Life without windows 11 or macOS Ventura

Gnu+Linux as a complete open-source operating system, has come of age. Back when I first took a look at Linux distros in the early 2000s It was definitely intimidating for the average person to even consider as an alternative to Windows or OSX, But today the latest versions is not much harder to use than the big two.

Note: A Linux distribution or distro is a version of the Gnu+Linux OS packaged with other components, including installation programs, management tools or other software. Each Linux distribution targets specific users or systems, and fast majority ready to use.

Today I use Linux on the desktop almost exclusively. I can surf the web. I can email, print, scan and store files on my computer in much the same way as those of you who use Windows 11 do. I can watch streaming services like Tubi, Pluto TV, Amazon and Hulu. I can even play AAA video games made easy thanks to Valve’s latest efforts with their steam deck handheld PC . Not only is Steam a fantastic way to discover new video games for the Gnu platform, it also allows me to access them with the greatest of ease. Obviously there are some Steam game titles that will not work with the steam deck, but this is quickly changing as Valve’s commitment to the Gnu+Linux desktop has never been stronger, and as a result, game developers are taking notice.

You're not going to be watching commercial Blu-ray on Gnu systems

While there are technically paid DVD players you can purchase for Gnu+Linux, there's no officially licensed way to play back Blu-ray movies on a Linux distro. The BlueRay Format is supported in Linux, the DRM that companies place on their commercial BluRay Discs is however mostly unsupported. To be fair older Blu-ray disc movies are more to work. Newer Blu-ray discs use BD+ disc encryption, while older ones used the more easily bypassed AACS encryption.

Closing remarks.

Most people will be able to run a Linux Distro without a problem. When I say most people I mean someone who browses the Internet, manages their emails, writes the occasional document or spreadsheet, and maybe does some lightweight media editing, etc. Linux is great for this sort of person and has no real drawbacks. Unless you use many proprietary programs that are not written to run on Linux.

There really is no best Distro. Every distribution has its pros and cons. Each is used for different applications. There is a learning curve when switching from the big two. Some things you didn’t need help with when you used Windows Mac, you might need help when you switch to Gnu+Linux. That's the reason why I started this page so many years ago. And I share those experiences with others. In fact I wrote this post using Linux mint 20.3 and the Firefox browser.