Look, I’m not here to bash Windows or Mac. They work fine for millions of people, and if you’re happy with your current setup, there’s no need to change.
But if you’re curious about alternatives, here’s why I made the switch – and why it might make sense for you too.
The Windows Problem
I’ve used Windows for decades, but Windows 11 has changed everything. Suddenly Copilot is manifesting itself into every corner, there’s constant notifications and forced updates that hijack your entire workflow, and bloatware that multiplies with every update.
Microsoft is collecting more data than ever through telemetry that you can’t fully disable – and that invasion of privacy uses system resources too!
The final straw for me was when Microsoft announced the end of support for Windows 10. My perfectly good laptop couldn’t upgrade because my CPU (an i7) isn’t “compatible” anymore. They want you to buy new hardware even if your current machine works fine.
This feels like a shakedown, not an upgrade.
With Linux, you control what gets installed, when you upgrade, and there’s no hidden telemetry or bloatware. You can optimise your system and have full control over what’s running in the background.
The Subscription Trap
Creative software has become ridiculously expensive:
- Adobe Creative Suite: $90+ per month
- Pro Tools: $30+ per month
- Waves plugins: $25+ per month
- EastWest Composer Cloud: $50+ per month
You used to buy software and own it. Now you’re renting the tools of your trade forever.
I’d already ditched Pro Tools when they went subscription-only. I’d bought it multiple times over the years, then suddenly I was forced into monthly payments. Screw Avid – I moved to Reaper. In fact, Reaper runs natively on Linux, and this actually helped me to make the decision to switch.
On Linux you’ll find excellent free open-source alternatives alongside reasonably-priced software you can actually own. Plus, many popular tools from Windows and Mac also run natively on Linux.
The Apple Issue
Look, I totally respect that millions of creatives love using Macs, and it really is a great platform for creative work – but for me personally, I can’t stand the forced obsolescence and closed ecosystem. Apple regularly drops support for machines that work perfectly fine, forcing expensive upgrades every few years.
I want to choose my own hardware and use it until I decide it’s time to upgrade, not when a corporation tells me to.
Linux runs on any hardware you choose, gives you complete control over your system, and lets you decide when to upgrade – no closed ecosystem locking you in.
What Linux Delivers
Complete Control – Customise everything or leave it stock – it’s your choice. Strip out background processes, redesign your desktop, or just use it as-is.
Better Performance – Your computer feels faster with fewer resources wasted on bloat.
Great Software – Excellent open source alternatives plus professional commercial software that runs natively.
Real Privacy – No hidden telemetry or data collection.
Hardware Longevity – That laptop from 2015? It’ll probably run Linux faster than it ever ran Windows 10.
Is Linux Right for You?
Linux makes sense if you:
- Want to escape the subscription treadmill and own your tools again
- Value low-latency audio performance and system optimisation
- Are tired of fighting bloatware while trying to create
- Want complete control over your creative environment
It might not be ideal if:
- Your workflow relies heavily on Windows or Mac-specific software (although there are often workarounds)
- You’re not open to learning some new software workflows
The Bottom Line
I switched to Linux because I wanted full control of my computer – to know exactly what software was running and completely optimise it for my creative work.
After dealing with AI integration, bloatware, subscription costs, closed eco-systems and planned obsolescence, I just wanted a system that works the way I want it to.
And look, if you’re curious – you don’t need to jump straight in and delete your current setup. You can actually boot from a USB and try it out. It runs a bit slower, but you can have a full play around and check things out.
Ready to explore? → What is Linux?
Want the honest truth about limitations? → What Linux Can’t Do
