant compromises and a major shift in thinking. While I don’t see moving away from Photoshop or After Effects as a mindset change, it’s something Linux doesn’t naturally support, so using them would be challenging. Running virtualization can also be costly and time-consuming, and there’s no guarantee of excellent results. Personally, I agree with @Nayr438: if you depend on Windows for critical tasks or online gaming, staying on Windows makes more sense. It’s disappointing that Linux hasn’t fully replaced Windows despite its progress; this stems from both the distro choices and software developers. I’m pleased with Linux’s advancements, but Microsoft still dominates the landscape. At the moment, I plan to keep Windows as my primary OS, using Linux only within it for familiarity, while remaining on Windows as my main platform.
You don’t experience that with Windows and Linux alike. What you’re left with is generally reliable operation, which I’d say comes from a distribution that’s been widely used and customized by many users. For example, setting up old printer drivers can feel like a tedious journey. This is especially frustrating when you need to print urgently to return something you purchased online, since sellers often don’t provide convenient return methods. In my view, pre-installed software that you don’t need is unnecessary clutter.
I share your views mostly. I’d suggest this to someone here since most likely they enjoy exploring technology. They’ll discover Linux offers strong features in certain areas while Windows and Mac might excel elsewhere. That’s my observation. Many applications function well on Linux as well, so it really depends. You don’t need to stick with everything; pick the best tool for each task. If privacy is a concern, Linux (with mindful habits) becomes essential. Since most websites run on Linux, it’s especially useful for server work. Overall, gaining experience with various OSes is beneficial—it broadens your capabilities with computers.
Absolutely, it really hinges on the context. I’d rather avoid MS if possible, even if I don’t hate it completely. Some functions feel slow and missing features are frustrating (like screen recording at 30 FPS). The "gamebar" works but only at around 30 FPS—try 60 and you’ll run into problems. Audio support is also a big issue. Moving everything to another platform or using emulators adds a lot of hassle, especially with compatibility issues between Windows versions. It’s already tough enough switching from Win 10 to Win 11, and many standard settings don’t work without special hardware. But if I have more time, exploring something new could be interesting. I’d prefer an OS that’s more user-friendly, like Android, rather than a command-line system like Unix or Linux—it feels really outdated right now.
I first switched to Linux around 2002-2003 after trying it out. It quickly became my go-to for maintenance tasks, saving me time compared to constant virus scans on Windows NT and XP. For more than ten years, I relied on Windows professionally, so my Linux setup remained compatible with what I needed. It felt like a natural fit, minimizing the gap between work and personal use. If you're using a PC similar to mine, a modern "meta distro" would be ideal—designed from the start to meet your needs, requiring minimal ongoing tweaking. Just a note: Android isn't an operating system; it's simply a Linux-based interface.