Nothing wrong with linear regulators in the appropriate applications. In fact, the switching converter/controller IC will generally include a small LDO to gener

Nothing wrong with linear regulators in the appropriate applications. In fact, the switching converter/controller IC will generally include a small LDO to generate an internal Vcc supply for the control logic. Just don't make the basic mistake of reading the 25V maximum input voltage/ 1.5A maximum load current specs for an L7805 and thinking you can pull 1.5A at 5V from a 24V supply - it will quickly go up in smoke. You must understand the operating principals and what "thermally constrained" means.