Apple is not a viable option. I'm in the process of dumping my last Apple device, a laptop that just had Apple "lose" all my icloud data (no recovery!) and my Desktop folder/subfolders with 20k files. Fortunately, I have most backed up. I've been Linux desktop (Ubuntu), Framework laptop (Fedora) and Graphene private phone. Daily driver phone is Android Pixel 7. Apple also kicks out companies with privacy apps. You will have to go Linux if you want to keep control of your data.
Agree on Apple. We're not Apple fans by any means, but a lot of people are (including our readers). They're overall a lesser evil compared to Microsoft and Google. Far from ideal though.
Just bought a laptop with Linux Mint pre-installed to avoid buying into Windows 11. It took a while to pluck up the courage to do this but I am very glad that I did. My 10 year old HP Spectre is still working but (of course!) couldn't run Windows 11. Most of my stuff is on MS Office and it seems to port both ways to Libre Office so I was up and running pretty quickly. My next project is to try installing Zorin on my old laptop just to see what's involved with DIY Linux.
Great post! Personally, I decided to move to macOS years ago, but I completely understand if it's unacceptable to many people. It would be really hard for me to choose between Linux and Windows 11 right now.
We choose not to have a router and instead use our phones as hotspots. I need an article about which type of degoogled phone for my Linux mint desktop and laptop. Ty
Left MS Win behind 4 years ago. Primarily use Ubuntu for normal usage and also know my way around Kali, Parrot, and a little BlackArch as I am in the cybersecurity business. Agree on Libre/OnlyOffice… completely compatible with any MS Office files. They make switching to Linux so easy now it is pretty seamless and if/when you want to learn more and take more control, there’s so much info on the net it’s ridiculous. Not to mention how less taxing Linux OS is on your computer. I am never looking back.
Apple is not a viable option. I'm in the process of dumping my last Apple device, a laptop that just had Apple "lose" all my icloud data (no recovery!) and my Desktop folder/subfolders with 20k files. Fortunately, I have most backed up. I've been Linux desktop (Ubuntu), Framework laptop (Fedora) and Graphene private phone. Daily driver phone is Android Pixel 7. Apple also kicks out companies with privacy apps. You will have to go Linux if you want to keep control of your data.
Fantastic set up.
Agree on Apple. We're not Apple fans by any means, but a lot of people are (including our readers). They're overall a lesser evil compared to Microsoft and Google. Far from ideal though.
Once they lose data, they might change their minds.
If your data is in the cloud, it isn't private, buddy.
Try setting up a cloud using a NAS that sits on your desk. You can thank me later. You will be happy.
We already have a synology NAS up and running. 😉 going on probably 10 years now.
It was all data scraped from public sources. I recommend backing up any data you like or need. They are literally erasing the internet.
Indeed, Linux (Ubuntu) is now my primary OS. I have it on a formerly Windows laptop, and a formerly MacOS desktop.
Linux is not difficult to install, and if you don’t need Windows or Mac, I encourage everyone to make the switch.
The install is surprisingly easy. And feels great after you do it.
It’s a great New Years stretch project if anyone needs one.
Time to leave Windows YES. Linux mint for me
Linux Mint is a great choice. We installed it on an old beater laptop.
Ubuntu is owned by a millionaire and Mint doesn't issue security advisories, both are based on Debian.
Just use Debian instead, it is developed by a collective and is not at all commercial.
https://www.debian.org/
Just bought a laptop with Linux Mint pre-installed to avoid buying into Windows 11. It took a while to pluck up the courage to do this but I am very glad that I did. My 10 year old HP Spectre is still working but (of course!) couldn't run Windows 11. Most of my stuff is on MS Office and it seems to port both ways to Libre Office so I was up and running pretty quickly. My next project is to try installing Zorin on my old laptop just to see what's involved with DIY Linux.
Awesome. Love to hear it. Best of luck!
I purchased a System76 pre-build desktop two years ago with Pop!OS. Its a wonderful machine. I've never been happier or felt better about my privacy.
Love to hear that and glad it worked out for you
Apple is definitely not an option for privacy. It is even worse than Micro$oft. The only option to take our freedom back is Linux.
Generally agree. Why do you think Apple is worse than Microsoft? Interested to hear.
Great post! Personally, I decided to move to macOS years ago, but I completely understand if it's unacceptable to many people. It would be really hard for me to choose between Linux and Windows 11 right now.
Thanks! Linux is looking better and better with every new Windows feature released.
Indeed. However, I still find Linux inconvenient in many situations.
Yep. I installed Linux Mint on a (formerly Windows) six-year-old Acer laptop, and it works great.
Add in Libre Office and you can do all the usual word processing/spreadsheeting you used to do in MS. 👍🏻
Onlyoffice is pretty good too for docs and spreadsheets.
We choose not to have a router and instead use our phones as hotspots. I need an article about which type of degoogled phone for my Linux mint desktop and laptop. Ty
I've got Linux Mint on an old laptop now. Works well, saved money, so no regrets.
Using an old laptop is a great use case. Need zero risk and a lot of upside.
Left MS Win behind 4 years ago. Primarily use Ubuntu for normal usage and also know my way around Kali, Parrot, and a little BlackArch as I am in the cybersecurity business. Agree on Libre/OnlyOffice… completely compatible with any MS Office files. They make switching to Linux so easy now it is pretty seamless and if/when you want to learn more and take more control, there’s so much info on the net it’s ridiculous. Not to mention how less taxing Linux OS is on your computer. I am never looking back.