Sorry to be that guy: Install Linux?
But seriously: l’d like to know as well.
The worst part is that its not a bad response. Linux mint is such a good alternative.
Came here to make this (half)joke.
Sadly, it’s not just a joke, it’s also the only way to actually do this.
It’s not such a joke for about 70 percent of the people who use a computer. All most people do is use the internet, write a document or two and check their email (most of the time using a web based service).
All of which can be done by any OS.
The only reason anyone would want Microsoft is if they specifically ran a program that required Windows … most will say that MS Word runs better on Windows which is true but most people I know write or view the most basic documents that any word processing software is more than adequate.
And even if MS word is required by your school or work … get them to pay for the OS and the word processing software.
Otherwise, the majority of the people I know with a computer only use it as a glorified tablet to access the internet and browse social media … all of which can be done with the most basic Linux distro that won’t hassle you with annoying popups asking you to do things you shouldn’t even be thinking about.
There is virtually no difference between running Word 2007 on modern Windows or under Wine, and I don’t need to use 365 (which is pushy about features in the Home tab and had a terrible redesign). I might pirate Office 2013 at some point if its compatibility rating increases. Still, I prefer LibreOffice unless I need to share the document.
I recently moved to Linux mint after years of thinking it would be hard or wouldn’t offer the tools I needed. I’ve been extremely pleasantly surprised! I’ve moved over fully, working in CAD, spreadsheets, all the normal stuff without any hassle. And none of these pop ups anymore.
Hi, what do you use for spreadsheets? I’ve tried librecalc but so far its a major hassle - the cells are way too small on my 1440p monitor and I cant figure out how to fix it.
You just need to zoom in. To make sure it applies to everything, completely close librecalc, open a new spreadsheet, zoom in using the slider on the bottom right, or ctrl+scroll up, until the cells are a good size for you, then close it and that should set the value as the default for all your sheets :)
I’d just like to interject for a moment. What you’re refering to as Linux, is in fact, GNU/Linux, or as I’ve recently taken to calling it, GNU plus Linux. Linux is not an operating system unto itself, but rather another free component of a fully functioning GNU system made useful by the GNU corelibs, shell utilities and vital system components comprising a full OS as defined by POSIX.
Many computer users run a modified version of the GNU system every day, without realizing it. Through a peculiar turn of events, the version of GNU which is widely used today is often called Linux, and many of its users are not aware that it is basically the GNU system, developed by the GNU Project.
There really is a Linux, and these people are using it, but it is just a part of the system they use. Linux is the kernel: the program in the system that allocates the machine’s resources to the other programs that you run. The kernel is an essential part of an operating system, but useless by itself; it can only function in the context of a complete operating system. Linux is normally used in combination with the GNU operating system: the whole system is basically GNU with Linux added, or GNU/Linux. All the so-called Linux distributions are really distributions of GNU/Linux!
But seriously: another comment here points out some tool
As if that stops Windows from spamming you with popups that you should be using Edge with Bing instead.
The pop up specifically mentions chrome, it’s not asking to switch browser but just the search engine. It’s anecdotal but I only use Firefox and have never gotten this pop up.
Then Microsoft will either tell you to use Edge and Bing (or else!), or just set this automatically.
I had this issue on the windows box at work. For some time, whenever I opened Firefox, it told me that it was not set as the default browser. I fixed this, only to get the same message again the next day.
Are you sure it’s not just your IT locking in the default browser? I for sure never had this problem before.
Last distro I installed for personal use was Ubuntu and it was lousy with these types of popups (note: this was about 10 years ago)
Edit: It’s really bizarre to me that nobody remembers how intrusive and persistent Ubuntu One was (decom’d 2014), though in fairness it’s not precisely what OP is experiencing with regards to Bing/Chrome
Side note as an ex-Windows user (from Windows 3.1 - W10) - Go with OSX and all the Windows-ification plugins you can find.
Apple out windows Windows.
If I didn’t game so much, I’d go to all Linux and OSX devices.
gaming on linux has gotten MUCH, MUCH better over the past handful of years. I’ve been on linux exclusively for 6 years and in that time ive gone from using Lutris for everything and only installing the few verified titles through fairly complex wineconfigs other people made, to a brief check of protondb before installing whatever i want from Steam and having it work out of the box. basically the only things that don’t work anymore are competitive anticheat softwares, like Valorant’s.
Gaming in Linux is fine but it would be a crime to not mention, getting mods to work on Linux is still shit
This comment is honestly incredibly thought provoking. When you really think about it and the whole of games that just work on Linux now thanks to proton, there really isn’t a game outside of games with proprietary anti cheat that don’t work, and even then, some do like Apex. There really isn’t anything out there keeping me on Windows.
But Mac pretty much requires specific, ultra-expensive, not very repairable or upgradable devices.
Yeah but it’s a trade off; if you want to tinker go Linux, if you want an OS that works really well with the hardware it was designed for go Mac. Not sure why anyone would use windows honestly.
Linux has come a long way with gaming fortunately. I daily drive fedora and use Proton-GE/Wine-GE and can play most games with the exception of some problem ones (Assetto Corsa & Rust, I’m looking at you).
Only time I ever fool with W11 these days is when I use Studio One for music or play on of the (very few) problem games some friends want me to join them on. I’d recommend checking out the Nobara distro for games.
Not surprising OSX is a better Windows in some ways. Switched to iPhone last summer for my daily driver and don’t regret it. Best mobile experience I’ve had since my custom ROMs days on Android. Even started out setting up app folders to copy my Nova Launcher setup. That said, I’ll be excited when more privacy respecting options come around to the mobile market for my next phone.
