Technology

Linux distros like Fedora, Ubuntu, Mint and Pop! have been fully capable of replacing Windows for typical work and home uses for several years.

Even gaming is very close to being on-par now.

There are still niches dependent on Windows, like specialized engineering software or anyone that simply refuses to use anything other than Adobe products.

Honestly, I've been getting the Linux itch again too. It's been like a decade since I've used desktop Linux so im curious as to how far it has come.

I'm not too worried about gaming since Valve has put in a lot of work for linux gaming, my main thing would be readjusting to Krita over CSP for art.

I agree, I think if this is how windows goes forward a lot of tech people will leave their ecosystem entirely. The one thing stopping them is the convenience of windows (mostly free if you know what you are doing and most processes don't need to be thought about). A subscription based OS throws everything out the door. This gives them an unbelievable amount of control over what you see/do/store. Want to view a website for linux installation? "Nope that goes against our T&Cs, you've been banned from your OS with all your information on it".

The upside I see will be linux will start becoming easier on everyday users because the tech people switched and want the convenience

I've dabbled in Linux for decades, but fully switched to Linux as my daily driver about 5 years ago. I still have a Windows partition set up for dual boot, but only boot into it once every couple months now to run very specific software. I can honestly say I miss nothing about Windows. Linux has matured leaps and bounds even in the past 5 years. Gaming, productivity, programming, hobby. It can do it all. I will admit there is still a technical barrier to entry. You will need to get used to the command line and searching the web frequently for how to do something. But if you have those skills I don't think it's a contest anymore. Linux is the better OS.

At this rate if Germany becomes a leader in exporting non data harvesting devices/vehicles I can assure you I'll be buying all my electronics from Germany soon enough.

in the US, all the kids use chrome books, data harvesting is rampant

Just install yourself a Linux and search the web when in need 🙂

It depends on what you are trying to learn. If it's just using it as a desktop then it's more a matter of just using it for a while to change your muscle memory from Win or Mac.

If you're looking for more of a command line/server experience, most distros have excellent documentation. This may be a minority opinion, but I personally like Oracle Linux (a Red Hat clone) and their documentation; https://docs.oracle.com/en/operating-systems/oracle-linux/index.html

I also like FreeBSD which isn't technically Linux but very similar in a lot of regards. They also have excellent documentation; https://docs.freebsd.org/en/

Ultimately, which distro you wind up liking is entirely subjective and one of the great aspects of the open source world. Oracle in particular you may see a lot of hate towards, but I've always had good success with their products and support. Best of luck!

Honestly, in my opinion/my experience the best way to learn linux is to (1) just jump in and start using it and (2) being patient with yourself while you adjust. Nothing makes you quite as comfortable with using an operating system like using it every day, even if all you do is boot it up, open a web browser and watch gifs of cats on the Internet. When I was making the switch, it was invaluable to just be in there, using regularly. Second was also to be patient with myself. I found, at first, that i was getting frustrated when I needed to troubleshoot something because I was so used to the Windows way of things. I had to give myself time to learn and adapt.