Hot Take 15 Signs Linux Is Not For You

[lokamoka820]

If you recognized yourself in a few of these points, that doesn’t mean Linux isn’t for you. In fact, you can count it as an invitation. It just means you’ve spent a long time in an ecosystem that treats you more like a product than a participant.

Are you (or a friend you’re trying to convert) still on the fence about switching to Linux? Most articles will tell you why Linux is great: the privacy, the control, the thousands of free and open-source tools, all the good stuff. This time, I am coming at it from the other direction. I am asking a slightly different question:

“How do I know if Linux is not right for me… at least not yet?”

Think of this as a tongue-in-cheek checklist of habits and expectations that don’t always play nicely with the Linux way of doing things. If you recognize yourself in a few of these, it doesn’t mean you’re not welcome in the penguin club. In fact, by the end, you might realize Linux is for you, and it's time to make the switch.

Now let's dive in, flip the script, and look at the signs Linux might not feel like home… yet.

1. You love giving your data away
2. You enjoy being tracked by your operating system
3. You’re happy when your computer tells you “no”
4. You prefer someone else deciding what you can run
5. You feel uncomfortable if you get to have options
6. You’d rather battle corporate tech support
7. You’d rather rent your software than own it
8. You think ads belong on your desktop
9. You love being lied to about what’s “industry standard”
10. You like rebooting for every little update
11. You’re uncomfortable when software is transparent
12. You think community-made tools can’t be “professional”
13. You want intrusive AI everywhere, whether it helps or not
14. You think the command line is only for hackers
15. You never really wanted your computer to be yours anyway
Final Thoughts

15 Signs Linux Is Not For You

If you recognized yourself in a few of these points, that doesn’t mean Linux isn’t for you. In fact, you can count it as an invitation. It just means you’ve spent a long time in an ecosystem that treats you more like a product than a participant.

itsfoss.com

 

[Bot]

15 Signs Linux Is Not For You

If you recognized yourself in a few of these points, that doesn’t mean Linux isn’t for you. In fact, you can count it as an invitation. It just means you’ve spent a long time in an ecosystem that treats you more like a product than a participant.

itsfoss.com

It’s a fun, very ItsFOSS-style article, but it’s worth putting a bit of nuance around it.

1. What the article gets right
A lot of those points are basically saying: “If you’re happy being locked into a proprietary, data‑harvesting ecosystem with lots of hand‑holding, you’ll feel friction on Linux.”

In general:

• Privacy & telemetry – Most mainstream Linux distros don’t have OS‑level telemetry anywhere near Windows 10/11’s level. If you dislike data collection, Linux really does line up better with that philosophy.
• Control & ownership – On Linux, you usually own the OS in the practical sense: no forced feature updates, no “your PC is unsupported now” messages every few years, no built‑in ads in the Start menu, etc.
• Fewer artificial restrictions – Package managers, flatpaks, AppImage, etc. are generally more flexible than app stores with heavy gatekeeping.
• Community tools can be very professional – Software like GIMP, Krita, Blender, VLC, ffmpeg, etc. show that community/open‑source doesn’t mean “toy”.
• Less intrusive AI – Right now, Linux desktops don’t ship with Copilot‑style assistants wired into the shell, search, or cloud by default.

If those points resonate with you, Linux is probably a good ideological fit.

2. What it glosses over
Where the article is more “advocacy” than balanced is what it leaves out:

• Specialized software – If your work depends on Adobe CC, certain DAWs, niche CAD packages, some banking/enterprise apps, or specific Windows‑only security tools, you will hit walls. Wine/VMs help, but they’re not magic.
• Gaming & anti‑cheat – Proton has done wonders, but anti‑cheat (EAC/BE) and some launchers still cause pain. For serious gamers, Windows is often the easiest option.
• Hardware quirks – Most mainstream hardware works fine, but very new GPUs, Wi‑Fi chipsets, fingerprint readers, some printers, and laptops with custom ACPI/firmware can need tweaks.
• Self‑support expectation – The article jokes about “battling corporate tech support,” but the flip side is: on Linux, you and the community are your support. If you don’t enjoy searching forums, reading logs, and trying commands, that can be frustrating.
• Updates & stability – Not all distros are equal. Some rolling releases are great, but if you just need a boring stable machine, you have to pick carefully and accept a bit of reading/learning up front.

Those are real reasons why Linux might “not feel like home… yet” for some people, even if they agree 100% with the privacy and control arguments.

3. A more practical way to look at it
Instead of “Linux vs Windows” as ideology, a simpler checklist is:

• Do you rely on software that is Windows‑only and has no good Linux alternative?
• Are you willing to troubleshoot a bit and learn new tools/workflows?
• Is privacy, control, and fewer ads/telemetry worth some initial friction for you?

If answers are:

• Yes, no, no → Stick with Windows, maybe just harden privacy and security there.
• Yes, yes, yes → Dual‑boot or use a VM; keep Windows for “must‑have” apps and do everything else on Linux.
• No, yes, yes → You’re an ideal candidate to fully switch, starting with an easy distro like Linux Mint, Ubuntu, or Fedora.

4. Security & privacy angle (since this is MT)
Linux does not magically make you invulnerable. You still need:

• Regular updates
• Good browser hygiene and extensions
• Some form of backup strategy
• Basic awareness of phishing/social engineering

But if you dislike OS‑level telemetry, ads, and forced update behavior, the article is right: Linux aligns better with that mindset than current consumer Windows.

Bottom line
The ItsFOSS piece is a clever pro‑Linux argument framed as “Linux may not be for you,” but it’s still an advocacy article. Linux is great if you value control, transparency, and privacy and don’t mind some DIY. If you’re curious, the safest move is to try it in a VM or from a live USB and see how it feels for your actual workload, not just as a philosophical choice.

 

[Jonny Quest]

Some of it I agree with, some of it I don't. Maybe things have changed, but at one time weren't Linux users tight lipped about sharing support tips, as far as being helpful to newbies? With Windows, especially 10-11, I haven't needed to consider Microsoft tech support, any helpful insights and tweaks can be found pretty easily on forums. Or, has it gotten so intuitive with versions like Mint/Cinnamon or Zorin, that the learning curve has dropped greatly and an average user could pick up on it more easily apart from having to use the older tools like Terminal?

Getting support with mainstream platforms often means filing a ticket, wading through scripted replies, and going back and forth with someone for hours, only to finally hear that they can’t actually change anything. To most giant software vendors, you’re another “case” in a queue, and if the issue doesn’t fit the script, it usually goes nowhere.

In the Linux world, things work a bit differently. Bug trackers are open, reports are public, and there are community forums where you can talk to real people.

 

[Parkinsond]

Some of it I agree with, some of it I don't. Maybe things have changed, but at one time weren't Linux users tight lipped about sharing support tips, as far as being helpful to newbies? With Windows, especially 10-11, I haven't needed to consider Microsoft tech support, any helpful insights and tweaks can be found pretty easily on forums. Or, has it gotten so intuitive with versions like Mint/Cinnamon or Zorin, that the learning curve has dropped greatly and an average user could pick up on it more easily apart from having to use the older tools like Terminal?

Until MS takes the unwise step of AI-based OS, not compatible except with high-end PCs, Linux will stay in the area for developers and adventurers (beta-fans).

W 10 can runs extremely well on core 2 duo; no unexpected glitches (seeking for solutions on forums, and may be unlucky to face members asking to "do your research"), no drivers issues, no app incompatibility, and unfortunately, all MS Office alternatives for Linux are far behind regarding most advanced tasks.

 

[R3j3ct]

Like @Jonny Quest said, alot of tight lipped, almost arrogant at times cause you don't know, and they been on linux longer blah,blah,blah. But on the other hand you have to do alot of research, test and trial, alot of the guide's that will work or get you half way there and more research. But if your new and only use the software manager for apps, should be no issues.

 

[Captain Holly]

Linux Mint is really easy to use, it is a lot like Windows in how it works. I have been using Mint on and off for about two years now but I did have to spend some time learning howto use it. I have Mint running on an old Toshiba Satellite L755 that I swappped in a 500GB SSD and a newer 8GB Ram card, it works very well, very fast and responsive for what it is. I tried Zorin once before, did not like it much, it seemed to be more geared toward students. I will say the Mint Forum Community is very willing to help if you have a problem, most of the people there are friendly, not hostile at all but one thing they do always seem to want is a complete description of the problem or question and any steps you have taken to resolve it. They also always ask for your computer's specs and hardware info. That makes sense because it's pretty hard to fix a problem or offer solutions without knowing those details. I also have a newer laptop running Windows 11 25H2 that I turned off Copilot. If MS ever tries to force AI/Copilot on me I will make the permanent switch to Mint on that laptop too.

C.H.

 

[Sorrento]

We get tracked anyway, & until I can get my smart fire TV, my cameras, my firesticks, phones, iPads, you name it+++ to conceal all things its part of life, I do make great efforts, but each every time you step outside in the UK you have cameras on you - And in the past I found when as a Linux newcomer are often treated as someone who just ought to know things, similar to some high end hi-fi, peeple who only buy UK built gear with a just work it out for yourself attitude - Look here Windows user, (snigger) I've used Linux for near on 300 years & I'm keeping every scrap of info to myself, does (did) happen. (you still have to copy & paste commands? what an edjit) Using Linux on a PC for me is really a drop in the ocean of tracking

 

[lokamoka820]

Some of it I agree with, some of it I don't. Maybe things have changed, but at one time weren't Linux users tight lipped about sharing support tips, as far as being helpful to newbies? With Windows, especially 10-11, I haven't needed to consider Microsoft tech support, any helpful insights and tweaks can be found pretty easily on forums. Or, has it gotten so intuitive with versions like Mint/Cinnamon or Zorin, that the learning curve has dropped greatly and an average user could pick up on it more easily apart from having to use the older tools like Terminal?

Based on my experience with Linux, this will vary depending on many factors. Don't forget that Linux is not just one distribution or one developer. With Microsoft, you are dealing with one product from one company, so judging Linux as a whole based on one distribution or one community would be unfair.

As @Captain Holly mentioned, Linux Mint is in my opinion the best distribution to start with. It is so familiar with all the necessary guides available on the website that I never needed to ask for any support from their forum.

A funny anecdote from my Linux experience: I started using Ubuntu, being the most popular distribution backed by a multi-million dollar company. I constantly encountered errors and problems that I couldn't resolve, even with internet searches, which kept me switching back to Windows. Surprisingly, when I tried Linux Mint, I didn't experience this issue, even when following the same steps I used with Ubuntu. I then realized I needed to modify some settings, files, and so on to get Ubuntu the way I wanted it, which was the default configuration set up by the Linux Mint developers.

 

[Divergent]

Now days with all the ways one can research using AI if you are not learning something it's because you do not want too. It's not like back in the day when all you had were forums and the arrogance that did not want to share their hard earned knowledge. There is literally nothing you could not learn about Linux on AI.

Linux is not like it used to be either, most Debian based versions for example are extremely stable. For researching missing dependencies ECT it is as simple as an Look up for that specific issue and a copy paste session in the terminal. There is no reason for users to be afraid of it now days. Install your Linux distro of choice, update everything, download Time shift "which works like Windows restore points" then set about tinkering and learning. When you create that Snapshot in Time shift you can always go back to a good base if you mess up. It's an easy way to learn.

 

[Jonny Quest]

Now days with all the ways one can research using AI if you are not learning something it's because you do not want too. It's not like back in the day when all you had were forums and the arrogance that did not want to share their hard earned knowledge. There is literally nothing you could not learn about Linux on AI.

Linux is not like it used to be either, most Debian based versions for example are extremely stable. For xing missing dependencies ECT is as simple as an Look up for that specific issue and a copy paste session in the terminal. There is no reason for users to be afraid of it now days. Install your Linux distro of choice, update everything, download Time shift "which works like Windows restore points" them set about tinkering and learning. When you create that Snapchat in Time shift you can always go back to a good base if you mess up. It's an easy way to learn.

And that's what I was going to ask next, with Windows we have the reset option, so it sounds like with Snapchat/Time shift you can do the same thing, where you wouldn't have to reinstall everything, but just go back to a "known good configuration".

And I agree, I've used Gemini AI and Perplexity (free versions) about 3 times today, including verifying information before I posted on F-Secure's forum. AI searches have become a very nice tool.

 

[cartaphilus]

15 Signs Linux Is Not For You

If you recognized yourself in a few of these points, that doesn’t mean Linux isn’t for you. In fact, you can count it as an invitation. It just means you’ve spent a long time in an ecosystem that treats you more like a product than a participant.

itsfoss.com

#1 Reason Linux is not for you: "You have a simple question as a new user so you ask a Linux specific bulletin board only to be called names, and laughed at"

In the end Linux is as secure as any other OS when one considers human stupidity. There is no security apparatus in existence that prevents Root level user from installing malware if they really want need to. What I mean by "need to" is: "I downloaded this new app, I know for certain that it's not malware because I know better. So all those alerts asking me to confirm if I really want to do this task are just stupid"

 

[Divergent]

And that's what I was going to ask next, with Windows we have the reset option, so it sounds like with Snapchat/Time shift you can do the same thing, where you wouldn't have to reinstall everything, but just go back to a "known good configuration".

And I agree, I've used Gemini AI and Perplexity (free versions) about 3 times today, including verifying information before I posted on F-Secure's forum. AI searches have become a very nice tool.

A "snapshot in Time shift" that was a typo as I'm on mobile right now. I edited the post. Yes with time shift you can create a base snapshot to return to, allowing you to tinker and learn a little more freely without having to reinstall the whole distro again.

If you PM me I can create you a specialized prompt just for researching Linux help and use.

 

[lokamoka820]

And that's what I was going to ask next, with Windows we have the reset option, so it sounds like with Snapchat/Time shift you can do the same thing, where you wouldn't have to reinstall everything, but just go back to a 'known good configuration".

And I agree, I've used Gemini AI and Perplexity (free versions) about 3 times today, including verifying information before I posted on F-Secure's forum. AI searches have become a very nice tool.

Timeshift for Linux is exactly what Macrium Reflect for Windows does, and it is maintained by the Linux Mint developer. You will find that it is immediately recommended to create a snapshot when you have finished setting up the machine, and you can configure it to take snapshots automatically on periodic schedules, the number of snapshots to keep, and so on.

 

[Jonny Quest]

A "snapshot in Time shift" that was a typo as I'm on mobile right now. I edited the post. Yes with time shift you can create a base snapshot to return to, allowing you to tinker and learn a little more freely without having to reinstall the whole distro again.

If you PM me I can create you a specialized prompt just for researching Linux help and use.

Thank you, I'm not quite to that point yet, but I really appreciate the kind offer and will keep it in mind

 

[cartaphilus]

You have an air gapped system that is a stand alone. Your job is to STIG it. What's easier to STIG? Linux or Windows?

Windows of course since if you want to STIG Linux you will need to download dependencies and if you are air gapped and not on a network that's hosting GIT or any local dependency database then you are SOL and forced to sneakernet burnt disks.

 

[lokamoka820]

You have an air gapped system that is a stand alone. Your job is to STIG it. What's easier to STIG? Linux or Windows?

Windows of course since if you want to STIG Linux you will need to download dependencies and if you are air gapped and not on a network that's hosting GIT or any local dependency database then you are SOL and forced to sneakernet burnt disks.

STIG? Is this a character from the British motoring television show Top Gear?

 

[Jonny Quest]

STIG? Is this a character from the British motoring television show Top Gear?

I was actually going to post a picture of The Stig, even did the image search looking for a good image

 

[lokamoka820]

I was actually going to post a picture of The Stig, even did the image search looking for a good image

 

[Divergent]

STIG? Is this a character from the British motoring television show Top Gear?

Lol.

STIG "security technical implementation guide" means to harden it. Always one that takes it to extremes unintentionally discouraging others with their attempt at looking professional. Surprised he didn't mention using audit tools like Lynis.

 

[lokamoka820]

There are members here who have good experience with Linux, for example @McLovin.

Completely did an overhaul of my setup.
Moved completely away from Windows 11, to Linux Mint.
Happy for some recommendations for Linux Mint.

Not sure why I didn't make the move to Linux years and years ago.
Love it so far.