If you’re seriously contemplating ditching Windows and can’t (or won’t) keep both, the choice between Linux and macOS comes down to a handful of practical questions — ecosystem, apps, hardware, cost, and how much control you want over the machine. ZDNET’s “7-step” checklist frames the decision as seven clear questions; this piece expands that checklist into an actionable decision plan, verifies key technical claims, flags important caveats, and gives a migration playbook you can follow step‑by‑step.
The immediate trigger for many people rethinking Windows today is the approaching end of support for Windows 10. Microsoft has set October 14, 2025 as the date after which Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates or technical support — a hard deadline that forces a decision for users on older hardware that can’t or won’t move to Windows 11. News and how‑to outlets are already treating this as the catalyst for users to consider Linux or macOS as the next possible home.
The debate often collapses into slogans: “Linux = freedom, macOS = polished ecosystem.” That’s a useful shorthand, but it hides pragmatic tradeoffs. This article walks through the seven decision points most influential to real users, verifies technical claims where they matter, and leaves you with a short, practical migration checklist.
If you use Android, Linux (or Windows) will generally give you better cross‑platform parity with tools like KDE Connect, GSConnect, or third‑party apps. Those solutions work well but rarely match the polish and zero‑config experience of Apple’s Continuity stack.
This is a pragmatic decision, not a binary one. Both macOS and Linux are excellent choices depending on what you actually need to do tomorrow morning. Follow the seven steps above, validate using Live USBs or short dual‑boot trials, and keep a tested rollback plan. That approach turns what might feel like a risky “switch” into a controlled, reversible migration with clear checkpoints.
Source: ZDNET Ditching Windows? How to decide between Linux and MacOS - in 7 simple steps
Background / Overview
The immediate trigger for many people rethinking Windows today is the approaching end of support for Windows 10. Microsoft has set October 14, 2025 as the date after which Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates or technical support — a hard deadline that forces a decision for users on older hardware that can’t or won’t move to Windows 11. News and how‑to outlets are already treating this as the catalyst for users to consider Linux or macOS as the next possible home. The debate often collapses into slogans: “Linux = freedom, macOS = polished ecosystem.” That’s a useful shorthand, but it hides pragmatic tradeoffs. This article walks through the seven decision points most influential to real users, verifies technical claims where they matter, and leaves you with a short, practical migration checklist.
1. Do you want an ecosystem or a stable, configurable OS?
The core trade-off
- macOS is first and foremost an ecosystem play. Apple binds hardware, OS, apps, cloud, and mobile into a tightly integrated experience: Handoff, AirDrop, iMessage, Continuity Camera, Universal Clipboard and other Continuity features make cross‑device workflows smooth and often effortless — but only inside Apple’s walled garden. These Continuity features are Apple‑documented and require compatible devices and OS versions.
- Linux is primarily about control and stability at the distribution level. Debian and the LTS channels of mainstream distros (Ubuntu LTS, Debian Stable) prioritize long support windows and predictable updates; that yields a stable base you can run for years if you want. Canonical’s LTS program and Debian’s stable releases are explicit about their multi‑year maintenance commitments. (ubuntu.com, debian.org)
How to decide
- If your daily productivity depends on automatic device continuity (drag a photo from iPhone to laptop, answer phone calls from desktop, seamless clipboard between devices) — macOS is the lower-friction option.
- If you prefer to control update cadence, package sources, and system components (and don’t mind doing a bit more setup), Linux gives you that long‑term predictable stability.
2. Is freedom of choice and low vendor lock‑in important?
What each OS enforces
- macOS is curated. Apple controls drivers, the app store policies, default system behavior, and (increasingly) the system’s services. That curation buys convenience at the cost of choice.
- Linux offers modularity and choice: distributions, desktop environments, package managers, kernels and window managers are yours to pick. The tradeoff is that choice sometimes means you need to fill the role of system integrator.
Practical recommendation
- Choose macOS if you want fewer decisions and vendor‑backed consistency.
- Choose Linux if you prefer to build your system, pick your update cadence, and avoid vendor lock‑in.
3. Are there proprietary apps you can’t live without?
The single most decisive technical point
Some professional apps — notably Adobe’s flagship desktop apps and other industry‑specific proprietary software — are available on macOS but not natively on Linux. Adobe’s official product documentation and system requirements list Windows and macOS as supported platforms; Adobe does not ship official native Linux builds. That’s a crucial constraint for creatives relying on native Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects or other Adobe tools. You can run many Windows apps on Linux using Wine, Proton, or compatibility wrappers, but that is not the same as vendor support and may require troubleshooting. (adobe.com, howtogeek.com)How to evaluate your apps
- Inventory: list the apps you absolutely must run (include plug‑ins, device control apps, and license servers).
- Check native support: is there a macOS or Linux native build?
- Check compatibility layers: can Wine, Bottles, Proton, or CrossOver run the app reliably for your workflow?
- If nothing works, check virtualization: can the app run comfortably in a Windows VM (Hyper‑V, VMware, VirtualBox) with enough performance?
Practical rule
- If your workflow depends on an app that exists only for Windows/macOS with no reliable Linux path, macOS (or keeping Windows in a VM) is likely the safer choice.
4. Budget: can you afford Apple hardware?
Cost realities
Apple is a premium hardware vendor. Linux runs on almost any x86 or ARM hardware (even older machines), making it the lower‑cost option — you can reuse or repurpose older PCs. macOS requires Apple hardware, which has a higher upfront cost, but often includes long software support lifecycles and tight hardware/software integration. If price is a deciding factor, Linux is the obvious winner. (If you value Apple’s design, battery life and resale value and have the budget, macOS is compelling.) Practical comparisons of hardware and upgradeability make this clear: building or upgrading a PC for Linux is usually cheaper than buying equivalently capable Apple hardware.5. Do you want vendor tech support or community support?
- macOS: AppleCare and AppleCare+ / AppleCare One provide paid, vendor‑backed support plans. Apple’s documentation and in‑store/ticketed support channels offer predictable vendor assistance. For many businesses and non‑technical consumers, that vendor SLA is a major comfort. Apple also offers AppleCare One tiers (AppleCare One can cover multiple devices at around $19.99/month for a multi‑device plan depending on region), which consolidates support across devices.
- Linux: Community support (distributions’ forums, Stack Exchange, IRC/Matrix/Discord channels) is robust and usually free, but resolution quality and response time vary. Some Linux vendors (Canonical, Red Hat, SUSE) sell commercial support for enterprises.
6. Do you care about hardware selection and upgradeability?
Hardware reality
- Mac hardware is increasingly sealed and less upgradable. RAM, storage and some components are soldered, which limits after‑purchase upgrades. That’s a deliberate tradeoff Apple makes to optimize thinness, battery life, and integration.
- Linux lets you source and assemble hardware — choose GPUs, motherboards, and peripherals freely. If you need specific GPUs, niche peripherals, or want to upgrade components over time, Linux‑compatible, user‑serviceable PC hardware is the way to go.
Practical tip
If you plan to upgrade components, buy a modular PC and run a mainstream distro (Ubuntu, Fedora, or openSUSE) for best hardware compatibility.7. Are you carrying an iPhone?
The simple answer
If your everyday phone is an iPhone, macOS will offer the best integration: calls and SMS on desktop, AirDrop, Handoff, Continuity Camera and Universal Clipboard are first‑class features that work with minimal configuration. Apple documents these features and their device/OS requirements, and the user experience is seamless when all devices meet the requirements.If you use Android, Linux (or Windows) will generally give you better cross‑platform parity with tools like KDE Connect, GSConnect, or third‑party apps. Those solutions work well but rarely match the polish and zero‑config experience of Apple’s Continuity stack.
Critical analysis: strengths, limitations, and risks
What macOS does well
- Seamless cross‑device integration for iPhone owners is unparalleled in practice; Continuity features are built into the OS and Apple’s ecosystem.
- Vendor support: AppleCare and the Apple Store network provide predictable service options.
- Professional creative apps: many industry tools (Adobe CC, Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro) are supported natively, often with vendor optimization for Apple silicon. This is decisive for creative professionals.
The tradeoffs of macOS
- Cost and lock‑in: higher hardware price and limited upgrade paths.
- Less control: limited ability to choose or swap low‑level components or deeply customize the OS.
What Linux does best
- Freedom and control: you choose distro, kernel, package manager and how updates apply. Ubuntu/Debian LTS and other stable channels can run for years with predictable maintenance. (ubuntu.com, debian.org)
- Cost and hardware reuse: you can revive older hardware or repurpose a low‑cost PC.
- Security transparency: open‑source code and community review reduce hidden telemetry and offer strong privacy primitives when configured properly.
The tradeoffs of Linux
- App compatibility: some commercial apps are unsupported natively (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud). Wine/Proton/VMs help but add complexity. (adobe.com, howtogeek.com)
- Occasional driver quirks: Wi‑Fi, fingerprint readers, and laptop power management historically require research and sometimes manual fixes. Community guides often exist, but newcomers must be prepared to troubleshoot.
Gaming: a nuanced picture
Linux gaming has improved dramatically thanks to Proton and Steam’s investment. Recent Proton releases and compatibility efforts have added support for many titles and even some anti‑cheat systems — but not all. Proton’s support for anti‑cheat (Easy Anti‑Cheat/BattlEye) depends on game developers enabling Linux modules; meanwhile new kernel‑level anti‑cheat and Secure Boot requirements in some AAA titles create real compatibility barriers. The situation is better than it was five years ago but still requires per‑title verification. (tomshardware.com, pcgamer.com)Cross‑checks and one important stat correction
ZDNET’s original piece included a developer‑usage percentage that some readers treated as decisive. Public developer surveys — notably Stack Overflow’s 2024 Developer Survey — show that Linux is widely used among developers but does not make up a majority in most large surveys; Windows and macOS still have substantial shares depending on the survey question and population. That specific numerical claim should be treated skeptically unless sourced.Practical migration playbook — 7 steps to choose and move
- Inventory essentials first (apps, peripherals, files)
- Write a list of every app and peripheral you must keep (include specific plugins, scanners, label printers, license servers).
- For games, consult ProtonDB and game‑specific compatibility databases.
- For enterprise apps, confirm vendor support for macOS or Linux.
- Test the experience (Live USB, VM or short‑term Mac loan)
- Try Linux via Live USB (Ubuntu/Mint/Pop!_OS) or run it in a VM for weeks before committing. Live USBs let you confirm Wi‑Fi, GPU acceleration, printers and docks.
- If considering macOS, borrow or test a Mac in store or from a friend; macOS behaves consistently across Apple hardware.
- Match apps to OS paths
- Native macOS app? Good for macOS.
- Native Linux port or web alternative? Consider Linux.
- Windows‑only app: plan for virtualization (Windows VM) or use macOS if native Mac client exists.
- Decide support model
- If you need vendor support choose macOS (AppleCare) or enterprise Linux with a paid support plan.
- If community support is acceptable, Linux community channels will suffice.
- Start small (dual‑boot, VM, or separate machine)
- Keep Windows as a fallback during a validation window. Dual‑boot or VM your current setup and run both for 30–90 days to validate workflows. The Linux community and practical guides strongly recommend this ramp.
- Migrate data and settings gradually
- Export browser profiles, email archives, and sync key data to cloud storage or external drives.
- Recreate critical shortcuts and automation as scripts or dotfiles, which are portable across many Linux distros.
- Cut over with a rollback plan
- Confirm backups and recovery media before wiping anything. Verify you can restore Windows if needed.
- After your validation window, wipe and reclaim the drive only when you are confident.
Short checklist: pick a starting distro or Mac
- For a Mac-like, set‑and‑forget interface with excellent creative app support: choose macOS on a MacBook Air/Pro or iMac.
- For the easiest Linux route for ex‑Windows users: try Linux Mint (Cinnamon) or Zorin OS for a familiar layout.
- For developers and gamers: Ubuntu LTS or Pop!_OS (good GPU support and gaming ecosystem), both backed by long‑term support options. Canonical documents its LTS lifecycle and extended support routes.
- If you run servers or prioritize stability: Debian Stable is a conservative, highly tested base.
Final verdict — a short decision map
- Need iPhone/mac ecosystem integration + creative apps? Choose macOS.
- Need choice, low cost, upgradeable hardware or to revive old machines? Choose Linux.
- Rely on Windows‑only proprietary apps with no Mac ports and no VM option? Consider staying on Windows in a VM or choose macOS if vendor has Mac versions.
- Unsure? Use the dual‑boot / VM validation window strategy for 30–90 days and keep Windows as a fallback until your workflow proves stable.
Closing analysis and risk notes
- Linux is no longer a niche for hobbyists: modern distros and tools like Proton, Flatpak, Snap and user‑friendly installers make it viable for many users. But expect occasional hardware and driver edge cases — especially for niche peripherals and some laptop power‑management features. Community guides mitigate most of these, but they require patience and verification.
- macOS gives you a polished, reliable experience but at a price and with less hardware choice. For many users that value convenience and vendor support, that’s a reasonable trade.
- Gaming on Linux: improving quickly, but still title‑by‑title. Anti‑cheat systems and Secure Boot requirements create ongoing uncertainty; verify each game before assuming compatibility. Proton’s recent anti‑cheat support is progress, but developer opt‑in and kernel‑level protections (Secure Boot requirements) still block some titles. (tomshardware.com, pcgamer.com)
- Be wary of single statistics or unsourced percentages (for instance, a claim that a majority of developers use Linux needs careful verification against broad developer surveys).
This is a pragmatic decision, not a binary one. Both macOS and Linux are excellent choices depending on what you actually need to do tomorrow morning. Follow the seven steps above, validate using Live USBs or short dual‑boot trials, and keep a tested rollback plan. That approach turns what might feel like a risky “switch” into a controlled, reversible migration with clear checkpoints.
Source: ZDNET Ditching Windows? How to decide between Linux and MacOS - in 7 simple steps
