It won't be EOL on Windows 10 that drives the world to Linux, it'll be these tariffs.
Posted by Final-Work2788@reddit | linux | View on Reddit | 293 comments
Tariffs equal more expensive laptops, which equals people opting for older machines, and older machines work terribly on Windows 11, but on Linux they work wonderfully, so Linux it is. Makes you start to dream a bit, picture a renaissance of OS minimalism, DWM and i3 trending on TikTok. Influencers rocking Hyprland.
ugtug@reddit
If Linux worked on my laptop like it does on my steam deck, I would be a rather seamless transition.
Dumpadonk@reddit
But do we want it to become more 'mainstream'? Windows greatest security problem is its popularity, the more people use it, the more it becomes a target, then the more issues arise and any potential protections and fixes actually end up making it worse....
Maybe a bit contrarian, but the usual way of things seems to be when something becomes the 'in' thing that everyone uses, it turns to shit.
Stay under the waves, making everything work without them realizing :)
THEHIPP0@reddit
You know that for 96% of the world population computers won't get more expensive?
Moral_Degenarate@reddit
More like 50% (Intel is a USA-based company).
wintrmt3@reddit
No one put up new tariffs on american cpus yet, and nobody will do it, because tariffing stuff you don't have local replacement for is just stupid.
blackcain@reddit
Oh yeah? Did you know the U.S. is tariffing' coffee? No local replacement for that.
https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/import-tax-coffee-pressures-us-roasters-already-facing-high-prices-2025-04-03/#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20announced%20on%20Wednesday,%2C%20got%20a%2010%25%20tariff.
We're heading for depression over here. Also TSMC can fab chips to others. Not sure how Intel will do foundry in other countries but absolutely.
Tariffs on microprocessors are coming - https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/trump-administration-exempts-computer-chips-and-copper-from-sweeping-tariffs-but-only-for-now-report-says-chip-tariffs-coming-later
Monsieur_Moneybags@reddit
Ever had Kona coffee? I tried it once and it's pretty good, and it's made in the good ol' USA (Hawaii).
blackcain@reddit
Yes I'm aware. Hawaii is not going to meet the coffee needs of the entire U.S. So while you are right that there is a local supply but it will not meet demand and consequently the tariff'd coffee supply is going to end up being cheaper.
Also note that U.S. labor is still more expensive than say Brazil or Vietnam.
Monsieur_Moneybags@reddit
I think there's a good possibility that Kona coffee production ramps up as a result of the tariffs, which could result in lower prices. Of course it will never replace imported coffee 100%, but any increase is good as that means more US jobs. Also, high wages for US workers is a good thing, we need more of that.
blackcain@reddit
You have to invest to scale up production. If your markets are crashing how do you scare up enough money to do that?
What about having to buy more land (this is Hawaii, not a huge land mass) + time for the plants to mature? You can't just scale up because you have it in your back pocket somewhere. It takes some years to do that.
AgrajagTheProlonged@reddit
And often sold as a blend with other kinds of coffee as Kona coffee is not exactly cheap (lower supply will do that)
Monsieur_Moneybags@reddit
Doesn't matter, it's still from the USA. The person I was responding to said there were "no local replacements" for coffee, which I showed was false.
By the way, are you stalking me from /r/books? lol, that's just sad.
AgrajagTheProlonged@reddit
Ah, so it doesn’t matter if the domestic coffee is affordable or produced in adequate quantities to fulfill demand as long as someone somewhere grows a coffee plant?
You’re also in r/Books? Small world
Monsieur_Moneybags@reddit
Right. More demand will spur production of greater supply.
Stalkers always think the world is small. You responded to at least two of my comments in /r/books. I'm pretty sure stalking is against reddit rules. I'll find out.
AgrajagTheProlonged@reddit
Kona coffee production is currently around 2 million pounds per year. American coffee consumption is around 2 billion pounds per year. I’m sure Hawai’i is capable of a 1,000x increase in production.
You were on that other thread, weren’t you? Now I go back and compare usernames from notifications is seems you were. As the French would say, quelle coincidence!
Monsieur_Moneybags@reddit
Doesn't have to fulfill all of the current demand, just enough to start making it a viable alternative for some people.
And sure, some "coincidence." That's just sad.
AgrajagTheProlonged@reddit
Either way, I’m for sure looking forward to increases in the price of coffee and the general economic chaos and damage the felonious president is causing
Monsieur_Moneybags@reddit
What will you say if there is no "economic chaos"?
KrazyKirby99999@reddit
Coffee is practically free, but there are certainly other products that cannot be obtained in the U.S. without importing.
blackcain@reddit
Yeah, like apparently smart people.
ijzerwater@reddit
tariffing the whole world is not? you may be able to have local replacement for some of it, but certainly not all of it. You may be in the situation that retaliatory tariff hurts the other more, but all retaliatory tariffs on top of each other hurt USA most
wintrmt3@reddit
Sure that's stupid too, sensible countries will counter tariff in a way that hurts the US the most and not just put a flat rate on everything.
ijzerwater@reddit
what hurts USA, what hurts the GOP parts, what hurts USA without impacting themselves.
Moral_Degenarate@reddit
Dude, AMD has had half the market ever since the 2000s, and have gotten equal with Intel since 2015.
I do really hope no tariffs are put to American computer hardware (hell nobody wants any tarifs whatsoever).
If they apply though, it could be an incentive for other countries & companies to try and compete with both Intel and AMD.
THEHIPP0@reddit
But they don't produce most of the chips there.
Moral_Degenarate@reddit
I know, and the same happens with american cars manufactured outside.
But unfortunatley Orange President can't put 1 + 1 together.
curt94@reddit
Trumps plan is to cause pain and suffering to businesses and countries in order to gain political favors. You are witnessing a bully putting the world in a headlock. He's after everyone's lunch money.
blackcain@reddit
Especially within the U.S. - U.S. businesses will have to pay him. That's why nobody is going to trust U.S. businesses going forward.
---Cloudberry---@reddit
I think people will just struggle on or pay-up rather than learn a scary new thing.
Hot_Fisherman_1898@reddit
A ton of people don’t even know Linux exists or what an operating system is.
Own-Replacement8@reddit
Vast majority of computer users have no idea how to boot from a USB. Of those, the vast majority do not want to know.
jr735@reddit
Maybe countries affected by tariffs should simply prohibit OS pre-installs on bare metal.
Own-Replacement8@reddit
Better to mandate installation of a Linux distro than expect people to figure it out.
agent-squirrel@reddit
This is it. People will just grumble and be like "Computer broke".
1776-2001@reddit
> People will just grumble and be like "Computer broke".
obligatory I.T. Crowd clip
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W5XXnEXuWM
chaosgirl93@reddit
I've been through a lot of "FUCK WINDOWS" moments where anyone who knew anything would give Linux a try, but I did not know I had any options besides "swear at Microsoft, suck it up, live with it, hope the problem is eventually fixed".
I would not be surprised if that exact situation, ending in sucking it up, is orders of magnitude more common than frustration induced Linux journeys.
TopdeckIsSkill@reddit
Yeah, like voting for something different from trump
Xendrak@reddit
TDS was bound to be somewhere
bananamantheif@reddit
Saying TDS only works if he's not the most influential man on the planet. He's directly affecting people here.
ScrotsMcGee@reddit
Ahh yes, the made up condition that has no basis in the medical or psychological world, just in the heads of Trump supporters who use it as a coping mechanism.
bananamantheif@reddit
Doesn't the majority of people do their work on a browser? If so I feel like Linux would work perfectly.
Achereto@reddit
Many people are getting used to Linux through Steam Deck. We may end up with a perfect storm of Windows 10 EOL, tariffs and SteamOS Desktop PCs.
Reasonable-Letter485@reddit
You're describing the exact scenario I'm in, I got a deck a few months ago.
I literally swapped the pc over to Linux this week due to the impending EOL on windows 10, it was a learning curve to begin with but it's giving my retro gaming pc a new lease of life, I'm very happy with it so far, I actually can't see myself going back.
dannoffs1@reddit
Also Windows is hilariously easy to pirate
soltesza@reddit
also hilariously dangerous because you don't know how it was broken and what little "extra" was added to that pirated version
Would you trust your banking passwords and other sensitive info to a cracked, pirated Windows? Good luck with that one.
Orsim27@reddit
You mean the pirated version.. which you downloaded from Microsoft themselves? Or she 3 line script you downloaded from GitHub (owned by Microsoft) to „activate“ it? Sure I would never trust anything from Microsoft.com with my banking information…
Jaznavav@reddit
Lol, no? Download the official 24h2 ISO, flash with rufus, go on github, run a script, done
changeLynx@reddit
True, but it will lead a lot who were in doubt to Linux. Slow sustainable Growth is better than a boom
Street-Comb-4087@reddit
Very true. I've had a few friends on Discord tell me they were switching and I've even helped a few transfer over
changeLynx@reddit
each one teach one. I had to do everything alone on 2012, you are a real friend!
agent-squirrel@reddit
Yeah they will just complain but never seek out alternatives.
MatthewMob@reddit
They don't know there are alternatives in the first place. To the average user Windows is what a computer is, in the same way that OSX is what a Mac is.
agent-squirrel@reddit
Yep I agree. A curious individual would go “surely there is something else” even if their notion of a PC is Windows.
Most people aren’t curious though.
BigHeadTonyT@reddit
Agree. Keep using what they are used to no matter the cost of new hardware. And then claim it performs better. Of course it does if you had ancient hardware..
Or pay good money to a technician to get everything set up on Win 11.
Learning anything new? "Ain't nobody got time for dat!"
Aperture_Kubi@reddit
What I find stupidly hilarious is I saw a lot of converts to Mac when Windows Vista landed because "they moved everything around!"
So yeah, so learn an entirely new UI/UX because the one you were used to changed slightly.
tuxedo_jack@reddit
Or, if not in business, they'll hoist a flag.
Apologies to LazyTown.
Goldarr85@reddit
This. The average person, no matter how easy we think it is, will simply use the old computer until it dies. Then, buy a new Windows 11 PC.
Happy-Range3975@reddit
I really do think governments across the world should sever ties with Microsoft/Apple. I know it’s logistical nightmare, but this would be the time to start. US tech companies need to be knocked down a couple pegs. They are the reason we are in this situation. They’ve gotten too powerful.
aa_conchobar@reddit
Would you prefer to hand the monopoly to China? I'm not American, so I don't really have a dog in the game here. I wouldn't want to reduce the global standing of my own country, though.
redballooon@reddit
Does China have a monopoly on Linux, is that what you’re saying?
kyzfrintin@reddit
Not necessarily, I believe they're just saying that Microsoft and Apple losing any kind of popularity might lead to Chinese companies like TikTok sucking up that lost market share. Not that I agree with them.
aa_conchobar@reddit
It doesn't have to be China, either. That was just a potential scenario I didn't expect everyone to jump on.
I want to know why they desire the loss of influence and power of their own nation on the global stage. I think only Americans have this trait. I can't think of any other population who'd think degrading is a good idea.
kyzfrintin@reddit
I really don't think US institutions switching to Linux is actually going to "degrade" the US. It's a crazy suggestion.
aa_conchobar@reddit
No, it wouldn't, however
absolutely would.
Why do Americans have this trait?
kyzfrintin@reddit
Is this a serious question?
aa_conchobar@reddit
Yes. Why do Americans actively want their own companies to go under? I would be delighted for my country to be where yours is. I'd be delighted to see those wages in the tech industry come to us. But what is it about Americans that causes this trait? No one else has it
kyzfrintin@reddit
Not American myself, but it's pretty obvious as the military and economic hegemon of the world that the US occupies a unique position. Those that aren't fond of empires and the turmoil they generally cause upon the world probably would prefer if the US weren't capable of ending the world with a few bad decisions.
aa_conchobar@reddit
The US would be capable of this whether their companies went under or not. It's a piss poor explanation designed to simply sound convincing.
kyzfrintin@reddit
If you don't think large corporations are an important part of US power, think again. But you're right in that a few tech companies aren't all of it. However, if all the US' most power corporations went under, that'd be absolutely huge, and not just for the US.
aa_conchobar@reddit
It would hit your economy hard and make the lives of US citizens a bit worse for it. However regarding US power, they're too large a nation with too much high quality human capital to truly lose their ability to be dominating faction on the global scale. So it begs the question: Why do Americans actively want to make their own lives worse by limiting their own economy? No other people do this at scale the way Americans do. Do you believe China, Russia or some European coalition would manage things better? Do you see the US as inherently more evil than other potential powers? What's driving this?
By the way, I'd like to add that I'm asking these questions as someone who isn't particularly fond of what US culture has become. I think Hollywood specifically has had a horrible global impact.
kyzfrintin@reddit
Breaking up monopolies isn't limiting their economy. In fact, nationalising such industries would be a brilliant way of bringing down costs.
I don't think your question is genuine, you seem to just feel like defending corporations for some reason, and proselytising your belief that big corporations getting bigger is somehow a good thing.
aa_conchobar@reddit
If you can't for the sake of the convo at least consider good faith, then your reply is clearly bad faith as well.
I don't care so much about corporations as I care about the financial well-being of myself and my family. That's a core principle, shared by most of humanity, except, ironically, Americans, it seems. I'd actually be thrilled if American tech left the US and moved to London; my family would be far better off if I could land a job with them, which I would absolutely try to, obviously. Limiting the American tech industry, as OP suggested, would only hurt the financial position of many Americans. American tech is sig part of your economy. I'm genuinely baffled... can you explain why you, as an American, would want this? So far, all I've heard are deflections, false parallels, or a switch of what OP actually said to a more logical position.
redballooon@reddit
Sounds a little far fetched to me. Not that they won’t try, but the assumption that they’ll succeed, at all, with a sizable portion of the market, and even more with a monopoly.
kyzfrintin@reddit
I agree. It's rather far fetched.
elperuvian@reddit
Nobody mentioned China, Europe can create their own companies. Even Linux is not a reliable alternative cause it’s still controlled by an American foundation
aa_conchobar@reddit
It doesn't have to China. That's just a potential scenario. Why would you actively desire your country to lose power on the global platform? It won't make your life better
Happy-Range3975@reddit
I don’t think American corporations should run the world or America. I am willing to live a simpler life if it means they have less influence over our day to day lives.
aa_conchobar@reddit
It's not that your life would be simpler. It's that you'd actually be worse off for it
ColoradoSteelerBoi19@reddit
That’s why I’m trying to switch my gaming PC to Linux. I want to try to disappear from Microsoft, Google, anything I can.
kakarroto007@reddit
Gaming was my last barrier, too. I recently gave Nobara Linux a try, and never looked back. It's Fedora + KDE Plasma + a bunch of gaming apps preinstalled. The kernel and system is tweaked for gaming performance.
You could test it out on an external device like a usb flash drive or external ssd, without committing to it.
For Steam, all you have to do is check a box under settings>compatibility: "enable steam play for all other titles". that enables compatibility by way of proton.
For everything non-steam there is Lutris or Heroic Launcher. Additionally, they each have store integration for GOG, Epic, etc. (Ubisoft Connect has to be installed and treated as a game, for some reason).
For installing software that requires a native Windows environment, or the previous methods don't work, there is a flatpak called Bottles. This method also works with "repacks".
Good luck.
EveYogaTech@reddit
You can have dual boot guys! That's what we're doing at /r/EULAPTOPS, 70% Linux, 30% disk space for Windows for if you really need it (not all games work yet with Wine/Lutris).
ColoradoSteelerBoi19@reddit
Does Lutris or Heroic work for every Epic title? I mostly just play rocket league but I have some other games (particularly EA) that I have installed through Epic.
agent-squirrel@reddit
https://www.protondb.com/app/252950?device=any Rocket League seems to work
kakarroto007@reddit
I know Heroic installs my EGS games no problem. However they're all offline/single player.
I'm also not going to BS you and pretend like Epic doesn't implement some kind of kernel level anti-cheat, which makes it impossible to play many of their in-house MMO titles on Linux, like Fortnite and Rocket League. This reality extends beyond Epic, to many online games as a service titles like Call of Duty.
But other AAA games, like Forza Horizon 5 on Steam, are totally playable online.
The best place to check for each title you play, is protondb.
smjsmok@reddit
No better time to do that than now. (Unless you play competitive MP titles with anti cheats, that is.)
Dom1252@reddit
yeah but then we have big corpos that were running mix of linux, windows and macos for workstations and completely ditched linux and don't allow anyone to use it, and claim it's because it was a nightmare from support perspective
switching to linux as a big shop isn't just hard from initial phrase, but also can be more expensive to maintain long term
anonymous_subroutine@reddit
I'm sure you meant to include Google.
I'm frustrated as hell that my new phone (Android) hung up on a call and sent them a text "I'll call you right back." I barely touched the thing. I neither asked nor wanted this stupid feaure.
Happy-Range3975@reddit
Them too. It sucks we only have 2 real options for a phone OS. Eventually Google will pull the plug on allowing people to root their devices
watermelonspanker@reddit
I've heard good things about Graphene OS, though I think you need particular devices. And it's still technically Android.
smjsmok@reddit
And both of them being really bad in their respective ways. IOS insists on treating its users like children and forcing the "right way" of doing things (and don't you dare deviating from that), and Android being a privacy nightmare.
I really hate the current state of the mobile OS market... Some competition is so badly needed to break up the duopoly.
patprint@reddit
Those features can be disabled, and you can use alternative dialer and messages apps if the settings don't go as far as you want them to.
anonymous_subroutine@reddit
I can't find a way to disable it.
blackcain@reddit
Google's execution of anything tech has been subpar.
shinra528@reddit
We need to break up nearly every company in this country and enforce massive consumer protection reforms.
watermelonspanker@reddit
Remember when we did "Trust Busting"? We need that shit again, but turbo
wuzzelputz@reddit
The evil side has a 54 year margin unfortunately: https://scholarlycommons.law.wlu.edu/powellmemo/
Mezutelni@reddit
To be honest, I can see that happening in EU.
We loves our regulation and anti Monopoly laws, add tarrifs and USA instability right now, and we could see some movement in this area. And when our governments switch, that would bring lots of software and solutions to Linux. I think that one big government (like eu countries) could bring enough traction to Linux to get adobe etc.
necrophcodr@reddit
Some of them ARE trying to do this as well. Sometimes it is politically motivated, sometimes economically so.
NimrodvanHall@reddit
The reason I live to work with a Linux desktop, is the reason my wife switched from windows to a Mac. I want need something where I can tweak everything to my liking and where I’m in full control over the system. She wants a no fuss machine that just works. Windows is a compromise that doesn’t work for the both of is. We both dislike the volatile nature of windows where every thing changes due to updates and then you need to tweak it back to your liking. She likes the Mac that just works with sensible presets. I want my machine to be only change and do what I want.
I don’t believe Linux is there for consumers. I do believe that Linux desktops are in a very good place for government officials and office employees when need a device With a keyboard and a mouse to access cloud resources and predetermined programs on externally managed devices.
nightblackdragon@reddit
It will be neither Win10 EOL nor tariffs. We already had Windows XP EOL, Windows 7 EOL with hopes that "This will finally make year of the Linux desktop" but it didn't happen and it won't happen this time. As for the Win10 people will move to Win11 sooner or later, because despite all its flaws it's still Windows, system they know and system that runs their software. As for the tariffs - that could make Windows more expensive outside the US but still not as much expensive as migrating to Linux.
Existing-Tough-6517@reddit
Windows 11 is actually obsoleting machines that were sold at point of sale as recently as 3-4 years ago whereas current trends mean new device contrary to prior eras aren't going to be noticeably better but are going to be substantially more expensive in a time when other costs are very high.
Look at the XP EOL issues they were obsoleting 10-13 year old machines whereby the replacements were both affordable and massively better.
I'm not saying that Linux is going to become the default just that its going to experience a bigger bump than with XP or 7.
jbglol@reddit
What business was selling 7th gen intel machines in 2022 as if they were new? Anything newer qualifies for Windows 11.
It sure wasn't Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Microcenter, etc. where 99% of people buy their computers.
Even right now I can only find a single 13th gen Intel at Best Buy and it is on clearance. I bought my 10600k from them in 2020 and they only had 9th and 10th gen stuff, so s
monocasa@reddit
My 3900x doesn't qualify for Win11 because it's motherboard has a soldered down 1.x TPM. It came out the same month as Win11.
jbglol@reddit
Well the 3900x supports it, and Microsoft has officially stated how to install 11 on TPM 1.2 devices, so you are fine to upgrade.
That said, that’s a six year old device, far from 3-4 years like original comment had said, and still supports it semi officially.
monocasa@reddit
They have officially removed those installation instructions, and have said that you need to immediately downgrade to windows 10 if you don't have a TPM 2.0 and that somehow that bypass was never intended as a mecahnism to install win11 on a device without a TPM 2.0.
https://www.theregister.com/2025/02/05/windows_11_hardware_requirement_workaround/
And once again, this is all for a motherboard that came out the same month as windows 11.
jbglol@reddit
The workaround still works, and even if it didn’t, you somehow bought a motherboard in 2021 that came with TPM 1.2, while TPM 2.0 was released in 2014, not sure how to help you with that. You could post the model to see if you’re actually correct.
Also, 3900x have fTPM 2.0 that can be enabled in the bios, and will allow you to use Windows 11. TPM modules are integrated into CPUs as well as motherboards, you just need to activate it.
Here’s a three year old Reddit thread where people with 3000 series all found ways in their BIOS to enable it and move to 11.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Amd/s/IuN0dx6QXJ
TRi_Crinale@reddit
I've talked to a few people recently (all with Asus boards, some Ryzen 7000 series and some Intel 12th/13th gen) where there is no option in bios to enable ftpm 2.0 and Windows 11 tells them they're ineligible. These are 2-4 year old systems which would still be considered high end
jbglol@reddit
You don't know what you're talking about, or everyone you talked to was lying.
You somehow talked to a lot of people who have basically brand new custom builds, as OEMs don't sell shit like that, and then they failed to enable a bios setting? Really? I have a 7600x and an Asus board, do I need to post a picture of the option? This would be widespread news if any manufacturers were selling boards/CPUs without TPMs lmao.
Also, any of them with 12/13th gen Intel's wouldn't have fTPM, as that is an AMD only option, so I am not surprised they couldn't find something that doesn't exist.
Straight from Asus themselves:
[Motherboard] Which ASUS model supports Windows 11 and how to setup TPM 2.0 in BIOS? | Official Support | ASUS Global
"TPM 2.0 is the minimum requirement recommended by Microsoft. TPM 2.0 was introduced back in 2015, and all ASUS motherboards feature version 2.0."
Go ahead and post the specs of the systems that supposedly don't work with Windows 11, it would go directly against what Asus themselves say.
monocasa@reddit
"Everyone who doesn't agree with me is either wrong or lying"
jbglol@reddit
That article states boards after 2015 work with 11.
Original comment said they have Asus boards from 2022 that don’t support 11, directly contradicting what Asus says.
Go ahead, prove me wrong. Post a board that supports Ryzen 7000, Intel 12/13 gen boards that don’t support 11.
My 7600x is on an Asus board, I can prove it to anyone that it works.
Existing-Tough-6517@reddit
They originally listed 8th - 10th as unsupported and just changed that less than 30 days ago. The 10th gen came out in 2019 and was in new in box machines into at least 2022 2023!
https://www.tomshardware.com/software/windows/microsoft-updates-windows-11-cpu-support-for-oem-systems-to-include-8th-to-10th-gen-intel-cpus
Whilst I am aware of this topic I don't follow blow by blow details with so much else going on and was unaware that MS had decided to not entirely fuck all these consumers in the ass. It remains to be seen how many users will have issues and be unable to update to 11 but this does suggest far fewer will be so challenged.
jbglol@reddit
You need to reread the article you linked as well as its source. That update was specifically for Windows 11 24H2, not 23H2 or any prior version, which 8th gen has always supported.
This just means 8th gen and onward get even longer support, as they will now get the update from 23H2 to 24H2.
577564842@reddit
Never so is relative. It is not ready now, period.
We have a number of Thinkpads, Dells and some others, and all across the board suffer from Bluetooth disappearing after laptop goes to sleep one too many times, or just for any other reason; not to mention a number of X1s being labeled in asset manager as "Shitcam" because for 2 yrs MIPI camera support was - sorry, it wasn't.
Potential_Penalty_31@reddit
None of those EOL meant that you can’t use the next Microsoft OS, win 10 EOL may not create the year of Linux desktop but this EOL isn’t like the previous.
john_a1985@reddit
Linux has never been as ready for prime time on the Desktop as it is right now. Those times aren't comparable.
I've had family and friends who'd never try Linux using it daily. My wife always joked that I am a big nerd, yet our living room PC runs Linux and she does everthiyng just fine. Steam Deck brought gaming to Linux in a huge way.
None of that was in place when Windows 7 went EOL.
flukus@reddit
I still find windows better and more hassle free for my games/media machine. A lot of things in Bryan Lundukes "why Linux sucks" videos I still find to be be points, like recovering from a game crash or memory leak with a USB keyboard. Windows is just much more stable and recoverable there.
On the other hand linux is increasingly better on the software side. When you need a random bit of software you can usually find something in the repo, on Windows the free software is getting sketchier all the time.
Ossur2@reddit
Thanks to LLM AI, Linux has never be more hassle free - you can ask a question and get a few terminal lines that get the job done in 5 seconds, while on windows you have to try to follow instructions to wade through a jungle of ever-changing UI, and often end up not even being able to fix the problem at all.
The only crashes I ever encounter are on my Windows work laptop, which is full of lag and needs to be restarted everyday to function properly - while my Linux at home just hums away smoothly, maybe requiring a restart once a month, or not at all if I'm not bothering to tinker with it and just use it like a normal person. The best part is that my work machine is new while my home machine is 12 years old.
Most normal people are sick of having to relearn tech things all the time and Linux is stable and solid. It's what most people really want. Show a "normie" an ad-free Linux computer that boots in 5 seconds and has Firefox with uBlock and they will feel like royalty, not having to waste their time on bullshit anymore.
commodore512@reddit
That was said 20 years ago in 2005 and they said that 10 years earlier than that in 1995.
IDatedSuccubi@reddit
Because it was true in every instance, Linux is constantly improving
Offbeatalchemy@reddit
Yeah but FOR REAL this time! It's so good now!
Ignoring people the collective muscle memory people have had for the last 30 years.
I vastly prefer Linux and I think it's a decent desktop experience now but short of Microsoft suddenly charging a monthly subscription to even use Windows or something drastic like that, I can't see the normies moving over.
nailuj@reddit
It's not about the muscle memory, or retraining people, or familiarity. Linux on desktop has the same problem it's always had, and that is that the software people want to run doesn't run on it. The only demographic of computer users that can run Linux without missing anything is software developers and maybe academics, and that's it. To grow beyond that, entire fields of software vendors would have to start targeting Linux for no benefit to themselves. I don't see that happening anywhere except maybe in gaming because Valve might be seriously threatened by not controlling the platform they're selling on.
netsrak@reddit
Even with gaming, they would still have to get games with anti-cheat running on it. I was going to try to switch over, but Tekken 8 would crash during multiplayer loading screens. At the end of the day, I want everything to work out of the box.
I still like using linux for software dev.
commodore512@reddit
People will still be saying that in 15 years
kurox8@reddit
I wouldn't go that far. Linux desktop is good right now but there's still major polishing left to be done before the OS is ready for mainstream use. I've tried both GNOME and Plasma (currently what I run) and there's still lots of minor bugs that would seriously annoy a new user
Dede_Stuff@reddit
This is how the passage of time works, yes.
kwell42@reddit
Linux was a desktop os that was so good it took over everything except desktop.
CorporateLegion@reddit
This was my experience. I've tried several times over the years and always eventually got frustrated with Linux.
But I think it's worth taking a step back because in my small experience, this isn't so much a win for Linux as much as it is a testament to how many programs nowadays are cross platform. All my "make or break" apps are Win/Linux cross-platform and maybe more. 5, 10, 15 years ago that wasn't the case. I switched from Win 7 to Mint a month or so ago and it took me maybe 2-3 days before I was settled in and just doing my thing. In past attempts, that's usually about the point where I'd think "Okay. I did it. I'm dual booting Linux. Now what? I can't do anything on here." Mint gave me so little problems I just straight up made my system single OS awhile ago.
Raunhofer@reddit
You could've made the same argument every time Windows went EOL.
kyzfrintin@reddit
I think you need to read past the first sentence of thr comment you're replying to.
Buddy-Matt@reddit
If you and your wife split up and she wanted her own personal living room TV she'd almost certainly end up buying the Windows PC the salesman sells her.
Or a Mac.
Linux is perfectly usable, and has been for years. But you have to actively seek it out, whereas the competitors just turn up passively. That more than any other single consideration is why Linux will continue to struggle.
And yes, Steam Deck was a huge boom, but it's still a relatively niche device.
FrazzledHack@reddit
I think you need to check the authorship of the comment you're replying to.
Buddy-Matt@reddit
Just see blue... Bloody Reddit avatars.
But my point still stands, even if it should have been worded as "their wife"
ScrotsMcGee@reddit
Trump's tariffs are on imports, not exports, so they won't increase the cost of anything exported outside of the US, unless those countries decide to push for tariffs on US products, in which case, they might only apply to specific exports from the US, or perhaps all exports from the US.
As an example, Australian products going into the US will be hit with the 10% tariff, which will make Australian products more expensive for the American consumer if they buy those products.
But because Australia isn't hitting the US back with tariffs, products exported from the US to Australia, will remain exactly as they are - no price increase.
And, just to be clear, Trump's tariffs will be paid for by American consumers, NOT the country those tariffs are applied to.
Tariffs can certainly be negative for the country that they are applied on, but the way it affects those countries (or rather, businesses in those countries) can differ. But, they will also be a negative for US consumers and US businesses who rely on importing things like steel, aluminum, beef etc.
As for the cost of Windows licensing, if you already have a Windows license (i.e. you are already on Windows 10), and you upgrade (or, downgrade as many believe) to Windows 11, it should still be free.
If you don't have a license, you would either have to purchase one or obtain one via some of the free or cheaper options out there.
Either way, Trump's tariffs will only increase the cost of things
That said, it was the prospect of having to move to Windows 11 that made me move to Linux (Debian) on all of my main desktops. This wasn't a problem for me as I've been using Linux since the 90s, but for people who haven't used Linux previously, it will definitely be an issue.
NewEntertainment1001@reddit
Test
LoganDungeon@reddit
r/usdefaultism
Journeyj012@reddit
a bunch of small fires lead to YEAR OF THE LINUX DESKTOPP
Zomunieo@reddit
Closed source software is always one mandatory update away from being turned into spyware.
faigy245@reddit
And open source software is always one mandatory sentencing to prison away from being turned into useless.
the_abortionat0r@reddit
What?
faigy245@reddit
Same corporations, like IBM, exist for longer than you are alive. And you get a contract with stated support time. Meanwhile open source - some random dude holds one project. He goes to jail (mandatory after sentencing you know) - project bye bye. Look at ReiserFS for most fameous example
Shoddy_Student2359@reddit
The real adoption for Linux will happen when Linux finally figures out that people want a GUI not a command line. I've experimented with linux, and anytime I've needed help the community has always been willing to respond with "Here's a line of code to run in terminal" followed by "modify this config file".
Why are these not in a GUI? I want a GUI, I want to see the options and switches presented in a logical manner, not a line of code that may or may not actually help with my issue.
Make the GUI the default interaction, not the terminal.
the_abortionat0r@reddit
So CMD and power shell commands are fine but CLI for Linux isn't?
Where is the GUI for sfc /scan now? Where's the GUI for dism?
Where's the GUI for disabling hibernation/fast boot?
Get over your self dude
theqat@reddit
Absolutely not
edparadox@reddit
So, Linux mass adoption would be thanks to US users, because they cannot deal with the new price tag, is that what you're trying to say?
You should really drop TikTok, and especially don't conflate TikTok influencers with real-life. If anything is not happening, it's everyone "rocking Hyprland".
EveYogaTech@reddit
It seems to be a combination of Windows 11 forcing latest hardware, Windows 10 ending support, and now USA tarrifs and drama.
I also hope to help with /r/EUlaptops (refurbished) 😊
BStream@reddit
If anything it's (local) european governments, I guess.
Reasonable-Letter485@reddit
I literally swapped over to Linux this week due to the impending EOL on windows 10, it was a learning curve to begin with but it's giving my retro gaming pc a new lease of life, I'm very happy with it so far, I actually can't see myself going back.
campbellm@reddit
Even amongst the vast majority of current Linux users, this isn't happening.
jaavaaguru@reddit
I had to Google what it is and I've been using Linux for over 2 decades.
As someone who has done plenty UX design, the first screenshot on its website looks off-putting.
DonaldLucas@reddit
Can you check hyperland? Looks way better.
campbellm@reddit
I've played with tiling managers and like the idea of them but the practicalities just don't work for me. Too my work requires me use a Mac, and the options there are far more limited.
pezezin@reddit
This. The vast majority of Linux users are not hipsters; I someone like me who has been using Linux at home since 2002 has zero interest in these DE, I can't see your random Joe using them either.
Weak-Commercial3620@reddit
Why do you care?
curlyheadedfuck123@reddit
The average joe today is dramatically less capable with operating a computer than 10, 15, 20, or 25 years ago, at least in the US. If people don't understand how to use an OS that makes all their choices for them, I can't imagine them using one that leaves them responsible for their choices.
Vlad_The_Impellor@reddit
No, it'll be Microsoft A) forcing users to surrender all privacy by refusing to install w/o a Microsoft account, then B) forcing them to subscribe to use their computers.
(A) is complete with the last update.
woox2k@reddit
US should introduce crazy tariffs on software export too. That would finally show the rest of the world that it's not so good idea to totally depend on a proprietary pieces of software controlled by another country!
Upstairs-Comb1631@reddit
I'm planning to convert a few machines to Linux by the end of the year.
I see it on the Plasma desktop.
ficskala@reddit
i'm very glad i don't live in the US, these tariffs just seem like a great way for US local companies, and customers to pay more money for the same stuff they've been already buying at high prices
LndrOnReddit@reddit
I’ve seen people pay off their takeout in 6 Month installments I doubt they’d learn how to use Linux instead of just taking on debt.
DavidePorterBridges@reddit
This might get downvoted but: Also the anti-American push will help. The only viable alternative is going open source when you don’t trust your ally anymore.
eyesofsaturn@reddit
this is a weird cope
kp729@reddit
The only thing that drives the world to Linux is if it starts shipping directly with the laptops. No one except enthusiasts wants to install an OS. That's the true bottleneck.
reaper987@reddit
And after that you will get lots of returns because: -I use software XYZ and it doesn't work -I wanted to do X, but had to Google for it for half an hour and still doesn't work
perkited@reddit
What's an OS?
- Majority of the population
kp729@reddit
Yep. Totally true.
Moscato359@reddit
Windows home costs OEMs almost nothing
And the trial windows software which they get paid to install makes the total software price negative
Linux cannot compete with negative pricing
pc0999@reddit
On the other hand, bloatware is also a negative value for consumer.
Moscato359@reddit
People are more price sensitive than they are bloatware sensitive
---Cloudberry---@reddit
OP is talking about the hardware costs, not the software costs.
equisetopsida@reddit
appart dell and apple...there are tons of choices
Moscato359@reddit
Pushing people to linux is a change to software
If a laptop costs 1000$ with linux, and costs 950$ with windows + tons of shovelware, because the shovelware paid 50$ to be on each laptop, people sill not buy the linux one
"older machines work terribly on Windows 11"
This is only true if they do not have tpm2... it uses slightly more ram, but it is not significant
If a machine is from 2018, which is still 7 years old, it will run windows 11 just fine
Conversion to linux, based off windows being a problem will only motivate people on hardware from 2017 or older
redballooon@reddit
Your 1000$ laptop now costs 1370$ if it comes from China. Your 950$ now costs 1302$ if it comes from China.
shinra528@reddit
Isn't it 40% on computers?
Moscato359@reddit
That doesn't change anything what I just said.
xaddak@reddit
Don't tell that to elderly relatives who seem to think you only need to buy one computer for your whole lifetime.
"I just bought this!"
"...when?"
"In 2004!"
Moscato359@reddit
My grandma says about people who can't learn tech, and keep up
"oh that's baloney"
blackcain@reddit
Yeah, but imagine the U.S. govt getting access to all your stuff on 365 cloud? You think the U.S. Federal govt won't do that? Google capitulated and renamed the Gulf Of Mexico!
CreedRules@reddit
There will never be a single bullet that causes mass adoption of desktop linux. Win11 and possibly higher computer prices will probably influence some people to switch over, but I would wager most of those who do switch over are rather tech savy or are already familiar with what linux is.
Grandma and ain't joining us xD, I sure as hell know none of my family would switch over either.
Imo a more likely outcome is that the American market would follow what many Asian countries do already, which is focus on mobile devices as opposed to desktop usage. There are plenty of decent, cheap phone on the market already. Tariffs would certainly increase the prices on phones, but a $100 phone going up to $150 is something most American's can afford. A $600 computer going up to $650/$700 is out of many people's price point. Hell even a $600 junker computer is out of many people's price point already lol.
lostcanuck007@reddit
most people live in the browser nowadays, no one cares about the OS anymore. seriously. just converted about a dozen 70+ yr olds to linux over the years.
they dont care as long as they have chrome. they want things to work. and linux makes sure it works.
i vnc into their systems to take care of anything if needed. iv had to do that once in the past 6 years. turns out they wanted to browse to a video and they found some special malware installer that wouldn't run coz it was exe and somehow ublock origin didn't catch it.
no one cares anymore.
im thinking of shifting everyone to chrome OS now. no one their age seems to need anything else.
CreedRules@reddit
I do agree, most people simply don't care about OS anymore. Which is also why I think there will not be a mass adoption of Linux and its various flavors based on current events. Maybe chromeos will catch on more as you mentioned, most people only care about using a browser. Chromeos already has a sizeable user base in the educational space here in the US so it wouldn't shock me if it moves beyond that.
watermelonspanker@reddit
Most normal people I know barely even know that their device runs windows.
They won't see this as an opportunity to switch (unless maybe it's to a mac), just as another price hike. Which, being in the proprietary ecosystem, is probably par for the course
ColonialDagger@reddit
The thing that is going to move people to Linux is going to be gamers and laptop manufacturers. Who's the people installing any operating system on their computers? It's basically just gamers, laptop manufacturers, and IT professionals, and IT professionals know damn well not to tech support their family.
RedditMainCharacter1@reddit
I think for personal use, people are just not gonna buy laptops anymore. They can get around with phones.
N5tp4nts@reddit
You’ll get maybe 1 percent of the pure libertarians who don’t need to use a computer for anything other than a web browser.
tanksalotfrank@reddit
Congress just repealed the "national emergency" that enabled the Canadian tariffs, so maybe not all hope is lost.
Monsieur_Moneybags@reddit
CreedRules@reddit
Nothing has been repealed as of now. It has to be voted on in the house now. Bills, resolutions, etc don't have to flow House > Senate first, it can happen in either order. It just has to happen in both.
MatchingTurret@reddit
Get a clue. Needs approval in both houses and the President's signature. Not going to happen anytime soon.
tanksalotfrank@reddit
Okay have fun drowning in pessimism. I know how Congress works.
MatchingTurret@reddit
I'm not overly pessimistic. I'm pretty sure the chaos will go on for a few months until real negotiations start and something gets hammered out. Right now this is chest thumping and trash talking phase.
tanksalotfrank@reddit
I really don't care that you've given up hope. That's really none of my business
satriale@reddit
No, I’m pretty sure that was just the senate. If you’re American I would recommend reviewing what congress is and how passing/repealing laws work.
tanksalotfrank@reddit
Enjoy drowning in your pessimism, see how far that gets you. I'll continue not giving up, thanks.
satriale@reddit
You really do need to learn about how congress works if your response is this logically incoherent.
tanksalotfrank@reddit
Cool story bro. Keep up that pessimism!
blackcain@reddit
What are you talking about? Yesterday, Trump announced that everyone is getting tariff'ed across the globe.
tanksalotfrank@reddit
Okay, and that's also happening. Two things can be true at the same time. I'll gladly take one baby step forward instead of giving up hope completely.
blackcain@reddit
Trump declared a national emergency yesterday. House leadership is not going to stand up to Trump.
tanksalotfrank@reddit
Does that pessimism feel good to you? Do you enjoy choosing to living in fear and despair? Keep it to yourself, I'm not interested. :)
Furdiburd10@reddit
wow, just searched it up and it is true. There is some hope at least!
tanksalotfrank@reddit
That's the spirit! Sure it might still die at another step, but progress is progress!
TheReal_Deus42@reddit
I would argue that there isn’t much hope (yet) as this has to bass the house and then do a second round after the inevitable veto.
I fear we Americans will need some more pain to relearn the lessons of 100 years ago.
blackcain@reddit
Don't worry we're working on it.
MetaTrombonist@reddit
No they didn't. The Senate passed it, but the House refuses to even look at it and even if it did pass Trump would just veto.
tanksalotfrank@reddit
Okay have fun drowning in pessimism, see how far that gets you.
blackcain@reddit
The speaker is under the thumb of Trump and will do whatever he says. This "pro-family" dude wouldn't let new parents vote from remote. He got overridden.
strugglingerdevelop@reddit
Sorry but that sounds so ridiculous I'm not convinced this isn't satire
juaquin@reddit
Real satirical "year of the linux desktop" vibes.
Frankly SteamOS/Proton and high-performance/lower-cost integrated graphics AMD chips are the only things that are moving the needle. I've always used Linux on my home servers and professionally, but my gaming PC has always been Windows. Then I bought a Steam Deck, and more recently a 7840HS Mini PC for lighter weight gaming (running Ubuntu on it). It's incredibly impressive what you can run on these systems these days.
Own-Replacement8@reddit
SteamOS will see the year of the Linux gaming handheld and potentially the year of the Linux gaming PC among nerds who build their own PCs. Chromebook might feasibly see year of the Linux desktop but MS would have to fumble HARD.
HugoCortell@reddit
I agree. I've never seen anyone (except myself, of course) pay for a proper windows license. Everyone just buys them off key sites for 2 dollars and a spare button. Windows 11 will be the same, because the real value is the data. They don't care if you pay the hundred bucks or not.
shroddy@reddit
Most buy a pc or laptop with a licensed Windows pre-installed. And if the hardware supports Windows 11, they can upgrade from Windows 10 free of charge.
alpharaptor1@reddit
It might not be as profound as that but I can see it benefiting linux numbers.
Hindu_Wardrobe@reddit
it's the year of the Linux desktop, guys. for real this time!!! I mean it!
cryptobread93@reddit
The thing is Linux has no advertisement. I wouldn't even know Linux if my college teacher told about it.
PossibilityOrganic@reddit
Honestly it will be the sign in to one drive or buy asure on server and other ads they have added will.
bytheclouds@reddit
You overestimate how much of "the world" buys laptops with Windows or buys Windows instead of pirating it. The world is not USA.
fmillion@reddit
Maybe the tariffs could have one little silver lining for windows 10 users... Maybe the added cost would be enough to convince Microsoft not to paywall the updates (which they will still be making until 2032 thanks to LTSC)?
Hey, I can dream.
ElderPimpx@reddit
Wow. Amazing point!
Daytona_675@reddit
Linux is gonna be so expensive now
JockstrapCummies@reddit
The influx of incredibly annoying "Hey Linux community, this is what you need to do to succeed!" posts will be legendary.
RedditNotFreeSpeech@reddit
I wish they'd put tariffs in offshoring
ApprehensiveAdonis@reddit
OP really huffing the copium today. This is a hilarious thing to post.
SchighSchagh@reddit
bro what are you smoking 😂😂
AnonEMouse@reddit
I dunno. CoPilot is a pretty damn good reason to ditch Windows. I know a bunch of people that have already done that. Me included and I wasn't even one of the first to make the switch.
Additional-Sky-7436@reddit
There is one flaw with your logic. Old people that make decision hate to have to learn something new. That's the reason companies and governments all over the world haven't already switched.
The old people will pay any fee and any tariff just so they don't have to learn something new.
EdgiiLord@reddit
Man, most old people use a web browser and Word, but by word I mean they just write as if that's a notepad. I seriously don't see a lot of "extremely untechy people" use a big assortment of apps that need to be relearned. This is just a feeling of switching that makes them fear it, not that the transition is actually painful.
Also most boomers now opt in for a smartphone. Way more convenient to them and does all things a PC does (not in an efficient way, but it does).
UrbanPandaChef@reddit
It's way beyond just one thing or two. You're asking people to replace all of their software and most of it is not in any way equivalent to what they are using.
You are asking people to tear down and rebuild their entire house just to replace their dining room furniture. That's not in any way reasonable. If you want people to switch it has to start with major software companies being legally required to support Linux. Market forces can't overcome the current state of things short of MS actually filing for bankruptcy.
Additional-Sky-7436@reddit
I would say it's more like asking them to move to another county. I agree, it's a major change and it's going to require them to learn a lot of new things.
But if you do it then you get free healthcare for life.
(Or if you are already European, I would say that if you move to the US you get a significantly more stable and prosperous economy.)
screwdriverfan@reddit
Sounds good, doesn't work.
PsyOmega@reddit
Most people in my circles that are still on windows are fed up and thirsting for macbook airs. I try to convince them to get used T480's and run Ubuntu, but no real luck there.
MarkHaversham@reddit
That's crazy, I was just thinking about this. I doubt most people will go to Linux, but it's gotta screw up Microsoft's push to get people to buy new computers. Probably most people will just learn to ignore Microsoft about upgrading and security updates, lol.
TangleOfWires@reddit
Nope. It's win 10 end of life for me.
I had paired down the number of Microsoft programs I used in windows 10, deactivated services, so had a stripped down system that still worked well on ancient hardware.
With the coming of win 11, I have starting to get weird pop ups from Windows 10 everywhere, "features" have been popping up. System seems to be installing stuff on it's own now, the OS feels like it's been infected by a virus, but the virus is the OS and the new features of win 11 are creeping and I no longer control my computer.
Been investigating what os to switch to, Mint probably. Not sure the state of Linux gaming. I have a huge steam library, not sure whether I will be able to dual boot with steamos, love the steamdeck so far, hopefully there will be a better desktop experience in the future. Gaming was the main reason I hadn't switched yet, but SteamOS makes me hopeful.
Looking forward to getting away from Microsoft all together.
MarkHaversham@reddit
I'm trying to figure this out as well. It seems like there's always one program I want to use that doesn't work in Linux without commencing a research project, so I'll have to dual boot windows 11 I think, but it might be worth the trouble at this point.
NeonVoidx@reddit
this is copium, and won't happen due to tarrifs lol
firedrakes@reddit
total eol for win 10......
wait looks in small print.
free support..... and lts... well reddit users are not bright bunch
S7relok@reddit
There will be absolutely nothing that will make a massive switch to Linux.
A windows licence in grey market costs next to nothing, and you still have shady ways to activate it without spending a cent.
Linux universe is too messy to be adopted by lots of people. Lots of package formats (Flatpak can resolve that, but it's not as widely used than classic package format), too many distros that will confuse the choice of people, with many redundant option. No real turnkey distro that permit direct full usage without post install things to do....
People tend to forget that Linux is a challenger in the desktop OS market, and it must do way better than windows. And there's still too much problems to resolve before.
A good approach of a linux powered device is the steam deck. The OS here is just the backbone of this gaming device, and it's very usable without tinkering. An OS must be a backbone, not something you need to regularly take care about
we_come_at_night@reddit
As much as I agree with you on that, I'd also like to add that, for the most part, we are there already. You can install the system without any issues, and far easier than windows, install Steam and the browser of your choice and you're up&running. Updates are as simple as 2 mouse clicks and entering password for elevating permissions. Linux is already there, the average user wouldn't have a clue, or care, that they're not on Windows anymore.
S7relok@reddit
For games, it's still complicated. Yes we're far forward in terms of user-friendly for gaming (we even have a RGB software in linux for better FPS !), it's still a problem for multiplayer games that relies on anti-cheat. And in the unplayable list, you have some major titles (Fortnite, Apex...).
For installation, it's still a problem. I don't see Mr and Mrs Anyone to go into the bios and change settings on it. A geek is still mandatory. I wonder if it's possible to do a little .exe that will auto-reboot on the installation media, that would be a great addition. Also on the installation part, you can find difficulties to boot it if you have a nvidia GPU. Some cards will just not work with Nouveau driver. And I doubt that Mr and Mrs Everyone will think about putting nomodeset on GRUB to avoid the problem.
But yeah, once installed and configured, Linux is completely usable by anyone, as long as you don't have a niche usage that requires some particular software or exotic hardware. But I really doubt that it would be enough to trigger a massive adoption
dethb0y@reddit
It'll be interesting to see; we do produce an astonishing amount of ewaste, so i think having some reduction of consumption of new hardware will be good for the environment, at least, assuming the tariffs stay around.
WesternPrimary4376@reddit
Good, Trump wants to move the US government to use Linux
Alienaffe2@reddit
Did you forget to take your pills again?
shogun77777777@reddit
The “year of the Linux desktop” won’t happen until the day comes where Linux is pre-installed on the computer your grandma buys
gramoun-kal@reddit
By experience, people would rather walk barefoot on a path of shards from here to somewhere far rather than change their habits. Any habit.
They weathered Vista ffs. Huffing and puffing, but still showered Microsoft with money for the service of torturing them.
You think money is going to stop them? They have already elected to pay Windows' price. Thousands of times. Every day.
the_bighi@reddit
No one is imposing tariffs on the world. Your country is not the whole world.
SRTbobby@reddit
I plan on switching to Linux on my desktop when W10 EOL happens. I'll probably quickly upgrade to 11 just so I can have a Windows boot dedicated for R6 Siege lol.
I daily Garuda at the moment on my laptop, so thankfully I have plenty of time to settle for a daily driver for my desktop. I am still not 100% decided if I prefer KDE or Gnome tho.
dexter30@reddit
Microsoft is more likely to just rebrand windows starter and make it functional on cheaper laptops. The goal is to meet the users where they are.
faigy245@reddit
> Tariffs equal more expensive laptops
You do understand that there's like a whole world outside US? Do you? US tariffs on China do fuck all to increase price in the rest of the world.
griso84@reddit
No
Separate-Toe-173@reddit
TikTok? lmao, you need to touch some grass, man.
Constant_Peach3972@reddit
Dude.
canigetahint@reddit
They’ll just continue on windows 10 unsupported as they are ignorant of the consequences.
SilkBC_12345@reddit
That's cute that you think something like tariffs will drive people to Linux. If cost really was a factor, they would have switched to using Linux years ago. Cost is not a factor for most people; it is the familiarity and fact that it IS a Microsoft world out there (on the desktop, at least), and that is not going to change any time soon.
jfv2207@reddit
Chances of a Greate War, and tariffs point towards the first kind (economic war), will lead many to build their own national or continental O.S., and rather than starting off from nothing, they might start with Linux.
Shmuel_Steinberg@reddit
What makes you believe we outside North America and Western Europe pay for legitimate licenses? I've never seen a legitimate Windows License that wasn't an OEM one. All PC installations of Windows are pirated, even on most companies.
CCJtheWolf@reddit
That's why Microsoft in a way has given up and just let people use it only putting a nag watermark on the screen but otherwise fully usable. Their bread and butter is Office, Business licensing and selling data from their "telemetry". Windows is pretty much shareware these days.
DirectorDry2534@reddit
Please no. While I wish for Linux to gain some more popularity I also dont want it to be popular enough for some kind of enshittification/dumbing down waiting to happen. (Obviously it depends on the Distros, but it wouldnt suprise me if the more mainstream ones might change for the worse once they smell some data/money to harvest, kinda like Ubuntu already tried before)
Nipplles@reddit
Can't wait to hear how EU parlament argues about init systems
CCJtheWolf@reddit
In all reality people will keep booting up Windows 10 till their browsers, games etc. stop working/updating till then Windows 10 will probably be the most stable it's ever been without Microsoft fiddling with it. Normies are never going to move to Linux until companies start pushing it instead of Windows, which will never happen. Steamdeck type devices are as close as we are ever going to get to mainstream adoption of the Linux platform on computers.
agfitzp@reddit
As someone who's been using linux for 30 years, thanks for the laugh kid, it really took me back to the 90's
Linux on the desktop, any day.... NOW
roundart@reddit
This is wishful thinking. Other than enthusiasts and web developers, most folks just want to use the apps they are used to and, in my case, the apps that are key to my professional work as an architect (autocad)
Userwerd@reddit
I'm hoping people move to linux as a protest of American software monopolies. The tariffs just throwing gas on embers from the old windows refund days with ESR.
WesternPrimary4376@reddit
Where Linux?
PozitronCZ@reddit
Windows 10 EOL doesn't mean the system stops working at that day. Many if not most people will happily use the system even after EOL. If it's going to run the apps they needs as always they won't care about it. I see the same stuff with smartphones - many people are perfectly fine with using fossil phones with Android versions not supported anymore.
Patch86UK@reddit
We're still doing the "Year of Linux on the Desktop" meme?
Realistically, a world in which Linux has a major desktop presence doesn't really have anything much to do with home users. Home desktop/laptop use is way down, and it's a relatively small part of the computing market these days.
The big win for Linux desktop adoption would be anything that pushes more business to roll it out on their estates; something which has always been stubbornly difficult to move for a variety of reasons. If tariffs make Windows more expensive to non-American companies, I guess that might be a factor; but I wouldn't bet on it being a big enough one to see a sudden sea change.
brianx87@reddit
SteamOS will bring the gamers to Linux.
eriksrx@reddit
Pre-tariffs you can buy an admittedly painful to use, but still usable, laptop with Win11 for $300. From the likes of HP, no less.
So, no, people who need to replace a device but can't afford newer/better or equal will just trade down. And, honestly, most of them will hardly notice since most of their use for a computer is web browsing, youtube, tiktok. Basic stuff.
blackcain@reddit
It's not just the tariffs, it is digital independence from Silicon valley. Microsoft and Apple control the entire market and they are under the thumb of the federal govt.
I think what you are going to see a global rejection of the U.S. across the board. That means that if they want to create local first tech innovation it makes sense that it would be focusing on Linux as a platform.
After all, if EU wants to make their own processors, memory, or what not - they don't need to ask Microsoft, they can do it themselves. They can build an entire industry.
BeachGlassGreen@reddit
We need the killer application. That's it.
derangedtranssexual@reddit
That’s not gonna happen and you know it
Buddy-Matt@reddit
I'll just add this to the long list of things that definitely won't make any significant amount of users switch to Linux.
Stick with Windows 10 for longer after it's gone out of support, sure, that'll be a thing. But not people going penguin.
hi65435@reddit
Yeah, I mean there was this wave a few years ago when people jumped on the privacy/darknet/crypto hype train - and surely Steam helped. But I'm also in some sort of sustainability community and people which obviously know nothing about Linux seem completely psyched
I guess that's good actually
Existing-Tough-6517@reddit
Random bob who used to use Windows should be using Linux Mint Cinnamon not i3wm or hyperland on some arch with a GUI installer.
taicy5623@reddit
You could see this in 1st world countries, but 3rd world will continue using pirated windows.
Reckless_Waifu@reddit
Liberation day for real?
MetaTrombonist@reddit
Liberating us from our money.
borg_6s@reddit
lol no
At the risk of sounding controversial (though this should not be), Windows Update has absolutely been the dealbreaker for many people for some time now.
Windows 11 basically EOL'ing pre-2013 hardware or something like that also made some people jumped, but most of them just stayed on 10.
I can tell you that almost nobody in the country I live in even cares about the tariffs :)
mohrcore@reddit
I doubt it.
My guess is that if anything, it's going to be distrust towards Microsoft/Apple and American government and need for some independence.
The topic of digital sovereignity has been on a constant rise of popularity in last two years according to Google Trends. Given Trump's administration ties to tech oligarchs, I suspect it will continue to rise.
Now, there might be more political incentive than ever to cut some ties with those companies. If this continues, I could see national institutions recommend using Linux over Windows, similarly, how we were getting campaigns about security on the Internet back when people weren't so used to it.
ceasback@reddit
damn, thats quite a stretch. but no harm in hoping.
babiulep@reddit
Hahahaha... I thought April Fools' Day was the first day of the month? No-one is that stupid! And then talking about Window Managers! That's just ONE program running on a linux computer. As if the desktop is something 'holy'!
HR_Paul@reddit
How long will the tariffs be in place?
Gotenkx@reddit
Neither one of those things will drive people to Linux.
MatchingTurret@reddit
For the world outside the US the tariffs might actually imply cheaper laptops: their currencies broadly strengthened against the dollar and reduced demand in the US increases supply.
eghere@reddit
Trump is playing 5d interdimensional chess to drive interest in Linux /s
unitedbsd@reddit
If trump promotes Windows 12 launch it will be dommed like Tesla
Rilukian@reddit
There will be an influx of Linux users and "influencers", sure, but no matter how much majority of Windows users are screwed in the butt, they WILL still keep using it.
Don't overestimated the willingness of general public of trying something new especially Linux. Most of them would be switching to Mac if they have money and stick with Windows 10 forever if they don't.
Top-Garlic9111@reddit
Here in Canada, there are some conversations starting on becoming less dependent on US software. Mostly for governments. Let's see if it amounts to something!
Optimal_Cellist_1845@reddit
Absolutely and I'm for it. My main rig is a Ryzen 7 7700X with an RTX 3070, but my favorite system is a Chromebook I've installed arm64 Debian on.
I'm ready for a "Nintendo" era of gaming where better games are targeted for lower specs.
Moral_Degenarate@reddit
That's great!
If you use Linux as your main OS however, you should probably change to a Radeon GPU though (for reliable compatibility).
Optimal_Cellist_1845@reddit
I will the next time I buy a card; Before the release of the Steam Deck, I didn't understand why it mattered. I like using a lot of AMD APU powered mini-PCs and they double as Steam machines pretty well.
os2mac@reddit
still gotta pay for the hardware.
norude1@reddit
actually, the more probable thing is everyone ditching American companies and opting for open source. Especially governments
Annual-Advisor-7916@reddit
Like anybody buying a laptop even thinks like that. They just pay the 20% and get a lower-tier machine, because 99% of the people don't even have an idea what a certain specification means. They have a budget and maybe two or three picks where they google which one is better.
NowThatHappened@reddit
That’s a fair point, Linux is far more snappy on older hardware, and it is ‘one’ of the reasons it’s being considered, but, I’m not sure it will start a revolution…. Yet