As the Windows 10 EOL date is close I was wondering what fellow Linux users thoughts about it are.

Are you helping open minded people making the switch to Linux? If yes, which distro are you using? Are you using resources like endof10.org?

Or are you using the the opportunity to get your hands on some cheap hardware for your homelab? Are you keeping an eye on special websites or just ebay (or your local equivalent)? Are you talking with local companies to get the hardware directly from them?

Or are you just observing and enjoy your peace of mind because you switched already to Linux before?

Whatever it is, we are very interested to hear your stories concering this interesting time.

  • PlutoniumAcid@lemmy.world
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    1 day ago

    No offense, but this question is what is holding many people back that would otherwise be on the fence or ready to go.

    If there were just Mac / Windows / Linux, it would be an easy sell.

    But we have Mac / Windows / two million Linux flavors.

    It does not matter which one you pick, it is bound to cause questions or issues. And once you’ve chosen a Linux flavor, someone asks you why you chose that desktop and not foobar9000 instead which everyone knows runs much better on your Linux flavor anyway.

    I honestly think that Linux’ biggest enemy is Linux. Sure, choice is good, but this is too much. Way too much.

    • LeFantome@programming.dev
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      17 hours ago

      I understand your frustration. And I agree that choice is an impediment to adoption.

      That said, I am not that comment deserved your reply.

      As far as I can tell, the OP was only offering one option—Debian. So your concern does not apply there.

      And the next comment did not suggest having more options or adding confusing choices either. I think they were ok with offering just one distro. They just wanted to know why the single recommendation was not Mint.

      He was not asking a new user why they chose Debian. He was asking the Linux expert why he chose Debian over Mint. Your comment does not seem to apply.

      There is nothing wrong with Debian so I certainly think it is an acceptable choice. That said, Mint probably would offer a less jarring transition than Debian for Windows users. Mint defaults to Cinnamon (very Windows like). Debian defaults to GNOME (a less familiar desktop metaphor). Mint also comes with just a few extra tools and touches that can keep new users off the command line (unless they want to go there).

      And if you like Debian, LMDE gives you Debian with the Mint GUI and tools.

      Honestly, it seems like a fair question.

      If you are only going to give them one option, why not one more likely to work for them? Them being everyday Windows users.

      And all that said…I do agree that keeping it simple is the most important thing and offering a single recommendation is the right strategy regardless of which distro you choose to recommend.

    • cyborganism@piefed.ca
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      21 hours ago

      While I agree with you, my question implied that Debian might not be the right choice for beginners. It’s not that easy to use compared to Mint that comes with many quality of life features which makes it the perfect introduction to Linux.

      All the important software is there, you have all the necessary codecs to play the most popular media files, you have an easy to use software store with a friendly interface, and you don’t have any complicated concepts like immutable or atomic OS.