Home For Fiction – Blog

On October 14 2025, a few months from now at the time I’m writing these lines, something special takes place in the context of computers and operating systems. It’s the day when support ends for Windows 10. And, to throw a science-fiction twist into the mix, I’d say this is the day I anticipated when I first tried Linux back in 2005. It sounds absurd, but sometimes reality lies in the things we can’t quite see. In these two decades since I first tried Linux I’ve learned a lot of things – including learning how to learn – and it all led to this moment in time.

For the vast majority of people, this means nothing. They will continue to happily use Windows 10 unsupported – some of them might even think they’re smart, claiming they don’t need security updates because they have an anti-virus program. Or, they will succumb to the blackmail and buy a new machine to use Windows 11. Some of them might already be using a Mac, thinking they’re really smart.

Truly smart people aren’t necessarily defined by their actions, and that certainly includes the computer they use. But they are defined by their understanding of why they act the way they do.

Creativity and Knowledge Result from Necessity: Why I First Tried Linux

My first computer was a Sinclair ZX Spectrum. My next computer was an Amiga 500. Next came a PC running Windows 98. In the late 90s, I knew virtually nothing outside of Windows.

But I had to learn, because planned obsolescence was already a thing. My computer pretty soon couldn’t run a program worth a damn, and I was desperate trying to discover what could be done.

I don’t remember the exact details, but I can assume I saw it on some message board or some early website of that innocent internet time, where you could still find real people’s experiences. In any case, someone, somewhere, suggested I tried Linux.

I’d never heard what Linux was, but as a smart – and above all, modest – fellow, it didn’t take me long to figure it out. I also recall that my very first Linux was DSL; Damn Small Linux – the original, back in 2005. I was mesmerized by how something so amazing could be i) free; ii) fit in 50MB. Of course, I quickly realized there was a reason it was only 50MB: It lacked a lot of features. But it showed me the way. I’d just entered a rabbit hole.

Distro-Hopping while never Leaving Windows

I began a journey of distro hopping – for the uninitiated, this means changing from one version (one distribution; distro) of Linux to the other, trying to find the most suitable. I tried Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint, and all sorts of more arcane distros.

Still, I didn’t give up on Windows as my primary machine. I tried Linux, yes, but either on secondary machines or, at best, as a dual boot: having both Windows and Linux on the same machine (though using Windows for anything “serious”).

The truth was, once again, until recently I didn’t need to leave Windows behind. I tried Linux only because it was a fun thing to do; it helped me learn stuff, become familiar with something different.

And yet, it paid off when I did need to leave Windows behind.

Ideology, Functionality, Necessity: From Having Tried Linux to Needing (only) Linux

Windows 7 was a relatively decent operating system. I went straight from it to Windows 10, somewhat reluctantly. The difference was quite pronounced. Windows 10 had a much more intense we-know-better-than-you attitude, which put me off. Plus, it was even more loaded with telemetry and marketing bullshit.

It felt, perhaps for the first time, I didn’t really own my computer.

And then, Microsoft pulled a fast one and not only announced Windows 11, they also basically necessitated the purchase of a new computer. Most computers (and especially those a few years old) couldn’t run Windows 11 otherwise.

That alone would’ve been enough reason to leave Windows behind forever, but after I began to read what sort of AI, telemetry, data mining, and other shit Windows 11 contained, it became abundantly clear to me: It was time for a paradigm shift – a similar motivating force behind coding Home for Fiction myself and eventually moving it to a private server.

In August 2024, about a year ago, I switched to using Linux as my primary OS in my desktop computer. I’d already been exclusively using Linux on my two laptops. I still kept Windows 10 in a dual boot, but never really used it.

Then one day, some time ago, I got pissed off over something I read Microsoft did (I don’t even remember what; they do it so often), that I went to the computer and no-questions-asked-no-second-chances formatted the drive containing Windows 10. Adios.

Use what You Need. But know why

If you need (or want; masochism is a thing) to use Windows, do it. But if you want to respect yourself, understand the trade-offs. Similarly for Linux: If you want to move away from big corporations, invasive telemetry, and all that, by all means, try Linux. But, again, understand the different trade-offs.

If you are a casual user (basically, if you just want to browse the internet, edit some texts, send emails, and other everyday actions), there’s an overwhelming chance you won’t notice any (negative) difference. Your computer will just run more smoothly and you won’t be annoyed by constant popups. If, however, you’re running some proprietary Windows-only software (especially video games), some fiddling will be required.