Linux Desktop: Debunking Myths as Windows 10 Reaches End of Support

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.

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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. (support.microsoft.com)

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workflows, instability, choice paralysis, Linux as only for servers/developers, and ugliness—and argues each is largely outdated.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.

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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. (store.steampowered.com, 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. (pcgamer.com, gamingonlinux.com)

What to watch for

• 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.

Bottom line: for single‑player and many multiplayer titles, Linux gaming has matured; the remaining blockers are specific anti‑cheat and developer support choices, not an inherent technical impossibility. (protondb.com, gamingonlinux.com)

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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.

Why it’s no longer a barrier

• 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.

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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. (foo.zone, 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.

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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.

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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. (survey.stackoverflow.co)
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.

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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.

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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. (support.microsoft.com)
• 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. (store.steampowered.com, 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. (pcgamer.com, 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. (survey.stackoverflow.co, infoworld.com)

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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. (protondb.com, 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.

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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. (gamingonlinux.com)
• 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. (survey.stackoverflow.co)

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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. (protondb.com, gamingonlinux.com)

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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.

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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. (survey.stackoverflow.co)

For many Windows 10 users facing the October 14, 2025 deadline, a low‑risk path is available: test a modern, user‑friendly distribution via Live USB, dual‑boot while gradually moving data and workflows, and keep Windows under ESU or in a VM for any remaining Windows‑only tasks. If your goal is to preserve hardware, reduce cost, and minimize vendor lock‑in—Linux is no longer an academic alternative; it’s a practical one.

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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.

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Source: ZDNET Ready to ditch Windows 10? Don't let these 7 Linux myths stop you

 

[ChatGPT]

If you’re staring at a Windows 10 machine that won’t upgrade to Windows 11 — and facing Microsoft’s October 14, 2025 end‑of‑support deadline — the old reasons for avoiding Linux are collapsing faster than ever. What was once true only in the server room or among hobbyist tinkerers is now an everyday‑user reality: modern Linux desktops are polished, gaming compatibility is dramatically better, and sensible migration paths exist that do not require buying new hardware. The ZDNet piece that inspired this analysis lists seven persistent myths and rebuts each with practical evidence; those arguments align with what the Linux ecosystem is delivering today, while also leaving room for important caveats readers must understand before switching.

Background / Overview​

Windows 10 reaches end of support on October 14, 2025. After that date Microsoft will stop issuing security and feature updates for Windows 10; users are advised to upgrade to Windows 11, enroll in the Windows 10 consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, or migrate to another platform. This is an inflection point for many users with older hardware that cannot meet Windows 11 requirements — and it’s the practical reason millions are weighing Linux as an alternative. (support.microsoft.com, learn.microsoft.com)
That timing frames the debate: keep an aging supported Windows installation (with ESU for a fee or one year), buy new hardware to run Windows 11, or repurpose your current machine with Linux. The ZDNet article runs through seven common objections to Linux — gaming limitations, unfamiliar desktops, instability, fragmentation, server/developer stigma, dull appearance, and Windows incompatibility — and finds most of those objections either outdated or addressable. This piece takes those claims, fact‑checks them, and expands them into a practical, risk‑aware guide so you can switch with confidence if you decide to.

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Myth 1 — “Linux isn’t a gaming platform”: What’s true now​

The claim and the reality​

Historically accurate: Linux gaming used to be a niche, fiddly affair. Modern reality: Valve’s Proton, Steam Play, and the Steam Deck have transformed compatibility and user expectations. Steam’s Hardware & Software Survey shows Linux (including SteamOS) consistently sitting in the low single digits of Steam’s user base, but that’s a major improvement from pre‑Steam‑Deck days — and it represents millions of users. Independent trackers and Linux gaming outlets report steady growth and multi‑year highs driven in large part by the Steam Deck and Proton improvements. (gamingonlinux.com)

What’s actually playable​

• Thousands of modern single‑player and many multiplayer titles now run under Proton with little or no tweaking.
• The Steam Deck introduced many players to Linux gaming by default; each Deck session counts as a Linux user in the survey numbers, which boosts the ecosystem at scale. (gamingonlinux.com)

Anti‑cheat remains the main blocker​

Anti‑cheat systems (Easy Anti‑Cheat, BattlEye, and vendor‑locked solutions) have been the greatest source of friction. Valve, Epic, and the anti‑cheat vendors have worked to provide Linux‑compatible runtimes and developer opt‑in paths, but developer adoption is not universal. Some competitive titles will still refuse to run on Linux unless developers explicitly support a Linux anti‑cheat build. That means:

• Single‑player gamers and many casual multiplayer titles should work fine.
• Competitive eSports titles or games using kernel‑level anti‑cheat may still be blocked or require workarounds. (news.itsfoss.com, boilingsteam.com, screenrant.com)

Conclusion (gaming)​

Linux is now a practical gaming platform for most players, particularly when counting Steam Deck users and Proton compatibility. However, check ProtonDB, the Steam compatibility notes, and developer statements for the specific titles you care about before migrating.

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Myth 2 — “The Linux desktop is too different” and Myth 3 — “Linux is too different from Windows”​

Desktop choice is the strength, not a weakness​

Linux is not a single desktop experience — it’s an ecosystem of desktop environments (DEs) and distributions (distros). That variety can intimidate newcomers, but modern mainstream distros curate sensible defaults that mimic familiar paradigms:

• KDE Plasma, Cinnamon, and MATE provide workflows with taskbars, start‑style menus, and system tray behavior that feel very Windows‑like.
• Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Zorin, and KDE Neon are specifically aimed at lowering the friction for users switching from Windows by providing familiar layout options out of the box.

UX reality​

Most daily tasks—browsing, email, office productivity, streaming, cloud apps—are handled through modern browsers and cross‑platform web apps. Linux offers:

• App stores (GNOME Software, KDE Discover, Mint Software Manager).
• System settings, user management, automatic updates, and background services that are similar in function to Windows equivalents.
• Graphical installers and Live USB testing so you can trial any distribution without changing your drive.

Practical recommendation​

If you fear the unfamiliar:

• Test a Live USB of Ubuntu, Linux Mint (Cinnamon), or ZorinOS to experience a Windows‑like desktop.
• Use a virtual machine for a risk‑free trial, then consider a full install or dual‑boot once comfortable.

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Myth 4 — “Linux is unstable” — the uptime myth and the reality​

The claim​

Some insist Linux is “just a kernel,” or that desktop Linux is unstable for everyday use.

The reality​

Linux has a long history of stability in server and embedded contexts; on desktops, modern distributions are solid for daily tasks. Many administrators report multi‑month and multi‑year uptimes on server systems, and desktop distributions are no longer experimental projects. That said:

• Uptime is a vanity metric — staying patched and secure matters more than avoiding reboots.
• Desktop stability depends on driver quality (GPU drivers, Wi‑Fi chips, printers), and hardware‑vendor support is the weak link more often than the OS itself. (phoronix.com)

What to expect​

• Routine package updates and kernel updates are normal; kernel updates may require a reboot.
• When issues occur, powerful tools and remote administration (SSH, systemctl, journalctl) often let experienced users recover without a full reinstall.

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Myth 5 — “There are too many choices, which can confuse users”​

The complaint​

The Linux world offers many distributions, desktop environments, package managers, and configurations — enough to frighten newcomers.

The counter​

Choice is only a problem if you try to act like a Linux distro chooser for the sake of choice. Practical advice:

• Start with a mainstream, user‑friendly distro that makes most decisions for you (Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora Workstation).
• Use the distribution’s default apps for a month before changing the stack.
• If you outgrow the defaults, explore alternative DEs or distributions in a virtual machine or on a secondary PC.

Why this matters​

Curated distros offer:

• Pre-packaged drivers and firmware.
• Graphical installers, automatic updates, and software centers that behave much like app stores.
• Large community resources to solve problems quickly.

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Myth 6 — “Linux is only for servers and developers”​

The claim and the correction​

Linux powers the majority of cloud infrastructure and many consumer devices, and it’s true that developers often prefer Linux for work. However, claiming Linux is only for servers is outdated. Desktop distributions, hardware like the Steam Deck, and commercial desktop variants (elementary OS, Pop!_OS) make Linux a serious consumer OS alternative. The assertion that a majority of worldwide developers use Linux — a specific 53.4% figure cited in the original piece — cannot be substantiated against independent developer surveys; Stack Overflow’s periodic developer surveys continue to show Windows and macOS holding substantial shares among developers. That specific 53.4% number should be treated as unverified. (survey.stackoverflow.co)

Key takeaways​

• Linux dominates servers and cloud; developer usage is strong but not universally majority‑Linux according to major surveys.
• Desktop Linux has matured; it’s suitable for non‑technical users when paired with a curated distribution.

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Myth 7 — “Linux is ugly”​

Visual reality​

Aesthetic taste is subjective, but modern Linux desktop environments can be as polished as Windows or macOS — sometimes more so when fully themed. Distros that emphasize visual polish include:

• elementary OS (clean, macOS‑like design),
• Pop!_OS (COSMIC desktop with thoughtful gestures and window management),
• KDE Neon and KDE Plasma (extremely customizable and visually sophisticated),
• Ubuntu Budgie and FerenOS (designer‑focused themes).

The advantage​

Linux desktop theming and compositors allow customizations that both match and exceed what many commercial OSes offer — transparency, animation, bespoke widgets, and compositing effects are straightforward for power users.

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Cross‑checked facts and verification​

To maintain accuracy, the most important claims were checked against multiple independent sources:

• Windows 10 End of Support: Microsoft’s official lifecycle pages and support announcements confirm October 14, 2025 as the end of support date. This is the single most consequential deadline for migration decisions. (support.microsoft.com, learn.microsoft.com)
• Linux on Steam and gaming growth: GamingOnLinux’s Steam Survey reporting and XDA’s coverage show Linux share on Steam rising from under 1% (pre‑Steam Deck) to roughly 2–3% in 2024–2025; this is a near‑tripling relative to the earliest baseline and is driven in part by the Steam Deck. Those two independent outlets each track Valve’s Steam Hardware & Software Survey data and provide corroborating evidence of steady Linux growth in the Steam ecosystem. (gamingonlinux.com, xda-developers.com)
• Anti‑cheat and Proton: Reports from Proton’s GitHub, Valve/Proton community notes, and coverage by Linux gaming outlets show that anti‑cheat support has improved (EAC and BattlEye have Linux/Proton paths) but remains an opt‑in developer decision — not all multiplayer titles will work automatically. This is the principal compatibility risk in gaming migrations. (github.com, boilingsteam.com)
• Developer usage numbers: Stack Overflow’s developer surveys indicate Windows and macOS remain prominent among professional developers; Linux is popular but the claim of “53.4% of worldwide developers use Linux” is not supported by the major, public developer surveys and should be considered dubious unless a primary source is supplied. (survey.stackoverflow.co)
• Stability and uptime: Community reports and server‑oriented evidence show long uptimes are possible on Linux; but uptime is not the only measure that matters — patching and hardware driver quality remain important variables. (phoronix.com)

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Practical migration guide — how to switch safely (step‑by‑step)​

If you decide to move from Windows 10 to Linux, follow these practical steps to avoid surprises.

• Evaluate software compatibility
• List the apps you use daily (office tools, media editing, device management, specialized hardware software).
• For each, check native Linux availability, web alternatives, or compatibility layers (e.g., Proton, Wine, Crossover).
• For Office workflows, consider Microsoft 365 web apps, LibreOffice, or running Windows Office in a VM if necessary.
• Try first — use Live USB or VM
• Create a Live USB of Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Zorin, or Pop!_OS and boot your machine to test hardware, Wi‑Fi, display, touchpad, and printers without installing anything.
• Alternatively, run Linux inside a virtual machine (VirtualBox, GNOME Boxes) to gain confidence.
• Backup everything
• Back up documents, photos, and any application data to external drives or cloud storage — do a full image if possible.
• Ensure you have recovery media and Windows product keys if you plan to dual‑boot or might return to Windows.
• Choose your distro and desktop
• Beginner friendly and Windows‑like: Linux Mint (Cinnamon), ZorinOS, Ubuntu (with GNOME or a Windows‑like shell).
• Power user and highly customizable: KDE Neon or KDE Plasma, Fedora with custom desktop.
• Gaming focus: Pop!_OS or SteamOS for Deck‑like workflows.
• If you want a Windows 10 lookalike, specialized spins mimic the layout (AnduinOS, RefreshOS) — but stick to established bases (Debian/Ubuntu) for support.
• Decide install method
• Clean install: removes Windows and gives Linux full drive control — simpler and cleaner.
• Dual‑boot: retains Windows for fallback; requires partitioning and care with bootloaders.
• Replace but keep Windows image: make a disk image first so you can restore later.
• Install and configure
• During install, enable proprietary drivers if recommended (this installs NVIDIA/other vendor drivers).
• Install Flatpak, Snap, or your distro’s package manager apps for extra software.
• Set up backups, automatic updates (or schedule them), and install essential utilities (browser, password manager, office suite).
• Test peripherals and games
• Confirm printers, scanners, and specialized hardware work. Vendor support for Linux varies; some require vendor drivers or open‑source community help.
• For games, test key titles immediately. If an important title fails, evaluate whether Proton/Wine tweaks or running it in a Windows VM is acceptable.
• Learn basics
• Familiarize yourself with the package manager, system updates, and recovery tools.
• Learn how to use logs (journalctl), user permissions (sudo), and how to search the distro’s community resources.

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Benefits you’ll gain (what Linux gets you)​

• Extended life for older hardware — many distros run comfortably on machines that can’t meet Windows 11 system requirements.
• Lower cost — no license fee; optional paid enterprise support only if you want it.
• Privacy and transparency — open source code means behavior is observable by the community.
• Customization — from minimal lightweight desktops to highly polished, modern UIs.
• Growing gaming support — Proton and Steam Deck have unlocked a much larger playable library for Linux.

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Risks and real‑world friction points (what to watch for)​

• Anti‑cheat and multiplayer blockers — competitive multiplayer may still be off‑limits for some titles unless developers adopt Linux/Proton anti‑cheat paths. Always verify by title. (boilingsteam.com)
• Hardware vendor support — printers, scanners, Wi‑Fi chips, and some laptops (especially those with exotic power management or GPU switching) may need extra work or proprietary drivers that are less seamless than on Windows. Look up hardware compatibility before committing.
• Proprietary software — Adobe Creative Cloud suite and some industry‑specific tools are Windows‑only; alternatives exist, but workflows may require adjustment or a Windows VM for certain tasks.
• Enterprise policies — company‑managed devices and Active Directory/Intune environments may not be practical to migrate without IT support.
• Learning curve — occasional command‑line interaction and troubleshooting may be required; however, many users never need to use the terminal for everyday tasks on modern distros.

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Final analysis — strengths and where caution is needed​

Linux’s desktop story in 2025 is not the basement hobby it once was. The ecosystem now contains polished, user‑friendly distributions with curated defaults — and gaming compatibility that would have been unimaginable a few years ago thanks to Proton and Valve’s ecosystem work. For Windows 10 users forced to choose because of the October 14, 2025 support deadline, Linux is a realistic, cost‑effective, and privacy‑respecting migration path that preserves the life of many older PCs. (support.microsoft.com, gamingonlinux.com)
That said, there are real red‑line risks: anti‑cheat incompatibilities for competitive gaming, spotty vendor support for niche peripherals, and enterprise management constraints. In short: Linux is ready for many — but not universally plug‑and‑play for every single user scenario. The key is to test (Live USB or VM), verify your must‑have apps and games, and proceed with a backup and fallback plan.
This assessment draws on the ZDNet piece’s myth‑busting framework and cross‑checks major claims against Steam survey trackers, Linux gaming reporting, Microsoft lifecycle statements, Proton/anti‑cheat project notes, and developer survey data to separate durable truths from overstated figures. If you want a practical first step, create a Live USB, boot a friendly distribution like Ubuntu or Linux Mint, and see how your machine performs — you’ll likely be surprised how modern, capable, and attractive desktop Linux can be.

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Quick checklist — Ready to switch? (short, actionable)​

• Backup everything: full image + files.
• Test with a Live USB: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, or Zorin.
• Check game compatibility on ProtonDB / Steam compatibility pages.
• Verify essential hardware drivers (Wi‑Fi, GPU, printers).
• If in doubt, dual‑boot or run a Windows VM for legacy apps.

Switching away from Windows 10 doesn’t have to mean losing convenience or games — it means making deliberate choices. Use the tools the community and vendors now provide, verify your specific needs, and migrate on your schedule rather than out of fear. The Linux desktop has matured; the myths have not.

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Source: ZDNET Ready to ditch Windows 10? I debunked 7 Linux myths so you can switch with confidence