Questioning Everything Propaganda
Republished from January 26th, 2025
I grew up in a world where operating systems were not just tools but entire ecosystems that could either free or trap their users. My journey began with OS/2 Warp on an 80386 machine, using the IBM MCA BUS hardware, before I began my transition to Linux in 1995—finally becoming free from the Microsoft Ecosystem by 2016 (with an exception of an offline WinXP HDD for utilizing specialized hardware sensors/meters/loggers). For those still tethered to the Windows lifecycle, my advice is simple: grow out of it. In simple terms, it is a parasite. Windows is not the be-all and end-all of computing; it’s an ecosystem trap, and there are better, more liberating alternatives out there.
Windows has a notorious cycle: versions are released with much fanfare, only for their support to wane, leaving users with outdated, insecure systems. This cycle has been a source of frustration for many, particularly as Microsoft shifts focus to newer, profit-driven iterations. The end of support for versions like Windows XP, 7, and now even Windows 10, highlights the transient nature of software support in Microsoft’s ecosystem. This leaves users in a dilemma, facing choices between upgrading at a cost or continuing with unsupported, vulnerable software—a parasitic relationship.
Microsoft’s approach to maintenance, particularly with forced updates, adds another layer of complexity and disruption. These updates, often critical for security and functionality, are not just about keeping the system running but can introduce new problems:
There’s a growing suspicion, if not outright proof, that Microsoft might be using update-related latency and response delays as a subtle nudge to push users towards upgrading to newer versions of Windows and system hardware. Anecdotal evidence from forums and user reports suggests that certain updates have led to noticeable increases in system lag, particularly in gaming or professional software, which could be intentional to make older versions feel outdated or less capable:
Linux has been a beacon for those seeking freedom from proprietary software shackles. Since my early days with it, Linux has evolved into a robust platform, capable of handling everything from basic computing to complex server environments. Distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian offer user-friendly interfaces for beginners while maintaining the power and flexibility that tech enthusiasts crave.
Beyond desktop computing, QNX has stood out in the realm of real-time operating systems. Originally developed by Quantum Software Systems, now owned by BlackBerry, QNX is renowned for its reliability in embedded systems, from cars to medical devices. Its real-time capabilities ensure performance where timing is critical. However, the recent “cooperation” between BlackBerry and Microsoft hints at a dangerous embrace. Microsoft’s history of “Embrace, Extend, and Extinguish” strategies, seen in past dealings with competitors, casts a shadow over this partnership. It’s a move that could potentially see QNX’s unique qualities diluted or absorbed into the Microsoft ecosystem (BlackBerry Press Release, 2025).
In an ideal computing universe, software would serve users, not the other way around. The current landscape, dominated by a few giants, feels like waking up in a universe where freedom and innovation are continually at risk of being curtailed for profit. My journey from OS/2 to Linux, and an appreciation for systems like QNX, has taught me the value of diversity in technology. It’s crucial we continue to support and develop alternatives, ensuring a rich, varied ecosystem where users aren’t just consumers with normalized computing issues but participants in the tech they use.
We are lucky if we can choose what we use in technology. The cycle of Windows, coupled with its maintenance demands and potential performance manipulation, might push many to upgrade or abandon ship, but the world of operating systems offers much more. Linux stands as a testament to what can be achieved with community-driven innovation, and QNX reminds us of the specialized niches where other OS can shine. As Microsoft’s shadow grows, the need for vigilance and support for these alternatives becomes ever more critical. We may have woken up in the wrong universe, but we can certainly navigate through it with more enlightened choices.