I can't use Windows anymore.

[SagaciousKJB]

Every time I sit down in front of a Windows PC, I feel confused, and lost. I'm starting to forget where a lot of the settings for things are, and when I sit there and look at it, I often ask myself, "What can I really do with you?" without finding an answer.

I think maybe it's because I've developed a strong penchant toward programming and bash scripting so it's not like I can think of something more entertaining to use WIndows for, but past gaming, I just can't think of anything that Windows does better, or quite frankly, as nicely as Linux, and at this point I think I'm starting to develop sort of the opposite of what my disposition to Linux was originally.

"Sure, I could do my favorite stuff on this operating system, but I'd have to work too hard to do it my preferred way."

Has anyone had this happen to them after switching? It's to the point now where I won't even use Windows for gaming because I enjoy using my customized Linux so much. I'll actually sacrifice frame rate and just play in WINE instead of "subject" myself to using Windows.

[fingal]

I experienced something similar when I swapped over about 5 years ago now! I remember thinking, 'What can I really do with this at home?' when considering Windows. A lot of this was driven by cost. I needed to replace Windows and when I totted up the price of a new PC, OS and MS Office suite I could see it wouldn't happen unless I wanted to stop eating.

I was also more aware of security issues and the idea of 'freedom' pulled me it... I still use Windows at work, and I can find my way around Vista, but I certainly understand the sense of distance which you are beginning to experience.

[Manchunian]

Yes, I recognise this. Windows just feels so crap after using Linux. Really, I don't think there are any technical advantages at all to using it, none. The only advantages are related to its dominant position, which means that certain programs are not written for Linux. But things are changing.
At work, I too have to use Windows. However, I've been experimenting with running DSL on a usb stick - but for the moment it can't do everything I want it to do. So, I have a big Tux wallpaper, my screensaver scrolls the text "Windows is crap", and I only use open source software, refusing to be bullied into using Microsoft Office instead of OpenOffice. And I spread the word as much as I can...Just why are we paying a fortune for software that is shite, when quality is free? The answer: because that's what everyone is used to.

[questio verum]

Every time I sit down in front of a Windows PC, I feel confused, and lost.

Ha! Ha! That's funny. I know what you mean though.

I often ask myself, "What can I really do with you?"

Yeah... Did that too. Kinda like when I first used DOS, But without that sense of bewilderment.

On the positive side, it does have good driver support though. And you can run it even if you have the IQ of a rock.

On a semi-related note, yesterday was the last day for sales of XP. (For most customers anyway) As of today, it's Vista only. Strangely, though... if I'm reading it right, you can 'downgrade' to XP after you first buy Vista. That's confusing. Sounds like a lawsuit in the offing to me. Got the info here.


qv

[elija]

On the positive side, it does have good driver support though

Windows (I assume you meant Windows) doesn't have good driver support, the manufacturers of hardware create
Windows drivers purely because most people use it.

Just try running your funky hardware without installing third party drivers


GO on...

I'll wait...

[techieMoe]

Windows (I assume you meant Windows) doesn't have good driver support, the manufacturers of hardware create Windows drivers purely because most people use it.

Just try running your funky hardware without installing third party drivers

I have to agree. The proper statement would have been, "Windows is well-supported by the people who write device drivers." The drivers that come with MS Windows aren't all that great, honestly. I'm speaking specifically about video, sound, and printer drivers.

[oz]

Has anyone had this happen to them after switching?

Absolutely! I find myself feeling totally lost, confused, and somewhat angered each time I have to work on a Windows box.

Why does Windows have to be so complex and difficult to work with, and understand? Why can't it be more user friendly?

[techieMoe]

Why does Windows have to be so complex and difficult to work with, and understand? Why can't it be more user friendly?

Too....much....irony.... Must....change... thread....

[geniuz]

I know what you all mean...
I'm just a teenager, and I use linux now for 2 years. In the beginning I had a dual boot with Windows obviously...but somehow from one day on the other I totally lost interest in games and stuff like that, I wanted to code, write my own programs, compile my kernel to have a truly unique PC I MYSELF ONLY felt comfortable with.
And yes a lot of the times when you're my age and most people my age just use computers for MSN and games I have to almost justify myself why my PC is so "freaky"...it scares people of xD

And that in a way makes me feel good, I fine-tuned my computer in a way which would never in a million years could be possible with Windows, everything runs smooth and in the 2 years I now use linux I never had an unknown error message or anything what so ever which wasn't my own bloody fault and what I couldn't fix. That's how it's supposed to be IMHO.

And I also somehow feel sorry for people always asking me for help in Windows: "sure I'm a computer geek, but I use Linux, so...."
And they look at me like: O_o (what the fuzz...)

[jayd512]

Strangely, though... if I'm reading it right, you can 'downgrade' to XP after you first buy Vista. That's confusing. Sounds like a lawsuit in the offing to me. Got the info here.


qv

You are, indeed, reading that correctly! And for those who choose to stay with Windows, I would advise paying for the 'downgrade.' (BTW... am I the only one who doesn't really consider that a downgrade?)

Why does Windows have to be so complex and difficult to work with, and understand? Why can't it be more user friendly?

LOL! Awesome!

On a serious note, I haven't completely wiped out my Windows partition yet, but I find myself booting to it so rarely now that it is getting to be a little less familiar each time.