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My friends who use WSL have gone the other way. Instead of dual-booting Linux and Windows they now don’t see a need for Linux. Why use compatibility layers like

My friends who use WSL have gone the other way. Instead of dual-booting Linux and Windows they now don’t see a need for Linux. Why use compatibility layers like Proton when you can just have Windows?

skohan 5y ago
It's funny because most people I know have gone exactly the other way. Why use nosy and intrusive Windows when you can run all your games directly in Linux? What value is Windows adding here?
- pabs3 5y ago
  > What value is Windows adding here? Windows is mostly the default; if you buy a computer it comes with Windows, if your employer gives you a computer it comes with Windows and with some employers you aren't even allowed to replace the OS, so having compatibility with Linux (and Android?) is a plus for devs. Another advantage is that the drivers for Linux might not yet exist or be stable, while the proprietary Windows drivers probably exist and work.
  - skohan 5y ago
    Being the default isn't a strong argument if Windows is just a means to get to a linux dev environment. If all you are is a middleman, sooner or later people figure out they don't really need you.
    - lokedhs 5y ago
      That was how OS/2 lost. After Windows became more popular they marketed themselves as being a better way to run Windows, and at the time it was true, it was more stable, did proper multitasking etc. But, people didn't care. OS/2 didn't actually provide any real features, and there wasn't much OS/2 software out there so it didn't take long until it was irrelevant. Granted, in the case of WSl things are less obvious, but Windows really needs a hook to keep developers in. But all I see is new features allowing you to run GUI software in WSL as well. As someone who has disliked Microsoft since a few years long time, it's amusing to see how the things changed.
- aacid 5y ago
  It's hardware. I really wanted to use linux as my main OS, but my logitech wireless mouse with additional buttons and ability to switch DPI suddenly became basic 3 button mouse. I get no information when my headset battery is low for example. Also don't even start about laptop experience. Poor battery, bluetooth issues, unable to change display brightness. Now I have newer thinkpad which is linux certified and most problems are gone, but for example trackpad experience is still much much worse than on windows. Yes, maybe I could spend numerous hours to find/develop workarounds and money to replace all my hardware with linux compatible one, but why when I can use OS which works with everything I plug in and also use all linux software I need in WSL.

skohan 5y ago

It's funny because most people I know have gone exactly the other way. Why use nosy and intrusive Windows when you can run all your games directly in Linux? What value is Windows adding here?

pabs3 5y ago
> What value is Windows adding here? Windows is mostly the default; if you buy a computer it comes with Windows, if your employer gives you a computer it comes with Windows and with some employers you aren't even allowed to replace the OS, so having compatibility with Linux (and Android?) is a plus for devs. Another advantage is that the drivers for Linux might not yet exist or be stable, while the proprietary Windows drivers probably exist and work.
- skohan 5y ago
  Being the default isn't a strong argument if Windows is just a means to get to a linux dev environment. If all you are is a middleman, sooner or later people figure out they don't really need you.
  - lokedhs 5y ago
    That was how OS/2 lost. After Windows became more popular they marketed themselves as being a better way to run Windows, and at the time it was true, it was more stable, did proper multitasking etc. But, people didn't care. OS/2 didn't actually provide any real features, and there wasn't much OS/2 software out there so it didn't take long until it was irrelevant. Granted, in the case of WSl things are less obvious, but Windows really needs a hook to keep developers in. But all I see is new features allowing you to run GUI software in WSL as well. As someone who has disliked Microsoft since a few years long time, it's amusing to see how the things changed.
aacid 5y ago
It's hardware. I really wanted to use linux as my main OS, but my logitech wireless mouse with additional buttons and ability to switch DPI suddenly became basic 3 button mouse. I get no information when my headset battery is low for example. Also don't even start about laptop experience. Poor battery, bluetooth issues, unable to change display brightness. Now I have newer thinkpad which is linux certified and most problems are gone, but for example trackpad experience is still much much worse than on windows. Yes, maybe I could spend numerous hours to find/develop workarounds and money to replace all my hardware with linux compatible one, but why when I can use OS which works with everything I plug in and also use all linux software I need in WSL.