Isn’t backwards compatibility one of the tentpole features of Windows? If you meant future versions of apps, sure, but I’d otherwise not expect this to be a problem in any significant sense.
I’m not sure what you’re arguing here. It’s backwards compatibility if a given version of say, Photoshop, designed to run on Windows N, now runs on Windows N+1 as well… at least from the perspective of the OS, which is what we’re discussing?
It’s forwards compatibility if we’re discussing the idea of the program being compatible with future versions of Windows, but that’s neither the point of what was suggested, nor is it realistic — breaking changes, or compatibility, are going to be at Microsoft’s hands and largely an intentional decision at a platform level, not something an individual developer can shore up against.
Genuinely not trying to move goalposts here, but I feel like games have always been the exception, due in part to their reliance on so many of-the-time technologies, at least for AAA titles. Either way yours is a fair point. I still think the original point broadly holds for more traditional programs though.
Honestly, this is one of the biggest boons for Linux. If your stuff isn't gonna work on Win11 and it isn't gonna work on Linux, so either way you need to make a change, then why not pick Linux? The barrier to entry for Win11 is much closer to the barrier to entry for Linux now in terms of program compatibility, so it's an easier choice than it's been in the past. (obviously I'm still not gonna recommend Linux to someone who uses Autodesk products or is very heavily invested into Adobe or needs some niche windows programs that don't run elsewhere)
The barrier to entry is definitely still lower for Win11. I could install it and be productive in it day 1.
My personal problems with Linux previously were
1- Things breaking seemingly randomly
2- Having to find alternatives to some of the software I use
3- Generally having to learn a new OS
4- Things like VR and games in general being a bit iffy
Now games and VR (4) seem to work very well, everything is a webapp so (2) should be better, (3) is unavoidable really but it's fine as long as (1) doesn't happen too much or at the wrong time.
I've decided to give it a shot again but we shall see if I finally manage to swap over. I've tried it multiple times with dual boot but the time investment isn't small and I'd get skill issue'd once or twice and just not boot to it anymore since I have the option of a fully set up Windows.
I agree with all your points, except for 1. That is largely related to the quality of the hardware, and it can bite you under Windows, too.
My HP EliteBooks G8, AMD and Intel versions, work much more reliably under Linux. The AMD will regularly lock up during sleep for some reason under Windows. Bonus points for overheating the box... This PC is more that 4 yo by now, and it's still not fixed. At least it now has a working webcam!
The Intel one had GPU issues for a good year after I bought it. It only has the integrated Intel GPU.
Unless you have very specific applications that require* windows; desktop linux has been a great alternative for a decade or longer I think.
> 1- Things breaking seemingly randomly
This is/has always been the kicker; especially with security updates. If you're comfortable switching; just reinstalling in place is the 99% hammer solution to get back and running imo, and isn't that bad as a last-resort.
VR is still kinda iffy if you have a Quest; it's possible to get a Quest working but definitely more difficult than most users would tolerate. I believe "normal" PCVR headsets (Valve Index, Bigscreen Beyond, etc.) should work pretty well though.
I ditched Windows when 7 went EOL. I've been using Linux for years now.
Other than the shitshow online clouds that think I'm a malicious robot, Linux works absolutely great for everyday desktop/school/work use, and is generally great for games as such.
It's easier to install, easier to update, easier to manage, and easier to find useful apps for than I ever had to deal with on Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android.
Yes. Linux can work well for people who need nothing besides a browser and maybe minimal doc. editing. Also for people on the opposite side of the scale.
There is a huge gap in the middle though. Having to solve random problems you’ll have (and you most certainly will) using the terminal is just not a good experience for most users.
For everyday stuff in 2025, if your browser works, you can be 90% productive in any OS.
For complex configs and tweaking system settings Linux can be a pain, but then again, so is Windows, simply due to the sheer number of registry settings and the possibility that the OS will one day decide to override them with an update.
Eh, Linux can still be a crap shoot depending on what you are trying to do. differences in distros are still somewhat vast.
Do I target Wayland or X11? Do I target OpenGL or Vulkan, Deb or RPM, or one of the many App in a box (Snap, AppImage, Docker, Etc)
Don't get me wrong, its gotten better over the years, but still not at a streamlined experience as one would expect.
Don't get me started on the X11/Wayland issue, They really needed a reference composer, instead we have like what? 5? all varying their API levels they support for screen capture,
>Eh, Linux can still be a crap shoot depending on what you are trying to do.
Sure, but what system is free of such a generic and vague criticism?
>differences in distros are still somewhat vast.
Yes, and that’s a very positive point, isn’t it?
>Do I target Wayland or X11? Do I target OpenGL or Vulkan, Deb or RPM, or one of the many App in a box (Snap, AppImage, Docker, Etc)
That’s something the actual circumstances should mostly respond to. Is that a green field pet project? Do whatever seems most pleasing! Is that a project for some company? Don’t they already have some existing constraints?
Like league of legends with their amazing anticheat kernel driver that also requires tpm. Not sure how this thing is gdpr compliant. It is way too invasive.
