After seven years as a dedicated Ubuntu user, I switched back to Windows last week. Windows 11, to be precise. This is my story of the seven-year itch that made me turn to the dark side.
It started when I purchased a laptop. It also came with a licensed copy of Windows 11. The fact that I needed software that works only on Windows, with the Linux-based replacements not being up to par, is another story.
If you’re wondering why I experimented with Linux distros without the essential nerd skills, I’d say that is a legitimate question. Seven years ago, I needed to do some development work that required Docker, which, as you know, works seamlessly on Ubuntu. That, plus the need to send PGP-encrypted emails regularly, kept me on the open-source side of the world.
Navigating Windows’ screens, I had an epiphany. It struck me that in seven years of using Ubuntu, I never did anything truly “open-sourcey.” For example, I didn’t tweak the kernel or contribute a single line of code to their Git repositories. My only contribution was raising a bug, which I later closed, unsure if it was a bug, a feature, or just my old eyes playing tricks. All I did was, when in trouble, search online, zero in on a command, copy-paste it, and move on.
What struck me on my return to Windows was the sleek UI and charming fonts. Every piece of software I downloaded worked, and installation was just a matter of clicking a button. My one concern was whether my humble development work and the PGP emails would still work. Docker, Inc Desktop and Kleopatra (the software not the lady) helped resolve these issues.
This didn’t mean I had said goodbye to Linux altogether. Hidden in the shadows of WSL2 it helps me run Docker. I still have traces of my open-source infection. I find Thunderbird a better option compared to Outlook. Audacity is my first choice for an audio editor.
On the privacy front, I got a stark reminder of the world I was back in. Clicking “Solitaire and Casual Games” on the Start menu, I was greeted by a screen that asked if I wanted to resume the FreeCell game I last played on April 13, 2017!
That made me wonder what other dark secrets from my shady past lurked in Windows closed-source corridors. Inexplicably, my local ISP seems to block Microsoft-related sites! Privacy ISP style!
My take on this shift in OS is simple: use tools that suit your use case. Don’t overestimate your techy abilities or underestimate the time you have to complete tasks. Use a combination of tools that suits you and be more productive. Also, just because you have access to a plethora of tools and games do not lower your guard. Be careful what bits and pieces of information you share with the world. Your online safety is your responsibility and should be your first priority. Be safe and enjoy the ride on the technology express.
