3 ms·

My husband is a normal layperson who treats his computer like an appliance. It's just there to do word processing and web browsing. He's been asking me to buy h

My husband is a normal layperson who treats his computer like an appliance. It's just there to do word processing and web browsing. He's been asking me to buy him a new laptop and specifically wants Windows on it. I've been struggling for weeks trying to explain to him why Windows is bad and why I don't want to setup and manage his spyware machine. I've convinced him to at least try a few Linux distros to see what he's comfortable with, but he either doesn't understand why Windows is bad or just doesn't care. For now I'm avoiding purchasing the new machine, and he's begrudgingly using my manjaro laptop. I really don't know what to do about it. The most solid argument I've got so far is that I can't help him with any of the inevitable windows 11 issues because I just don't use windows anymore.

Mountain_Skies 2y ago
He's his own person. You want to help him avoid future headaches and protect his privacy but ultimately, he is his own person who should be able to make his own choices. Understandably this is difficult for you since you are being asked to buy the new laptop and have valid reasons for not wanting to purchase one with Windows but none of that changes the fact that he is his own person with his own thoughts. You may feel complicit in any trouble his choice brings him since you're involved in the purchasing process but that's on him, not you, if it ends poorly.
- ryandrake 2y ago
  I set up a separate VLAN on my home network to isolate all Windows machines from the rest of the LAN and strictly lock down their access to the outside world, too. Maybe that is an option for OP's home network? Windows machines can safely coexist on your network, but you need to treat them as attackers in your threat model.
CoastalCoder 2y ago
That's a tough situation. Marriage is one of those relationships where hard-line stances (on either side) can be really damaging.
- theGeatZhopa 2y ago
  So, to resolve this tough situation: get rid of what you can't control. He will find help with Windows elsewhere..
xnx 2y ago
ChromeOS might be a good option.
SergeAx 2y ago
If I understand correctly, you still can get Windows 10, which can be activated with local user: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 It is also more customizable in terms of disabling some (most?) spyware features using 3rd party tools. It's an effort, but I think your marriage is worth it.
causal 2y ago
Why not a Macbook? I get why people might hate Apple as much as MS, but it's certainly more privacy friendly than Windows and more user friendly than Linux. And yes I know Linux has come a long way - I use it daily - but there is still significant friction for non-technical users.
rldjbpin 2y ago
can't force someone to do a certain thing, especially if they have little to gain from their perspective. having made my parents switch to ubuntu (please hold your pitchforks, this was a decade ago), they always fell back to windows when things got tough.

Mountain_Skies 2y ago

He's his own person. You want to help him avoid future headaches and protect his privacy but ultimately, he is his own person who should be able to make his own choices. Understandably this is difficult for you since you are being asked to buy the new laptop and have valid reasons for not wanting to purchase one with Windows but none of that changes the fact that he is his own person with his own thoughts. You may feel complicit in any trouble his choice brings him since you're involved in the purchasing process but that's on him, not you, if it ends poorly.

ryandrake 2y ago
I set up a separate VLAN on my home network to isolate all Windows machines from the rest of the LAN and strictly lock down their access to the outside world, too. Maybe that is an option for OP's home network? Windows machines can safely coexist on your network, but you need to treat them as attackers in your threat model.

CoastalCoder 2y ago

That's a tough situation. Marriage is one of those relationships where hard-line stances (on either side) can be really damaging.

theGeatZhopa 2y ago
So, to resolve this tough situation: get rid of what you can't control. He will find help with Windows elsewhere..

xnx 2y ago

ChromeOS might be a good option.

SergeAx 2y ago

If I understand correctly, you still can get Windows 10, which can be activated with local user: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 It is also more customizable in terms of disabling some (most?) spyware features using 3rd party tools. It's an effort, but I think your marriage is worth it.

causal 2y ago

Why not a Macbook? I get why people might hate Apple as much as MS, but it's certainly more privacy friendly than Windows and more user friendly than Linux. And yes I know Linux has come a long way - I use it daily - but there is still significant friction for non-technical users.

rldjbpin 2y ago

can't force someone to do a certain thing, especially if they have little to gain from their perspective. having made my parents switch to ubuntu (please hold your pitchforks, this was a decade ago), they always fell back to windows when things got tough.