Spending a lot more time in/on my Linux computer for my everyday activities. Linux is not new to me. I have had a version of Linux running somewhere for over 50 years, My entire workshop of CNC machines run on Linux OS.
The “distro” (version) running now in my office is Fedora, a free version of RedHat. Follow links for more info.
Not “selling” Linux. Just that it IS an alternative to what is presently going on with Microsoft and it’s decision to over-control the user experience. From built in spyware to insidious co-pilot assistance. All the things I never asked for and don’t want my computer operating system forcing on me.
The key here is the forcing. If Microsoft offered them as “options” with a master on/off, I and many others would not be leaving the “World of Microsoft.” I feel like Dorthy in “The Wizard of Oz” discovering the “little man” behind the curtain putting the strings. His name is Bill Gates.
Linux OS is not perfect. Never going to pretend that. It has it’s own problems because of the many variations. But that is what keeps it from trying to dominate my computer experience.
OK, Microsoft rant over… I will still use Windows as it (still) is the dominate standard for many types of software I own and use. Mostly Autodesk Fusion CAD and Creality 3D printing slicer applications. It’s all stuff I share publicly anyway. Since I use CAD as a free-riding hobbyist, both Fusion and Onshape force my files into the public domain. I am OK with that. It’s like a penalty they inflict for not buying their commercial product. They think of it as an influencer to upgrade for privacy. It’s OK with me. I am thankful they let me “play” for free. They don’t have to do that.
But all other computing I do is now handled by Apple Mac and Linux. Both these OS’s are leaning more on implementing AI, but presently in a user controlled way. Not shoving it in my face.
I will at some point do a separate post on Artificial Intelligence. It’s a new can of worms. Some folks are trying to tie it into robotics, which IMHO is another worm can. Designing robots to think and act like a human is certainly done today. But IMHO a human body is not the best task specific form to use. Wheels (like a wheel barrow) were invented because it is a better system than human walking, carrying a heavy load.
I think my major realization with Computer Operating Environments is that they are no longer just an invisible interface between computer hardware operation needs and desired software applications. Quietly hiding in the background.
A personal computer operating system has also become a huge “social platform” and communication tool because of the World Wide Web, a.k.a the Internet. I believe this is the main influencer for the type of personal computing we enjoy today. Without the internet there would be no need for a “communicative” computer operating system that dominates the user experience. It’s the OS that manages the basic hardware of the internet connection.
Today, the operating system is front and center totally dominating the computer “front end” experience. Personal computers are branded and identified by their operating systems and not the 3rd party user programs they run. The desire is to be the dominate and the best OS. Creating huge revenue streams through a complex system of obsolescence and constant “feature” upgrades. Basic OS is invisible but add-in OS features create differentiation between competing operating systems.
Microsoft, Apple, and Linux (and others) all run similar word processing applications. Sometimes the same software (brand) for all three. I can also run Autodesk Fusion on either Windows or a MAC operating system. But not Linux. But I can’t run any type of vendor 3rd-party application without the standardized and underlying basic operating system.
The truth is that no PC (Personal Computer) operating system is “basic” these days. They are full fledged multi-tasking applications in their own right. They bring their OS with them and share interface access to the 3rd party vendor software producers who must design their applications to match each specific (different) operating system.
A far better task than a software vendor needing to produce their own OS code for every processor ever made.