If you’ve been holding off on leaving Windows 10 because of long‑standing Linux myths, now is the moment to clear the air: the common objections—about gaming, familiarity, stability, choice overload, and aesthetics—don’t hold up the way they used to, and for many Windows 10 users facing end‑of‑support pressure, Linux is a realistic, practical alternative. The ZDNET piece making that case lays out seven persistent myths and counters them with modern examples and suggestions—chief among them that Linux is no longer an esoteric, server‑only OS but a desktop capable of handling games, everyday apps, and older hardware with grace.
What’s improved
Practical guidance
A cautionary note
How to simplify the choice
However, the nuance matters:
Modern Linux is not a shadowy backroom OS for admins only; it’s a polished, customizable, and increasingly game‑capable desktop that deserves serious consideration as Windows 10 support winds down. The myths that once scared users away are mostly myths now—but the move should still be handled methodically, with compatibility checks and a short transition plan so you keep productivity and play intact while reclaiming older hardware from the scrap heap.
Source: ZDNET Ready to ditch Windows 10? Don't let these 7 Linux myths stop you
Background
Why this matters now
Windows 10 reaches end of support on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft will stop providing security updates, feature updates, and technical assistance for Windows 10 systems; Microsoft is encouraging eligible PCs to upgrade to Windows 11 or enroll in a one‑year consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for limited extra coverage. That deadline is driving many users to evaluate alternatives, and Linux is the most viable route for keeping older hardware useful without paying for new machines or extended Windows support.The narrative ZDNET presents
ZDNET’s article catalogs seven common Linux myths—gaming limitations, an unfamiliar desktop, incompatibility with Windows workflows, instability, choice paralysis, Linux as only for servers/developers, and ugliness—and argues each is largely outdated. The article is pitched specifically at Windows 10 users who fear buying new hardware just to remain supported, and it emphasizes user‑friendly distros, Steam/Proton improvements for gaming, and desktop environments that closely mimic Windows.Myth-by-myth: what ZDNET said, what’s true today, and what to watch for
1) “Linux isn’t a gaming platform” — Reality check
ZDNET argues this was true years ago but not anymore: Valve’s Proton, Steam Play, and the Steam Deck have changed the equation, making thousands of titles playable on Linux with minimal fuss. The Steam Hardware & Software Survey shows Linux’s share of Steam users has moved from fractions of a percent in 2018 to roughly 2–3% in late‑2024/2025—small but a clear upward trend driven largely by the Steam Deck and Proton improvements. That long‑term trend supports ZDNET’s point: gaming on Linux is now practical for many users, though not universal. (gamingonlinux.com)What’s improved
- Proton compatibility translates many Windows APIs to Linux so games run out‑of‑the‑box.
- Valve, Epic (EAC), and BattlEye have made strides enabling anti‑cheat support on Proton/SteamOS, and lists tracking anti‑cheat compatibility show steady progress. But developer adoption remains uneven, and a few big titles still block Linux users because of anti‑cheat or DRM choices. (gamingonlinux.com)
- Online multiplayer games that rely on certain kernel‑level or proprietary anti‑cheat systems may still be incompatible or require extra steps.
- Check ProtonDB, GamingOnLinux, or the Steam compatibility notes before assuming your favorite multiplayer title will work.
2) “The Linux desktop is too different” and 3) “Linux is too different from Windows”
ZDNET correctly notes that while some desktop environments are intentionally unconventional (tiled WMs, GNOME’s different paradigms), several mainstream Linux desktop environments are intentionally familiar and approachable. KDE Plasma, Cinnamon, MATE, Budgie and Pantheon (elementary OS) offer Windows‑like workflows—taskbars, start‑style menus, system trays, and straightforward GUIs—so the “completely foreign” experience is avoidable. The route ZDNET recommends—pick a mainstream distribution and accept its defaults—remains the simplest path for most Windows refugees.Practical guidance
- For a Windows‑like feel: try Linux Mint (Cinnamon), KDE Neon or Kubuntu (KDE Plasma), or Zorin/Anduin‑type spins that intentionally mimic Windows layout.
- For minimal friction: use a Live USB to test a distro without installing, or run a distro in a VM to see how it behaves on your hardware.
- Modern distros ship rich, discoverable graphical settings and app stores (GNOME Software / KDE Discover / Mint Software Manager), making most daily tasks point‑and‑click affairs rather than command‑line chores.
4) “Linux isn’t stable” — reality is the opposite for many users
ZDNET’s author calls Linux “the most stable OS” they’ve used and points to long uptimes as anecdotal evidence. In practical terms, server admins and many desktop enthusiasts do run machines for months or years without reboots, and Linux’s modular design and live‑patching options support that. There are many documented examples of multi‑year uptimes for servers and network appliances; while desktop hardware can still fail and occasional lockups occur, the claim that Linux is intrinsically unstable is not supported by day‑to‑day reality. Recent reports and community posts document uptimes measured in thousands of days for long‑running systems—though those are usually servers or embedded systems rather than daily‑use desktops. (lunaticoutpost.com)A cautionary note
- “Uptime” is a vanity metric; staying patched and secure is more important than avoiding reboots. Many desktop users will still reboot for kernel upgrades or hardware driver updates.
- Desktop stability depends on hardware drivers (especially for GPUs and laptops). NVIDIA proprietary drivers historically caused more friction on Linux than on Windows, though support has improved.
5) “There are too many choices, which can confuse users”
ZDNET’s remedy is practical: choose a major distro (Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora) and stick with its defaults. That’s sound advice. The variety in Linux is a strength—flexibility for enthusiasts—but beginners are best served by curated, popular distributions that make most choices for you (which desktop, which package manager, etc..How to simplify the choice
- Try one mainstream distro (Ubuntu or Mint) via Live USB.
- Use the distro’s software store and default apps for a while.
- If you crave change, experiment in a VM before committing to a full switch.
6) “Linux is only for servers and developers” — outdated and misleading
Linux is dominant on servers, cloud infrastructure, and embedded devices, but desktop Linux has grown steadily in usability and polish. The modern Linux ecosystem includes user‑oriented distros, commercial initiatives, and hardware (Steam Deck, Chromebooks running Linux derivatives) that make desktop Linux a mainstream, usable option for many people. However, ZDNET’s claim that “53.4% of worldwide developers use Linux” is far off from widely reported developer‑survey numbers—so that specific figure should be treated as erroneous or at least unverified. Independent surveys (Stack Overflow and other developer surveys) show that Linux is popular among developers but does not represent more than half in most large samples; Windows and macOS still appear prominently depending on the survey. Flagging this discrepancy is important: while Linux is strong in developer spaces, the exact percentage ZDNET quoted is not supported by major developer surveys. Why the server/developer myth persists- Linux’s success in servers is visible to tech insiders, creating an image that Linux is a “server OS” only. The modern reality: many desktop distributions are built specifically for general consumers and are quite accessible.
7) “Linux is ugly” — the look has evolved
This one is the easiest to disprove quickly: many Linux distributions and desktop environments ship attractive, modern defaults with polished theming and animations. Distributions such as elementary OS, Pop!_OS (COSMIC), KDE Neon, and Ubuntu Budgie emphasize visuals and UX polish; theming systems and compositors allow deep customization that can outperform default Windows or macOS polish in the hands of an enthusiast. ZDNET’s examples of beautiful Linux desktops are well chosen—Linux can be both functional and stunning.Cross-checking the big claims (verification and sources)
- Windows 10 end of support: Microsoft’s official lifecycle pages confirm October 14, 2025, as the end‑of‑support date and describe options such as upgrading to Windows 11 or using the consumer ESU program. This is the most consequential deadline underpinning the migration conversation.
- Steam/Linux gaming trend: Valve’s monthly Steam Hardware & Software Survey and industry coverage show Linux’s share on Steam rising from fractional values in 2018 to around 2–3% by late‑2024/2025—driven partly by Steam Deck and Proton. Gaming outlets and the Steam survey itself back the “Linux gaming is improving” narrative. (gamingonlinux.com)
- Anti‑cheat and compatibility caveat: Valve, PC Gamer, GamingOnLinux, and ProtonDB document that Easy Anti‑Cheat and BattlEye support for Proton/SteamOS has advanced significantly—Valve even reduced the developer burden to enable EAC on Steam Deck—but adoption by game developers is still the gating factor for some online multiplayer titles. In short: the infrastructure is now available; developer decisions and vendor implementations determine whether a specific game works. (protondb.com)
- Developer usage percentages: public developer surveys (Stack Overflow, Devographics and similar) show Linux is widely used among developers but not necessarily a majority; the specific 53.4% figure in the ZDNET writeup cannot be reconciled with those surveys and should be flagged as likely incorrect or at least unverified. Use caution with any single statistic presented without citation. (infoworld.com)
Strengths of the ZDNET case — what they got right
- Practical angle: recommending familiar‑looking desktop environments (KDE, Cinnamon) and user‑friendly distros to reduce transition friction is solid, user‑centered advice.
- Gaming reality: acknowledging Proton, Steam Deck, and progress on anti‑cheat is the most important technical update of the last half‑decade; ZDNET correctly frames gaming as far more feasible than it used to be. (gamingonlinux.com)
- Environmental and cost arguments: reusing hardware with lightweight Linux distros is an effective way to avoid spending for new Windows‑11‑compatible machines and to limit e‑waste. Those sustainability and budget arguments are real and pragmatic.
Risks, caveats and where ZDNET oversimplified
- Compatibility is title‑by‑title for games: even though Proton has come a long way, some anti‑cheat systems and DRM still prevent certain multiplayer games from working. That’s a developer choice and not uniformly solvable by the user. Always verify before assuming compatibility.
- Hardware and driver corner cases: laptop power‑management, Wi‑Fi, fingerprint readers, and some proprietary peripherals can require research and sometimes manual driver installs. Most mainstream laptops from major vendors work fine with mainstream distros, but rare hardware can create friction. ZDNET downplays this nuance for newcomers.
- Apps with Windows‑only dependence: certain enterprise apps, proprietary device suites, or specialized tools may not have Linux equivalents. While web apps and cross‑platform tools cover much of daily needs, heavy users of specific Windows‑only software must plan migration or retain a Windows VM for those tasks.
- The statistic issue: ZDNET’s claim about a majority of developers using Linux (53.4%) conflicts with independent developer surveys; that number is not corroborated and should be treated skeptically. Readers deserve that correction to avoid making decisions based on shaky numerical claims.
A practical migration playbook (steps for a Windows 10 user)
- Inventory essential applications and peripherals.
- List the apps you must have and check for Linux equivalents or web versions.
- For games, consult ProtonDB or Steam compatibility lists to check each title’s status.
- Test with a Live USB.
- Make a Live USB (Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Pop!_OS) and boot your existing machine from it to see if hardware and peripherals behave.
- Try before you commit: dual‑boot or VM.
- Dual‑boot if you need both OSes for a while, or run Linux in a VM (VirtualBox/VMware) to become comfortable.
- Pick a beginner‑friendly distro and stick to defaults initially.
- Recommended: Ubuntu, Linux Mint (Cinnamon), or Pop!_OS (if you’re GPU‑heavy). These distros minimize decisions and provide good documentation.
- Move data and workflows gradually.
- Use cross‑platform apps (Firefox/Chrome, LibreOffice, Thunderbird) and cloud services to make the transition smoother.
- For gaming: install Steam, enable Proton (if needed), and test titles.
- Keep a short list of must‑play games and validate each one. Community pages (ProtonDB, GamingOnLinux) are invaluable for real world compatibility notes. (gamingonlinux.com)
The reader’s risk profile and recommended choices
- If you:
- Rely heavily on proprietary Windows‑only business apps: plan for a VM or a replacement strategy.
- Are a gamer focused on mainstream AAA single‑player or many indie titles: Linux + Steam/Proton will likely serve you well.
- Need minimal change and want to preserve a Windows look & feel: KDE Plasma, Cinnamon, and tailored spins like Free10/Win‑style themes exist to smooth the visual transition.
- For cautious mainstream users: dual‑boot or try Linux in VirtualBox for 30 days while keeping Windows 10 until you’re comfortable.
Final assessment — should Windows 10 users consider Linux now?
Yes—but with planning. ZDNET’s central claim—that many of the old Linux myths are stale—is largely correct: Linux has matured into a genuinely usable desktop alternative that is especially compelling for users with older hardware who don’t want to buy a new PC just to stay supported. The Steam/Proton ecosystem, user‑friendly distros, and polished desktop environments close many of the gaps that used to make Linux a niche option.However, the nuance matters:
- Validate game compatibility on a per‑title basis.
- Confirm support for critical peripherals and applications before committing to a full migration.
- Treat broad statistics quoted without direct sourcing (for example, the “53.4% developers use Linux” figure) with skepticism and cross‑check against major developer surveys.
Modern Linux is not a shadowy backroom OS for admins only; it’s a polished, customizable, and increasingly game‑capable desktop that deserves serious consideration as Windows 10 support winds down. The myths that once scared users away are mostly myths now—but the move should still be handled methodically, with compatibility checks and a short transition plan so you keep productivity and play intact while reclaiming older hardware from the scrap heap.
Source: ZDNET Ready to ditch Windows 10? Don't let these 7 Linux myths stop you
