How is life without Windows?

I uninstalled Windows from my PC nearly a year ago and fully migrated to Linux, specifically Ubuntu. Ubuntu was convenient for me because I was exclusively using Ubuntu for work, and all the new packages and technologies I was interested in were built for Ubuntu. I did use some other distros such as Arch, Debian (I still do on my Raspberry Pi!) and Fedora, but they weren’t allowing me to get work done. Constantly facing compatibility issues was a big no for productivity.

So, getting back to the title, how is life without Windows? I like it and I don’t feel the absence of Windows. I like the freedom of Linux-based operating systems - I can do literally anything I want with my computer as far as I can achieve that. For example, I can swap desktop environments or window managers, tweak keybindings, and theme the whole UI. I choose where software comes from (APT, Snap, or building from source), control updates and background services, and automate tasks with bash or systemd timers. Maybe you don’t see the purpose of this, but these are extremely fun for me for reasons I really don’t understand.

My biggest fear was that I wouldn’t be able to play games on a Linux-based operating system as easily as on Windows. But then I learned that Steam handles that just fine with Proton. For the most part, I just clicked play and started playing every game in my library.

Another thing I was afraid of before fully switching to Linux was the availability of CAD programs because I needed them from time to time. None of the mainstream CAD programs come with native Linux support, and that really sucks. I managed to install and run Fusion360 with Wine, but it still ran poorly. If I were using those programs extensively, I would need a Windows machine, and that would suck. My best solution for this issue is to use a web-based CAD app if you are using them once in a while like me. The CAD applications are not worth using with Wine because it really sucks.

Speaking of things that suck, I think desktop app developers should think about Linux users more. CAD programs are a specific example, but I am sure there are many experiences like this where someone like me tries to get rid of Windows but cannot because they use some programs that are not available for Linux. Compatibility of programs on Linux is not bad. Wine is really powerful and in some cases performs better than Windows. My issue with a program which “will not be named” is that it is not a single application. It produces new “apps” for every popup that is running separately from the main window, all of which require their own Wine configurations just to work. It is a hellish nightmare and nobody should suffer through that.

Overall, my transition to Linux has been overwhelmingly positive. The freedom, customization options, and control over my system far outweigh the occasional software compatibility headaches. Gaming works better than I expected, and the command line tools have made me more productive than ever. While there are still some rough edges - especially with specialized software like CAD programs - I don’t regret making the switch. If you’re considering ditching Windows, I’d say give it a shot. Just make sure to research whether your essential applications have Linux alternatives or work well with Wine before taking the plunge.