End of Windows as we know it

I've been a Windows user since XP. I'm currently using Windows 10. I may be in the minority, but I've rarely had issues with any Windows OS. I am satisfied thus far with W10 and hope it keeps going for a while. When the time comes to change I'll be forced to go to something else. I have no use for other Windows products, but have found free alternatives which work just fine for me.

I can't think of a thing in the Windows world I can't find a FREE twin for in the Linux world. After dumping that annoying piece of junk called Win10 in favor of Ubuntu, it's much more enjoyable using the virus free Ubuntu OS.

The best part of Linux is that everything is free! Open Office (better than MSOffice), VLC (video and audio), Gimp (similar to Photoshop), Open Office Draw to create/edit PDF files, etc., makes it much more economical and just as productive as any, ANY Windows Desktop for the typical home and most office users. And if you want your desktop to 'look' like Windows 8 and before, Cinnamon works for that. Won't be long until there's a free 'Tiles' style desktop available as well.

Haven't had any trouble with stuff online being incompatible with Ubuntu for years now. And I do my taxes online with TaxAct. The days where I'd get error messages about my OS not being compatible seem to be over.

Goodbye Windows. I knew you well, but don't miss you.

TenOC wrote:
Windows 7 still works

So does XP, which is what most industrial users use because it supports bar code printers and dot matrix printers well and that is what most industrial users print their bills of lading on and bar codes for inventory control. I have an XP Professional desktop that runs fine.

MNGeeks61 wrote:

Chris Bryant wrote:
I'm really glad I don't use Windows any more- I see Linux picking up more users.

ComputerWorld wrote:
Microsoft is getting ready to replace Windows 10 with the Microsoft Managed Desktop. This will be a “desktop-as-a-service” (DaaS) offering. Instead of owning Windows, you’ll “rent” it by the month.

Article

I am very curious how this would play out in an organization, say, with about 290,000 employees... would the corporation just stay with Windows 10 in the vain hope things would get better?

Large corporations use a version called "Enterprise" which has a whole different set of licensing rules than "regular" Win10. To some extent it is already "rented" depending on the specific version they have.

I suspect that there will be options like there are now, with MS Office. You can buy stand-alone versions, either full-blown, or just part of the suite (such as Student) and pay a big whack to update them when you must, or you can "rent" Office 365, with full cloud storage and routine updates.

Many Windows users don't have a method that would let them make routine periodic payments, such as a credit or debit card.... but OTOH Microsoft, doesn't make a lot of money off of those users, either, and may not care much about losing them to Google, which is where they will go.

For what it's worth, I own 2 Windows PCs with automatic updates turned on. I've never had any issues with the updates working correctly. It's also true that the VAST majority of viruses and hacks happen on systems that are NOT updated, and missing vital security updates. I DO want the security updates. Microsoft will force those with a subscription service.

Adobe software has moved to subscription services on all of its software such as Photoshop and Lightroom. Considering the price of the version upgrades, it's actually cheaper than buying it outright. Upgrades are necessary with photo editing software, because that's how new camera models and lens models get included. Without the updates, you won't have full usage with files from your new camera.

pryoclastic wrote:

TenOC wrote:
Windows 7 still works

I agree with this.

As a 64 bit OS it is going to be able to do most anything you want for a long time. The main issue will be software vendors that will prevent an install from taking place based upon the rev level of the OS.

Richard Stallman, while extreme on some topics, is generally is right.

:P

Or at some point you will need a new computer, ... and you can’t install your existing software, your existing accessories will not work with the new computer cause they changed the connections, no drivers.

ReadyToGo wrote:
Doesn't anyone understand what the word "Desktop" means?

That which chains the user, programs, and data to a desk. Not much different than a boat anchor.

It used to be true that IF you needed large capacity data, multiple monitors or even a single large one, plenty of memory, and a faster CPU you needed a desktop. While some may still see it this way, most have figured out that they can get by with anywhere from a cell phone to a tablet perhaps a thumb drive or Bluetooth/wireless external drive.

TenOC wrote:
Windows 7 still works

I agree with this.

As a 64 bit OS it is going to be able to do most anything you want for a long time. The main issue will be software vendors that will prevent an install from taking place based upon the rev level of the OS.

Richard Stallman, while extreme on some topics, is generally is right.

:P

This will just be another boost for the Chromebooks units.
Microslop will keep their highest paying customers, and hand off the low end users. Maybe even to a more basic MS product like they did with taking the Explorer down and replacing it with Edge.

Windows 7 still works

At the enterprise level, which they are likely aiming for, it makes a lot of sense. At the consumer level, it ain't gonna fly.