Transitioning from Windows 10: Embracing Linux for the Future
As the end of support for Windows 10 approaches, users of Windows PCs are facing a significant shift orchestrated by Microsoft and its partners, including AMD, Asus, and Dell. They are now advocating for a “mandatory upgrade”to Windows 11, propelling users to reconsider their long-term software solutions.
The Challenge of Upgrading
Regrettably, not every computer will meet the elevated requirements set forth by Microsoft for Windows 11, which has left many users pondering their next steps. Microsoft’s official guidance suggests that purchasing a new computer is a favorable option for those whose devices cannot comply with the newer operating system guidelines.
Exploring Alternatives
However, there is a viable alternative to consider: transitioning to Linux. Earlier this year, ESET advised users who are unable or unwilling to upgrade to Windows 11 to explore this option. In a recent initiative, the KDE project launched “Endof10, ” encouraging Windows 10 users to switch to Linux. Their campaign highlights several advantages of Linux over an unsupported Windows 10 operating system, particularly concerning security and privacy.
Support from The Document Foundation
Adding momentum to this movement, The Document Foundation, the entity behind LibreOffice, has publicly aligned itself with the Endof10 campaign. In a statement, they emphasized:
“You don’t have to follow Microsoft’s upgrade path. There is a better option that puts control back in the hands of users, institutions, and public bodies: Linux and LibreOffice. Together, these two programmes offer a powerful, privacy-friendly, and future-proof alternative to the Windows + Microsoft 365 ecosystem.”
They elaborated on the “real costs”associated with making the switch to Windows 11, pointing out:
“The move to Windows 11 isn’t just about security updates. It increases dependence on Microsoft through aggressive cloud integration, forcing users to adopt Microsoft accounts and services. It also leads to higher costs due to subscription and licensing models, and reduces control over how your computer works and how your data is managed. Furthermore, new hardware requirements will render millions of perfectly good PCs obsolete.”
The Dawn of a New Era
Pearing into the future, the conclusion of Windows 10 signifies not the end of choices but rather the onset of a transformative era. If you are weary of mandatory updates and restrictive commercial policies, now is the perfect moment to explore alternatives. Linux and LibreOffice stand ready, and there’s no better time than 2025 to reclaim your digital freedom!
Steps toward Migration
The Document Foundation has outlined several essential steps to facilitate a smooth transition from Windows to Linux:
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Begin by testing Linux and LibreOffice on a secondary partition or in less critical units of your organization.
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Evaluate the compatibility of your existing software with Linux and LibreOffice, as most office-related tasks can be adapted with little effort.
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Seek assistance from a migration consultant, preferably certified by the Linux Professional Institute or associated with The Document Foundation (for LibreOffice).
The foundation emphasizes the importance of initiating this transition without delay. To read further about the announcement, please navigate to the full post here.
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