The TRUTH About Switching To Linux From Windows

[@Maxume]

Lol. Apparently, Bob is a man of selective knowledge: Knows what distro to try, where to find and download the correct version, how to burn it to a flash drive, how to boot from said flash drive and even that he can mock-install software into the live environment. Simultaneously, Bob is oblivious of Mint's software manager.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Bob will eventually find the software manager, but Bob being Bob, just uses the web browser for most things anyway.

[@User71956]

@@JamesChampionLinuxwhile that annoys the hell out of me, you’re 100% on how people miss obvious aspects. That said, I don’t know how many people actually use the Microsoft store to download apps these days. If he’s using 360, it’s safe to assume he’s pretty familiar with the windows ecosystem, and is looking for efficiency and convenience and a lot of people generally gravitate towards stores over downloading .exe I’m speculating so I can’t say for sure.

[@secretzpt176]

Got to love that Microsoft "embraces" Linux with WSL, but won't ship an Electron or Tauri app to get Office 365 on Linux.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Microsoft definitely don't love the Linux desktop and just take an interest in what suits them, like most companies. Their whole "love Linux" thing is definitely like typical business PR.

[@matthewstott3493]

The only reason they did that and other things around the same time was because they were bleeding Windows developers left and right. Most all Silicon Valley runs macOS and not Windows. At one point, Google banned the use of Windows without CIO exception approval. They got hacked and had source code stolen due to a Windows laptop. Nobody wants to run PuTTY so they added native ssh/sshd. They finally created a new terminal app that didn't look like it was from DOS. WSL/WSL2, VS Code, they ported SQL Server to Linux because MySQL / MariaDB / PostgreSQL were winning and SQL Server wasn't a choice. Then they bought Atom & GitHub.

[@cbm_doomworld]

@secretzpt176 Microsoft tried the good old embrace, extend, extinguish but luckily Windows is so bad now that they failed

[@cbm_doomworld]

Former Windows 10 user here... Recall made me jump to Mint last year and I can proudly say that I have not had any Windows computers online in 2025 and hopefully I wont from now on 😊 No more living in fear of malicious Microsoft updates

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Good to hear that you're happy with Linux Mint. I've also noticed that Windows 11 won't just get out of the way and let you do your work. Even after turning off just about every possible setting, my wife's Windows 11 is constantly telling her use "default software" or "finish the Windows setup".

[@ToumalRakesh]

I got my sister a new laptop and loaded mint on it. I showed her how to get into citrix, how to get into her google photos, I installed her photo album creation application (you know, to order photobooks online) which luckily comes as a linux application too, and I switched her to firefox so she can enjoy adblock, and finally I showed her how to update her system. Most importantly: Klondike Solitaire and Mahjongg. She is as happy as a clam. Today we updated to 22.1 together and just about the only "bad" thing is that the update is very much hidden in the menu bar, but I am sure Mint will figure this out eventually. If she was playing steam games I would've installed that too, no biggie. I was afraid she would be alienated by the different start menu but then I remembered what a hot mess the W11 start menu is. She's as happy as a clam.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Great to hear that your sister wasn't alienated by using Linux.

[@Ngamer834]

What might become an issue for some people is the installation. I have dual booted Linux mint on a Windows 11 mini PC but it wasn't so straight forward this time and found myself scrolling through a bunch of online forums for a solution. The solution ended up being renaming some file on the USB stick and then disabling the secure boot feature for installation. The error was now gone I could continue with the installation. Other PCs Mint had installed without any issues. Unless I am gaming I much prefer linux it handles all the basics and more without Microsofts large amount of data collection.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

I still remember some years ago when things like Secure Boot were being developed where Linux couldn't be installed on those computers until some workaround or arrangement was made.

[@TheBialbino]

It's true, if Bob can't read anything, anything, that is not flashing in his face in the web browser

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Classic Bob.

[@richard1311]

One of the biggest differences is the installation of programs and the file structure. Once those things are dealt with it's smooth sailing, but most linux users forget that bump in the road.

[@Evilatem]

It's Bob's fault for skipping the LARGE, AUTO OPENING "Getting Started with Mint" dialog box that pops up after the install explaining how to get software from the store. Which he would have had to read the bottom line AND check the box that said "Click here to not show again at start up" to miss it again after a restart/boot. Bob shouldn't be on a computer. Bob is the reason we need immutable distros. Also SteamOS is going into public beta by May.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Some Bobs don't help themselves. SteamOS and COSMIC Desktop are definitely the ones to watch this year in the Linux world.

[@soyfreeGuy]

Google/Microsoft vs GNU/Linux is gold.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

The state of desktop computing 2009 - 2025+

[@Looneybob1]

Roflmao. My name happens to be bob. Im 63 1/2, but ive been using Linux since before it had a gui. My 1st "desktop" experience in linux was bear-ops. I now use linux mint cinnamon with ubuntu studio on top (musician). Absolutely love mint, regular ubuntu studio not so much, now i have the best of both worlds.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. Nice one on using Linux before a gui. :)

[@waltrautengels816]

Well, I don't think Bob is the best example. Most regular Bobs not even capable to lace their shoes.

[@twentyrothmans7308]

Bob wears shoes with Velcro fasteners.

[@peterschmidt9942]

@@twentyrothmans7308 Bob barely has opposable thumbs 🤣

[@vmisev]

Can't stop thinking about Rowan Atkinson at Top Gear saying: "Bob!" 🤣

[@mr_hardy5329]

I was using Linux for some while but i back on Windows. I don't need worry about anything. Everything works.

[@khx73]

I love this. This is exactly how I think when evaluating using LInux as a daily driver - not because I'm a "bob" but I just imagine for a minute what your average "bob" would be thinking during the process. Its never been good. Your "Bob" did quite well, although his requirements were simple and he was willing to compromise on the web 365 and web spotify. I just installed LDME to try it out. Immediately was unhappy that my Kensington fingerprint reader isn't recognized. Not a show stopper, but for a "Bob"... ugg.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Thanks. For Bob, right now, Linux Mint is just his way to get to his web browser and all of his "apps".

[@josmoify]

bob needs abandon the google ecosystem as much as the windows way of doing.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Classic Bob being Bob.

[@varenneriocha8712]

Google too, as of Microsoft wouldn't be big enough!

[@User71956]

Apple isn’t much better. From my layman POV i see Apple more of a hardware company vs Google being primarily a software company and how they make their money through ads. Whereas Apple is more of a hardware company and thus has more incentive to keep my data private.

[@darkshadowsaver]

My computer died last February with windows 10 so i created a new machine and installed arch on it haven't looked back now im think of salvaging my old pc to get it up and running to switch it over to linux as well.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Good to hear that Arch Linux has worked out for you. Was this your first experience of Linux, switching from Windows 10 to Arch?

[@jorgel.2222]

The way you approach the subject using exquisite rhetoric is really interesting, congratulations. I feel sorry for Bob Greetings Note: if there is any mistake I apologize in advance, I watch the videos subtitled in Spanish and I write in the same language, through a translator.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Many thanks! No worries, the translation is great. :)

[@varenneriocha8712]

James must be a teacher. ;-)

[@W.A.-Linux]

Cool video i was Bob on 2003 i Just love Linux and i3wm since 2016. Thanks.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Thanks. Good to hear you're a long time Linux user now.

[@sohl947]

Great roleplay. Despite dabbling with Linux in some form since around 1999 and more seriously since 2006, I'm facing this Windows 10 EoL issue myself now. I think I've mentioned it, but have a Win10 laptop that is my main hobby/personal machine. I bought it used & refurbished from a big chain (Microcenter) and it was at the time the same model of HP Elitebook that that my company had issued to me, so it was very familiar and I could use the same AC charger and need to bring my work charger home with me. The used HP came with Windows 10, which was good because some software I wanted to use for personal projects worked better on Windows (esp. the FPGA tools from Xilinx, but also some dev tools for Atari 2600 that I wanted to use), although today I believe good Linux options exist. I did set up the HP with dual boot with Linux, but I messed it up and haven't been arsed with setting that back up again. I occasionally use a USB stick to boot Linux on it for fun, but I mostly use the ThinkPad T440p that I have now to do that sort of thing. However, with Win10 EoL now, I may get dual boot working again on the HP and mostly use LInux on it. Maybe I'll replace this HP within a year or two, so I may just bide time. I could probably live with the T440p, but the fan is a bit loud and maybe the FPGA stuff would be even slower on that.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

That's a shame that your Linux dual-boot broke. Let us know how you get on with the Windows 10 EOL.

[@ShaunakHub]

Linux market share will definitely grow but more thanks to steam deck than M$. The truth is that most people will continue to use Windows 10 even after it stops getting security patches. You will surprised to know how few people care about these security patches, which includes some folks who have formal degree in CS/ IT (I am talking about my country - India). And since most folks here use pirated software anyway, patch / security was not a concern in the first place. And I think this phenomenon of pirated software usage is dominant in not just India but most economically backward countries. The price/subscription of software are far too high for most users to afford. And a substantial % of people won't buy it even if they can afford.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Yeah, the steam deck and Steam on Linux are good incentives for a lot of people to use Linux.

[@stexes007]

At this point it's a wonder Bob can breath and thing... Being oblivious to software manager but being able to install Mint. Searching for Office but not for alternatives. Spotify's forum post was the last drop to even consider this anything close to a real world scenario.

[@johanb.7869]

Smart Bob first searches on line what is Linux, how to install it, how to use it. What Linux operating systems are there? And when he has chosen like for instance Linux Mint, how to install and how to use it? Can I use the things I use on Windows on Mint. If not what are the alternatives? I did in 2017 and installed Peppermint 8. Liked it and never wnet back to Windows again. Used it until the main developer died in 2020. Tried several other distro's like Mint, Ubuntu, KDE neon, Pops OS, several Arch based, open Suse Tumbleweed. Currently using MX Linux Xfce. Not a developer, gamer or programmer, just a simple user.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

I had completely forgotten about Peppermint.

[@VoxTurbula]

I would say the issue is that most people who care about update are more "advanced" pc user, Bob would be either the one who refuse to change or will let other do it for him. And while linux is today indeed decent enough for Bob, it not decent enough for people between "deeply passionate" and "Bob", the issue being is that it's this people who could convert Bob to linux

[@TheDesertsweeper]

"Bob is pleased" LoL

[@patpopov]

Bob should enjoy the slideshow while Linux Mint is installed on his computer.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Bob loves a slideshow, it reminds him of 500000 hour long meetings with PowerPoint presentations on his Windows XP work laptop.

[@matthewstott3493]

Microsoft is appears to be heading towards forcing Windows users pay a subscription to run Windows streaming from Azure. Also, the latest 365 has gotten so much better with the web interfaces. It's not that bad. It's getting better all the time. New Outlook is actually an electron app just like Teams. They seem to have plans to do the same with Word / Excel / PowerPoint, etc. ala Electron web wrapper.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Interesting developments. Thanks for sharing.

[@reckless_lord]

Good thing you started with Linux Mint and not Arch.

[@varenneriocha8712]

I have helped people to convert to Linux - in to all sorts of distributions. I have converged to Linux Mint. That is the best for people coming from (years of) Windows.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Yeah, Linux Mint is going to make most people coming from Windows happy.

[@peterschmidt9942]

btw 😂

[@cbm_doomworld]

@@varenneriocha8712 it is a good way for us former Windows users to detox LOL

[@reckless_lord]

@@varenneriocha8712 Linux mint is my daily driver. I can admit, I'm a linux noob, but I don't care, I don't want to have to fight with my OS. I use linux mint XFCE because I want stability and low memory footprint. Maybe one day I'll check out antix.

[@paulreader1777]

Most of those who ask my advice are, like me, in our 70's. Moving to Linux Mint, with a bit of good guidance, can be quite successful. My next session of Tech Chat for my friends is "What do you REALLY want your computer to do for you?" Linux Mint will indeed do almost everything they want - out of the box.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Good to hear. Once you've set up Linux Mint to your personal preference, it should just work and let you get with what you're doing.

[@shawn284]

Poor Bob hahaha! Only laughing with him, not at him. Nice video James!

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Don't worry, in a few years Bob will be a full free software fundamentalist running Parabola on a 32-bit 2000 year old ThinkPad. :)

[@shawn284]

@JamesChampionLinux Love it!

[@skyknight0408]

I would take Firefox over any Chromium based browser any day. Bob's a real Bob! The only reason I'm staying on Windows(debloated W10) is that despite everyone telling me the opposite, Linux still sucks for gaming. Most of my games don't start at all. And the one I got to start ran with single digit fps. Completely unplayable!

[@anasouardini]

Rare are honest people like you.

[@awa0927]

I tried to get my brother to use Linux Mint last year, he took one look at Firefox and said “Bruh!? Is this like 2004?? I haven’t seen Firefox since I was in middle school! Wtf is this sh*t! Lolololol”

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Lol, did your brother stick with Linux Mint in the end?

[@guss77]

I also don't think a significant amount of W10 users will migrate. These people have been indoctrinated to not be able to choose: non-techies don't even understand what an OS is - Windows is just "the computer". When your oven is out of warranty, you don't go and buy a new oven - you use the old one until it's broken and then you either fix it or buy a new oven. That's how most Windows 10 users will treat W10 EoL: continue to use it "without warranty" until it breaks and then buy a new PC with whatever windows it comes with.

[@varenneriocha8712]

That is the reality. But, never give up!

[@JamesChampionLinux]

@guss77 spot on.

[@boazsayar1193]

For most computer owners the Win10 computer they own is going to be good enough for quit a long time. This will cause big security problem. Some government will not allow this and maybe make Microsoft solve this problem.

[@guss77]

@boazsayar1193 this didn't happen when XP ended, or 7 - which were as popular. Speaking of - my health service provider is still running the user facing data kiosks on XP...

[@cbm_doomworld]

@@boazsayar1193 some of them will be forcefully updated to 11

[@TheUnicleo]

Bob will know a lot of incompatibily issues soon. When his NTFS external drive will have filesystem corruption after playing around with files and foldes. Or when some of his text files cannot be opened in Linux, since they have extra CR or saved in other than UTF-8. Or when his Winrar files only can be opened by some unrar CLI from Termial....Bob will be savy someday to do simple things.

[@kensmith5694]

Clearly someone needs to tell Bob to go to the menu software manager to install stuff etc and also that it is "chromium" Also there is simply no excuse for all the e-waste that is being created. At the very least, the older computers should be getting Linux Mint on them and being given to family members or those on limited budgets. They can be set up ready to browse the web and ga9n some use rather than ending up in the local landfill.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

I'm sure Bob will eventually learn about the software manager, but right now, everything will be about the Chrome web browser.

[@kensmith5694]

@@JamesChampionLinux My main point was really about the e-waste. Right up front, though, Bob should be told about the software manager. That means that at the same time he is being told how to make the bootable USB, he can be told that fact. The bootable USB stick is harder.

[@cbm_doomworld]

@@kensmith5694 would love to get my hands on those computers that gets scrapped so I could install Mint on them but once they are in the landfill then its illegal to take them

[@kensmith5694]

@cbm_doomworld Yes, we need to stop them going in the first place. I have a new fan on order so I can repair my computer and keep using it. I have never even considered installing Windows on this box.

[@jedipadawan7023]

Two things: 1. Yes, people are google users. Very much so now. I deal with them every day. They "just do Google." I quote. In terms of apps people just want google everything. Many do not know about Microsoft Office now. So Linux serves well there. 2. Normies never switch to Linux or anything else without techie support. It's all about hand holding. Windows remains the standard because normies have six friends who understand Windows who can install apps for them and sort out problems. Linux can ONLY gain traction when there are enough techie users who are using Linux and can help the normies. Normies just want their laptop "To work." They are not even interested in installing apps. They want a techie friend to come and do it all for them. I am endlessly asked, both in Windows days and Linux days, "Er, can you do it for me?" Techies must convert first and then they bring normies over. But where there is no techie to hand hold Linux CANNOT be used.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Good points.

[@erickdomingo6579]

Normies learned to use Android and iOS even without techies around. It is all about a very strong reason to switch. People will force themselves to switch and learn when given no choice but a viable alternative

[@jedipadawan7023]

​ @erickdomingo6579 I partly agree but Android and IOS come pre-installed. That makes a HUGE difference! At that point people need a techie. Also, the user case of smartphones is different to laptops. Smartphones are mainly content consumption devices with minimal app functionality required. Laptops are more content creation - even if it be Google apps. And Google and IOS come with the apps most user want pre-installed. Laptop, the software functionality needs to be more varied and more intensive, even when using Google apps. Example: I have had students who were SO into their smartphones they figured they could write their 4,000 word AP thesis using Google Docs via smartphone. Fer real. Until they ended up using Google docs on their Macs. They found out that smartphones CANNOT handle a 4,000 word these with citations. The software required for real world creation is a different scale to smartphone use and then… they user want a techie. I do agree that people CAN learn a new system and I have shown normies how to use Linux effectively VERY quickly! It’s not hard, DE tastes withstanding. But people will go with what their techie friends RECOMMEND and will SUPPORT. And, yeah, that often includes installing apps.

[@pauleduard4772]

I know a business owner who received a 2007 sony laptop running Linux mint. I don't think the person knows of Linux but the laptop works great for email ✔️ ng

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Good to hear that it's just working for him and his business. Google/Linux (Mint) is definitely a thing.

[@tohur]

TBH I think the year of the Linux Desktop is different for everyone.. IMO its the year you switch and never go back.. for some that never comes for me its was the end of 2023. been using Linux off and on for 20+ years but Dec 2023 was the last straw for me and I was done. 2024 was the Year of The Linux Desktop for me

[@kkuusk]

Valve has the keys to the Linux (desktop) adoption with Steam. Gaming determines what os the next generation of IT people are proficient with when they enter the workforce. If there is nobody to support Windows there will be no Windows. And one of the first jobs for young IT tech is usually the desktop support. It's a question of 10-15 years...

[@JamesChampionLinux]

It could be an interesting decade for the Linux desktop.

[@jdanks]

the granddad isnt gonna be the user demographic that spikes linux use in 2025. its gonna be the gamer, think about valve and steam, steam os, the steam deck. linux gaming is really really good. then factor in a bunch of inflation which makes it harder for people to justify new hardware so switching over to a lighter operating system is key especially to run web browsers with the internet becoming more over-engineered and bloated

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Great point. Gaming on Linux is getting a lot more desirable. I forgot to cover that Bob would want to probably install Steam.

[@jedipadawan7023]

Yes, I see a lot of comments on YT about people waiting for SteamOS. It seems valve is seen as a company that can be trusted and an OS from them that can do games will get traction.

[@varenneriocha8712]

Steam is available for Linux. And has even better alternatives like Nobara.

[@jedipadawan7023]

@@varenneriocha8712 Yes but a LOT of people want an OS supported by a Big Name which OFFICIALLY handles games. I know Steam runs under Linux. A lot of gamers know Steam runs under Linux. But I am reading a LOT of comments from gamers and night on normies saying "I want SteamOS when it comes out!" Also, an OS like SteamOS means some degree of official support and normies want support. Actually, they want hand holding but that's another thread.

[@varenneriocha8712]

@@jedipadawan7023 You mean people are obedient (to feel confident they need Big Names)?

[@Overonator]

I don't think the TPM is the most outrageous part. I can understand MIcrosoft wanting to raise the bar on Windows security by requiring TPM 2.0. That's at least plausible. However, what is the most outrageous part is a computer whose CPU works on Windows 10 just fine, but its user is told that the same CPU does not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11. That's crazy there is no way that Windows 11 is so much more CPU resource hungry that a CPU running Windows 10 CPU is suddenly not good enough. Those new Windows 11 CPU requirements are arbitrary. That's Microsoft throwing a bone to the OEM's to get people to buy new hardware.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

I completely agree.

[@ddgyt50]

Hmm, can't reply to my own post, so a new comment: I will be sticking with Firefox and Thunderbird. Getting an SSD for a clean Linux install, then accessing current HD as needed, mostly for image and video files which -- I hope - Linux will be able to read. (RawTherapee and Gimp, VLC) Thinking of going with Ubuntu.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Good luck and I'm sure it will work great!

[@JamesMcCloskey]

Zorin OS is an excellent option for those new to Linux and anyone else who wants a simple, elegant, and stable experience.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

A nice looking distro.

[@ernestprewitt1100]

Zorn works, have used it, (paid vs.), for years along side w/windows. The only issue for not going full Zorn/Linux was favorite "game" wouldn't run but that's a different story now, it does now and as easily on install as if it were Windows! Therefore if gaming is part of your requirements, you yet still need to hit the office, check out. BTW, my first computer was a Timex while teaching computer science to elementary age students on Commodore's. Miss those times where it was more about the ability of the computer, not the Operating System.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Thanks for sharing your experience, and I had never heard of Timex until now. :)

[@javabeanz8549]

I guess this is a typical Windows user, since you skipped the Mint Welcome screen that takes the hand of a new user, and walks them through setting up, customizing and the how to install software...

[@JamesChampionLinux]

I know in years past, I would have just gone straight to downloading the web browser first and ignoring so much else, to begin with at least.

[@cbm_doomworld]

@@javabeanz8549 endless Microsoft nag screens are to blame

[@javabeanz8549]

@cbm_doomworld and those are a big part of the reason I refuse to use Micro$oft products. I tried using Windows a few times in the last 5 years, each experience was worse than the previous. You can't even get away from the crap while just trying to run updates.

[@derekr54]

Many Windows users can't use Windows correctly so it's very unlikely they will consider moving to Linux.The average everyday user only goes online to browse the web,game or use social media so they will never consider making the effort to learn a new system.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

It will interesting to hear how many people keep running their Windows 10 install in the coming years. There are still a sizable number running Wndows 7 and even XP.

[@User71956]

A good amount of the gamer crowd such as myself are moving towards Linux thanks largely to the Steam Deck and Valves Proton running most Windows games.

[@BosBrandon]

I went to linux when windows 7 stop getting updated

[@JamesChampionLinux]

What Linux distro are you using?

[@BosBrandon]

@JamesChampionLinux i have manjaro and linux mint

[@BosBrandon]

@@JamesChampionLinux the new 22.1 linux mint

[@robpinter5431]

I think Bob will just go out and buy a new PC with Windows 11.....no PC reseller ever mentions about there is no need to buy new hardware as Linux is the answer.....a they are in the business of selling new hardware, and transferring their old settings to their new PC...at a cost..... My name is Bob....but use Mint22.....Bob is happy....

[@JamesChampionLinux]

You are spot on Bob.

[@PC4USE1]

Optimistically,Linux share might raise to 10 percent but most people will believe that they need to buy a new PC.I'm 69 years old and most people my age will bite the bullet and get a shiny new PC. I am a nerd and cheap so I am rocking Mint and Linux Lite on various pcs .I do have Win 11 capable machines but refuse to put 11 on them. If necessary,I can run Win 10 with Zero Parch for quite a while. Your "Bob" does seem like the average consumer,though.

[@varenneriocha8712]

10% would be huge! A stable 7-8% would be great IMO.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

@PC4USE1 Like you say, my feeling is that most people will just replace their PC, but there might a sizeable minority who install Linux on their old machines.

[@JohnGlen502]

I would have used ChromeFlex but the file manager stinks, and no Playstore like a Chromebook. Linux Mint Cinnamon works fine. We should encourage people to understand their options and avoid E-waste. There are many quality KZbin videos on Linux.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

I hadn't heard of ChromeFlex and just looked it up. Thanks.

[@matthiasbendewald1803]

Nice Video! You didn't make clear enough that installing Software on Linux isnt done as you showed. Or at least that there are better ways.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Thanks. Yeah, maybe I should do a video on setting up Linux Mint through its software center etc...

[@wesch4232]

Linux still have huge compatibility problems. My Asus Z690A motherboard w Nvidia display running Linux Mint 21.3 , the Libreoffice won't run. I seen multiple laptop problems under various Linux distro too. While Windows 10 n 11 ran perfectly in same system.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

That's a shame. How long ago was this? I wonder if this system would work well now on Linux.

[@wesch4232]

@JamesChampionLinux It's a since-day-1 problem. Majority of systems and laptops were not validated w Linux. They were only validated w Windows systems.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

It's interesting that you say that, and I don't literally know the the compatibility, or lack of, regarding all computer systems on Linux, but I believe that much of the work on Linux is related to system drivers and compatibility.

[@michael_the_chef]

My prediction is, valve releases steam OS for Desktop soon. Half life 3 maybe, or cheaper, or runs better or just will be released exclusivly on Linux or at least first. Thats when we see Linux Desktop going wie mainstream.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

I have heard that some games run better on Linux than Windows.

[@Evilatem]

SteamOS is going into public beta by May.

[@kackotopi]

Funny and true!

[@peterschmidt9942]

I had a good old chuckle with your video - Bobs Bob and doesn't know any different. You want to give Google every information about us because what's the difference, come from Microsoft. The scary thing is most users think exactly like this. Personally using Linux Mint is like using an OS with one hand tied behind my back.But most people are going to use it much as you described and why they're happy with it.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Apart from the data mining aspect of Windows, one of the things I've noticed over recent years is just how much Windows 10 and 11 won't get out of your way and let you get on and do your work. Even if you turn off as much of their stuff in the settings, the number of times my wife's Windows 11 laptop tells her to finish her "setup" and "use this software".

[@peterschmidt9942]

@@JamesChampionLinux I installed Win11 on a new mini PC I bought a while back and only last a day until I reverted it back to Win10. By comparison, installing Fedora on it was a breeze. I haven't booted into Windows on that one since. I generally dual boot my laptop though (still on Win10) as I can't run everything I need on Linux (no matter what Linux users say). Most Linux is still better than most Windows

[@MrBobWareham]

Hi Bob hear but not 50 but 80, there are only a couple of things I don't like with Linux and that is the hard drive structure no C, D, and finding the USB drive that I want to use, but the rest is very good including the free software, but for me on my Lenovo laptop works very well, and I don't miss Windows at all, interesting video.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Good to hear that the Lenovo laptop and Linux are going well that you're not missing Windows.

[@Salmon260]

I'm on Linux Mint in Virtual Box in Windows 11 on my Asus laptop.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Good to hear!

[@Malicidal]

If there is any way possible to get Windows 11 up and running on my 2016 desktop PC, once Microsoft stops the updates, that is what I'm gonna do. If not, then I will just have to install Linux on a spare HDD and do my online stuff within Linux. I think the only way Linux will see any significant increase in users is if Microsoft ends up making it impossible for older hardware to get security updates for Windows 11. I'm sure I could figure out Linux, and eventually be somewhat happy with the experience, but I'm not going to make that attempt unless Microsoft forces me to.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

That's fair enough. To be honest, I only switched to Linux years ago because I couldn't get the custom experience I needed from Windows.

[@varenneriocha8712]

Only if you can't run Windows 11? So, unless you have no other alternatives?

[@Evilatem]

You can try Linux out on your PC without installing it. Download the distro you want to try out ( i suggest Linux Mint), "burn" the iso to a USB stick using Rufus or Belena Etcher, stick the USB into your system and boot from the USB. It will start a "live session" where you can try out the whole LinuxOS while no changes are made to your system. Once your are done, shut down the "live session" and unplug the USB stick. You can boot right back to Windows without issue.

[@BabyGreedTheHedgehog_MegaLifeF]

Down the road. I think linuxmint will turn out like Windows and it'll be a challenge Windows against mint. I believe there'll be a challenge down the road, you know mint needs to have a login sound and log out sound. Probably down the road they would crush them. On that. I hope they think of that. Cuz I believe Microsoft would attack them one day.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

I think Microsoft will always react to anything that they feel threatens their business model. In the early days of Linux, Microsoft were clearly worried and did a lot to try and stop any significant Linux adoption.

[@markh.7650]

The misinformation that Microsoft has removed the requirement of having a TPM module has to stop now. You can still get around it with registry hacks of course.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Well, as I understand it, Microsoft have changed their mind on making is an absolute necessity to be able to use Windows 11, even if it's still a "requirement".

[@markh.7650]

@@JamesChampionLinux I saw a video on this site of a young man trying to install Win11 on a non-TPM computer. It stopped cold and said this hardware is incompatible (this was in the last few days, so it's not stale info). So, as a tech person, who probably has access to a PC that is without TPM, go ahead and try it. I know you are a Linux guy, but you owe it to your viewers to speak the truth, and in this case, the truth might actually support Linux fans hope that more people will switch to Linux. (IMO Linux is only for people who are intimate with how a command line OS works and are not "casual" users. Yes, Chrome will allow you to limp along oblivious to what's under the hood, but try installing something that doesn't have a dedicated Linux build.)

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Thanks for the info. It looks like this all started with a PCWorld article being incorrect about information on a Microsoft support page.

[@peterschmidt9942]

Yes you probably can...for now. But Bob isn't going to do that.

[@varenneriocha8712]

What kind of logic is that? "You can still get around it with registry hacks of course" makes the fact "that Microsoft has removed the requirement of having a TPM module" a misinformation?

[@Wally-gm6ec]

My problem with linux mint is that youtube freeze audio loop keyboard for get it have to hard reboot 🙄

[@johnpedersen8387]

Will he install Google Chrome after that its extensions is malware? You can se the video ThioJoe have made just yesterday

[@JamesChampionLinux]

He probably will! It does feel that extensions are not well moderated in web browsers and that it could be quite easy to put something malicious in there.

[@SillySausage-mq3so]

I installed Redhat Linux back in the day from a book :) Did it, but GOD was it hard, so many problems :p

[@varenneriocha8712]

From a book? Must have been in the 90s. That was the stone age compare to today, three decades later!

[@Patriot-00]

@@SillySausage-mq3so today it is as easy as windows and fedora is free.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

@SillySausage-mq3so Good job for toughing it out through the hazing period and getting the installation up and running!

[@footak8933]

Well, Bob is just messed up by 40+ years of Windows...

[@cbm_doomworld]

Thats Bob sorted but what about Alice? 😂 I prefer Firefox and other search engines than Google but I still use Gmail though. I do like Linux Mint however and I dobrun stuff outside the browser ❤

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Unfortunately, I have to run some Google services, KZbin being an obvious one, but I only really use them because the family are using them and the convenience.

[@harveybc]

Over the last year I've made the switch and been very happy. There is nothing that I can do in Windows that I can't do in Linux, but then I do use Adobe or any other pay as you go subscription based application. The only problem I have is that the computers now run too fast. My old Win7 Laptop run programs faster then my newer desktop with an i5 and twice the memory ran Win10. Bob must be brain dead. All he has to do is go to the Linux Software Manager and install what he wants. Dang, MS would never have a software store to install software would they? Why would he want to keep using 365. Mint comes with a full office suite that works off line and he never has to worry about paying for. Also if Bob didn't need anyone to hold his hand he would know that he could still use 365 without the 365 desktop. I guess he was never told. As for the rest, If Bob doesn't want to spend and hour or less and do any research to learn about the different distros I hope he has someone to help him dress because he probably never learned to tie his shoes. Does he even know that Mac's don't run Windows? I'm a bit facetious above about Bob,. However you are correct that 2025, or any other year, will not be the year of the Linux desktop. This won't happen until it is possible to walk into a store and buy a computer already set up with Linux. It is just too hard for most to put forth the effort to do something for themselves.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Bob might do his research in the future, but right now Bob is being Bob. :) Yep, Windows definitely has complete dominance with desktop and laptop computers shipping with Windows.

[@LaZd-]

"As for the rest, If Bob doesn't want to spend and hour or less and do any research to learn about the different distros I hope he has someone to help him dress because he probably never learned to tie his shoes" That wasn't the best analogy considering many people are taught how to tie their shoes, lmao.

[@harveybc]

@@LaZd- True, but I know several that haven't yet learned. I suspect that is one reason for the Velcro equipped shoes.

[@LaZd-]

@@harveybc Eh, fair point.

[@icemaniceburg2390]

micro$ofts "recall" has made me start migrating, tried Nobara, but still looking for a distro not infested with woke developers

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Interesting, I don't think I've heard of Nobara. Thanks.

[@icemaniceburg2390]

@@JamesChampionLinux Its meant to be gaming focused, by having Lutris and Proton already running. But seeing the politics with upstream Red hat, and Fedora is really off putting. OpenMandriva supposedly has none of that political drama around it, will be testing that soon.

[@Evilatem]

Bazzite or SteamOS is going into public beta by May.

[@zakazanyphoenix3573]

to me windows 11 and the new linux is like Mumble Rap and new hip hop music is good enough nowadays but lack wacky tacky bits that made them rememberable that you would have in windows xp dog and clippy search , 7 startup chime and little penguin Tux are all gone now its like jazz and old school rap they were too good for their time almost all new OS feels like the nuances of sterile & soulless or gut bloated & less useful but there still is hope i have seen fyde os it is good quirky too whose want a chromium os but want also use Linux apps and also want play android games i am always was fond of modding windows lots and lots of wacky crazy not even ideal weird looking builds i love it some mad scientists transplanted windows 11 UI or explorer onto windows 10 base kernel os just because he can ofc don't get me started on all aliens themed build i have soft spot for those

[@Nicholasorsomething.]

2025 will be the year of the plan9 desktop

[@htx80nerd]

good thought experiment

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Thanks. :)

[@pauleduard4772]

... and Bob's your uncle! 😁

[@onedaywewill]

I've been using Fedora Workstation on and off. I thought I would use Fedora KDE, but the graphics completely messed (being polite) up. I always disconnect Windows when installing Linux, and KDE flickers like crazy. Reboot in Windows and to my amazement flickering affected. Had to remove the graphics card and re-install the NVIDIA driver. All OK now. Stuff Linux.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

That's a shame that Linux didn't work out for you. I don't quite understand why a Linux install would effect your Windows install, as your Windows drivers and Linux drivers wouldn't be shared across either OS. It's interesting that you removed the graphics card, and for whatever reason, it makes me wonder if the card wasn't seated correctly and that's why you had the flickering. Just a friendly suggestion should you want to try Linux again. :)

[@tonyrawlings3851]

@@JamesChampionLinux, I re-installed Fedora Workstation. There were no problems at all. The graphics card was installed correctly and works OK in Windows 11. Workstation is the only distribution I use now.

[@xycoflos]

im 16, just changed on linux mint since a few hours, i agree with you about 2025 not being the year of linux, its slowly getting there, also bob needs to learn more about linux lol

[@varenneriocha8712]

That is the whole point: Not knowingly, just through years of use, people have "learned" Windows. They overlook that and think Linux "should work" with zero learning!

[@JamesChampionLinux]

@xycoflos Good luck with Linux Mint.

[@BigPoppaCronie]

I mean, I agree with what you said, but holy shit why did it take you 16 minutes to say it?

[@JamesChampionLinux]

16 minutes is quick to explain something on this channel! :)

[@htx80nerd]

>"actually lets not say COS play" haha - good choice

[@oldskeptic1513]

... it is clear to me that, it's a miracle your Bob could use a computer ... it's obvious, he likes to eat, but does not want to chew, too much effort, likes to dance, but can not bother to get up, and so on ... every one of us who switched to Linux, never did it overnight ... Microsoft was the reason of course ... and, I had to do a great deal of reading and learning totally strange stuff and "language" ... the first distro was, Ubuntu 5.0, and a dual boot for a year and a half, till I settled on Mint, confident I knew enough for permanent switch ... I'm happily using Mint 22 LTS... since the switch, no stack overflows, no crashes, no viruses and endless reinstallations, no drive defragmentations no missing or corrupt DLLs ... ... so, Bob, get a pen and a notebook, start reading and make notes, for all the commands and terminology you need to learn, regardless of your age ... otherwise, stay on MS Windows and keep tearing up what's left of your pubes ...

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Lots of good points made.

[@matthewstott3493]

If I had to rank OS's based on consistency, attention to detail, high quality end user experiences, etc. Then macOS is at the top of the heap followed by Windows and Linux Desktop comes in last. It takes tremendous effort and time to get things setup and working reliably. I find it to be worth the effort for the freedom. But I am a highly skilled technical worker who has the ability to research issues and resolve them on Linux. But no way is Bob going to be issued a Linux desktop.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

It would be interesting to see what you think of COSMIC desktop once it's finished its alpha and beta releases.

[@varenneriocha8712]

I wonder what make "a highly skilled technical worker who has the ability to research issues and resolve them on Linux" like you says "no way is Bob going to be issued a Linux desktop".

[@somegoofy]

Stopped watching after 5 minutes. Serious Bob will pay somebody who knows how to setup Linux system with apps which Bob need. In this video all about Bob who don t know how to do... Sorry, this is not exactly truth about switching ... this is only one small but true version

[@JamesChampionLinux]

It's definitely possible that there will be variations of Bob.

[@JohnCandy-u9j]

haha, i cannot forgive myself for listening you. who said, we cannot install spotify? the page you visited had a command. just open terminal and run the command.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Bob is scared of the terminal. He doesn't want to get hacked by Mr Robot.

[@JohnCandy-u9j]

@@JamesChampionLinux That's Funny. I liked you sense of humor bob.

[@peterpumpkineater301]

Your VM is extremely slow

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Yeah, I need to look at some optimisations in the near future. :)

[@Elcroma78]

Bob needs to work in a real pc not in a virtual pc😁

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Bob didn't realise how capable he really was by running a virtual machine by accident. :)

[@heatherhutchinson3625]

As if "roleplay" does not have bad connotations haha

[@JamesChampionLinux]

;)

[@ThatPinkPanther]

Windows 11 is the only way forward.

[@eugeniogonzato]

I didn't understand what your purpose was when you made this video

[@varenneriocha8712]

Well, the purpose is at it arrives at the recipient. My impression was that, the author tried not to fall in the the euphorie, "now Microsoft is commiting suicide, Linux will boom" slip in to the shoes of a "commoner" and see how the reality is.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

I just wanted to be as honest as possible about a regular user trying to switch from Windows to Linux Mint would actually look like.

[@eugeniogonzato]

@@JamesChampionLinux I think there is another question first: why does a person use a computer? The operations you described in the video can very well be done with a smartphone or tablet. So, why use a computer? I think this question comes first, because if one uses the computer only to navigate, read mail or listen to music, one can do it from a phone. Among my friends, for example, the majority don't have a computer at home, they only use it at work. Other types of users? those who want to get into programming? to content creation? those are curious enough to delve a little more into the use of a computer and therefore also the use of unixlike systems.

[@varenneriocha8712]

@@eugeniogonzato Obviously, if you don't need a computer, then why do you watch this video (and comment)?

[@Ariskat79]

I actually just use Edge. It is basically the same with perhaps slightly less spying.. maybe not but its just Chrome with a Microsoft layer on top

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Like you say, it's just Chrome with a Microsoft skin.

[@TheDesertsweeper]

My issue is drivers. I tried to move my Mint from a NuC to an AMD Mini Pc. Which with Windoze would be a breeze. But with Mint I need to roll up my sleeves and find geek-forums to figure out the AMD APU that is just not working. I gave up and put the SSD back into the Intel NuC

[@JamesChampionLinux]

That's a shame as I would assume that Linux Mint would just work on it.

[@erickdomingo6579]

Nothing to lose if you try MX Linux ahs version

[@jedipadawan7023]

@@erickdomingo6579 Plus the Liquorix kernel which is in the MX-Linux repos which I find fixes just about any driver issue, or the Xanmod kernel which can be added.

[@Iainmaclennan70]

Most people don't know that Linux exists!!

[@JamesChampionLinux]

This is true.

[@varenneriocha8712]

Ha, ha, ha! Where did you live? Not in the global village, do you?

[@josephbosack4408]

Personally I think the Linux world is wasting time with developing hundreds of Linux Distros instead of developing apps that average users can use with ease when switching from Windows to Linux. Average users want point and click options to install needed apps and not command line where they can easily damage their system.

[@JamesChampionLinux]

There are probably way too many distros, but I guess it's happened as Linux, Open Source, and Free Software afforded developers the possibility to make as many different distributions as can be imagined.

[@peterschmidt9942]

My thoughts exactly. Linux is much better than it was even a couple of years ago in that respect. Most of the Neanderthals are slowly dying out and with it coming new ideas and people willing to help new users. Its not like we're computing in the 60's anymore - we've all moved on from that...except some Linux users 😂

[@varenneriocha8712]

Major distributions like Debian offer 60k plus packages, I read. Do you think there's nothing for the average user there?

[@jairotechsupport]

But can Bob run Netflix on Linux?

[@JamesChampionLinux]

Yep, Bob can run Netflix on Linux. :)