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Windows is Becoming a Specialty OS (and That’s Okay)
🐧
This week on the podcast, I walked through a personal tech crossroads: realizing that Windows is no longer my “everyday OS.”
I hit a breaking point after too many failed recordings, BitLocker bricking my system out of nowhere, and Microsoft’s constant push toward “Windows-as-a-service.” It made me rethink how I actually use computers — and whether Windows even deserves to be my daily driver.
💻 The Everyday Computer Problem
Back in the mid-2000s, running Linux was an experiment in frustration. Distros like Ubuntu and Mint were cool, but drivers, media, and compatibility were constant headaches. Fast-forward to 2025, and the story has flipped.
* Daily tasks? Browsing, email, docs, spreadsheets, notes — Linux handles them effortlessly.
* Creative work? Linux has strong tools (Krita, GIMP, Kdenlive), but Adobe, FL Studio, and top-tier video editing still lock you to Windows.
* Gaming? Steam runs better than ever on Linux, but some titles (like Fortnite) are still tied to Windows.
That makes Windows less of a “default OS” and more like a studio tool — something you fire up for specialized work, not daily living.
🖥️ The New Tier System
Here’s the reframing that hit me:
* Phone = my “pocket computer” for GPS, calls, and cameras.
* Linux laptop / Pi terminal = the real everyday computer. Lightweight, private, customizable.
* Windows PC = a “specialty machine,” just like a console. Needed for certain games, video editing, or music production — but not for everything else.
Once you accept that, the stress of “making Linux replace Windows” goes away. Instead, Linux gets to shine in the space where it’s already better.
🐧 Where to Start
If you’re thinking of jumping, don’t overcomplicate it. A few distros that just work in 2025:
* Ubuntu GNOME → Best touchscreen & modern hardware support.
* Ubuntu MATE → Mint-like, lightweight, family-friendly.
* Xubuntu → Very light, runs great on older laptops.
* Debian 12 → Rock-solid, works across both x86 and ARM (hello Raspberry Pi).
I’m leaning toward Debian for my own build — it’s boring in the best way.
✝️ Closing Thought
Windows is becoming a specialty tool. Linux is becoming the everyday computer. That’s the future I see, and it feels good to finally accept it.
Stay holy,— Shae
🕒 Timestamps
00:00 – 01:25 | Technical issues & feeling sick
Failed attempt at recording an instructional video.
Audio problems in OBS made the video unusable.
Allergies and a virus left the host drained, prompting a switch to phone recording.
01:30 – 02:53 | Installing Linux again
Starts a new Linux install.
Compares Linux motivations in 2025 vs. 2005.
Early Ubuntu history and spin-offs (Xubuntu, Kubuntu).
03:00 – 04:31 | Windows as a “live service”
Windows has shifted to subscription and license-heavy model.
Frustration with forced updates, licensing costs, and the push for Office 365.
Notes open-source software often works “good enough” for average users.
05:00 – 07:20 | Specialty software limits Linux adoption
For art/design: GIMP, Krita vs Adobe.
For music: FL Studio vs open alternatives.
For video: DaVinci Resolve partially supports Linux but imperfectly.
The “out of the box” expectation vs tinkering.
07:30 – 09:04 | Negative Windows experiences
Issues with OneNote overwriting icons.
BitLocker bricking system unexpectedly.
Windows pushing unwanted services led to “last straw”.
09:10 – 10:36 | Gaming headaches on Linux
Installed Mint for kids → Fortnite not working.
Steam runs, but only some games are compatible.
<Published on 5 days, 22 hours ago