Ask HN: Alternatives to Windows?
I have forced myself to use Mac and Linux some years ago for one month each and always returned to Windows, because it was just more easy to use. The situation with the whole new Windows 11 seems to be too much to handle. What are the alternatives?
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I would suggest getting to the bottom of your frustrations. For example I still use Windows (as well as Ubuntu) as I miss Microsoft Office on Linux.
Identifying the pain points may help with the decision making process.
From my perspective, the Linux distro called ElementaryOS[1] is the best blend of beautiful out of the box, accessible and usable, and not littered with ads, spyware, or other user-hostile antifeatures.
For other options, many many people do well with MacOS, and so it may be a fine choice.
A higher end Chromebook running ChomeOS might possibly be a choice, if the software you need will run there.
Aside from that your options are few. HaikuOS[2] might someday be a viable option but realistically is not there yet. ReactOS[3] might be something to consider if Windows familiarity would be a plus.
[1]: https://elementary.io
[2]: https://haiku-os.org
[3]: https://reactos.org
There’s also ChromeOS, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD and DragonFly BSD. (And numerous different Linux distributions to try out.)
My main problem with Linux/BSD is that the available desktop environments there are, IMHO, too crude. That’s why I prefer macOS. It’s a Unix with a great desktop environment.
OTOH you will never find a perfect operating system. That’s something that just doesn’t exist. Just pick the one you like the most and hate the least.
Also keep in mind that Windows 10 will be supported until 2025-10-14. So you will have over four years to research alternatives. And before that time has come, who knows, maybe there will be other interesting alternatives to choose from.
Don’t sweat it!
BTW, out of curiosity, what was it that you didn’t like about macOS?
[1]: https://mate-desktop.org/
[2]: https://getsol.us/home/
Edit: Also Windows 10 end of life It's just too soon...
I mean if MS doesn't change the CPU requirements, then it means SP4, SP (2017) and Surface Studio 2 are not supported. Not mentioning millions of perfectly usable PCs out there.
I suspect this machine I'm using will be fine for a decade or two, unless I drop it. New machines aren't going to be 4 times faster, and cheaper, ever few years, like it was before.
individual control/power/freedom + simplicity/ease-of-use... is it possible?
I'd recommend Linux anytime, all the time; but I also have the time and patience to deal with its rough edges; of which there are many. Basically, you have to operate assuming nothing will work out of the box.
https://zorinos.com/