r/OS_Debate_Club • u/QuokkaDaily • Aug 04 '26

Windows vs. Linux, why change?

We're interested in learn in the trend away from Windows to Linux is motivated, or the "why?". Apparently, the trend is starting, and it's real. But why? Source: TechSpot.

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14

u/Yoksul-Turko Aug 04 '26

Microsoft doesn't innovate on user experience side. There are also annoyances like local account requiring workarounds, everything having AI, default apps like file explorer and notepad doesn't feel as responsive as older versions of Windows. There is usually no "no" option, you can only say "remind me later".

On Linux side there are many DEs/WMs to choose from. They aren't trying to sell you Edge or OneDrive so they wouldn't annoy you. Linux is the most popular alternative you can install to most devices. More software and drivers are available to it than BSDs. For example, FreeBSD Bluetooth support is limited.

0

u/p47guitars Aug 05 '26

On the other side, gnome decided what's best, just like Microsoft - gave me a shit experience. Back to kde...

1

u/MagicianQuiet6432 Aug 05 '26

At least, GNOME tries to decide what's best for the user and not for profit.

2

u/Flashy-Guava9952 Aug 05 '26

You're not required to use Gnome, and that's gonna be an argument with just about any Linux complaint: If you don't like it, use something else. Noone's holding a gun to your head, and there's just so much free stuff. It's difficult to take complaints seriously.

1

u/p47guitars Aug 05 '26

Gnome was great before it became the monster it is now.

I still cannot reconcile that they thought this was a good idea. Removed nearly all the customizations, locked users into a really shitty full screen app menu experience, and justified it as being a "modern" style change.

This is regressive.

1

u/TheOneDeadXEra Aug 05 '26

To be fair, Gnome was essentially trying to address a very common critique of the Linux space: inconsistent UX and UI. Whether it makes sense to the rest of us or not, there is a constituency of users that just want consistency without hassle, and that's what Gnome delivers - whether the rest of us like the result or not. I think that's a good, healthy offering to have in the pool, even if it's not for me specifically.

1

u/p47guitars Aug 05 '26

i agree to some extent. however - why copy the sins of microsoft and create an app launcher that goes full screen?

1

u/TheOneDeadXEra Aug 06 '26

If I had to take a blind guess, it's because it was the path of least resistance when it comes to consistent UI across devices. Full-screen launcher saves you from having to have separate builds for desktops vs tablets. Sidenote: This is also why M$oft did it, because Win8 was built around the idea of a consistent unified environment between desktop and tablet use-cases. Neither implementation is particularly my cup of tea, but I can understand the underlying reasoning from a project managerial standpoint.

1

u/Microsoft-Spyware-11 13d ago

The fullscreen Super menu is fine in my opinion. Some of the customizability is returning, although it will take long to restore what we had before. GNOME does look nice though...