Mint Archives

Winsage

January 13, 2026

One of the best Linux distros for Windows users just got a fresh update

Linux Mint 22.3 (Zena) has been released as a stable build after beta testing. It features an upgraded Cinnamon 6.6 desktop environment, which includes a redesigned application menu with a sidebar, smaller categories, and hideable elements. The update also includes audio improvements, new system icons, better troubleshooting tools, and the ability to pause TimeShift snapshots.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

2026 Shift: Professionals Ditch Windows 11 for Linux’s Speed and Savings

Professionals are increasingly moving away from Windows 11 to various Linux distributions due to dissatisfaction with performance issues and intrusive features in Windows. A 2025 analysis showed Linux distributions outperforming Windows by an average of 19.5% in everyday tasks. Performance tests indicated that SteamOS, a Linux-based platform, often matched or exceeded Windows 11 in gaming performance. Linux's lightweight nature and superior system administration tools appeal to those managing servers and virtual environments. Security concerns regarding Windows 11, including privacy issues and forced updates, have led users to prefer Linux's open-source model, which allows for greater transparency and customization. Economic factors also play a role, as Linux is free and open-source, eliminating licensing fees associated with Windows 11. User-friendly distributions like Linux Mint facilitate the transition for new users, and community support helps address common challenges. Large organizations are increasingly adopting Linux for its stability and responsiveness, while the Linux community fosters rapid improvements and adaptability. User feedback highlights privacy, performance, and customizability as key benefits of switching to Linux.

Winsage

January 12, 2026

Tech Bloggers Switch to Linux Over Windows Privacy Woes in 2026

In early 2026, many prominent technology writers are transitioning from Windows and macOS to Linux-based systems, citing frustrations with Windows 11's mandatory updates, privacy concerns, and software bloat as key reasons for the shift. The appeal of Linux is bolstered by advancements in gaming compatibility, user-friendly distributions, and a growing open-source community. While some users face challenges such as a steep learning curve and software incompatibilities, the overall sentiment is positive, with predictions suggesting significant growth for Linux desktops in 2026. Economic factors, including the cost of proprietary software and hardware demands, are also driving users towards Linux, which remains free and efficient. Community support plays a crucial role in easing the transition, and there is optimism about Linux's potential to capture more market share in various fields, despite some realism regarding the need for proprietary software in certain workflows.

Winsage

December 27, 2025

I’ve been dual-booting Windows 11 and Linux in total harmony throughout 2025 — Microsoft is in no danger of a mass exodus (unless it fumbles AI in Windows 12)

In 2025, many users began transitioning to Linux due to dissatisfaction with Windows 11 and the end-of-life status of Windows 10. Users faced challenges with Windows 11's stringent hardware requirements, leading some to seek alternatives. Criticism of Windows 11 included issues with the Start menu, high memory consumption, and a perceived prioritization of AI features over user control. Some users have successfully adopted Linux, finding open-source alternatives to popular applications, though hardware compatibility and troubleshooting remain concerns. Familiar desktop environments like KDE Plasma and Cinnamon in distributions such as Fedora and Linux Mint have made Linux more accessible. While some distributions aim to enhance gaming performance, many users still prefer Windows for certain tasks, particularly those involving Adobe products. Microsoft's dominance in the desktop OS market is expected to continue, with future developments potentially influenced by AI integration. The relationship between Windows and Linux may evolve towards coexistence rather than a complete shift in dominance.

Winsage

December 5, 2025

Steam hardware survey shows how Linux is slowly eating into Windows market share

Valve's hardware survey report from November 2025 indicates a rise in Linux adoption among Steam users, increasing by 0.15% to 3.2%, surpassing macOS at 2.02%. Windows 10's share has dropped to 29%, while Windows 11 has grown to 65%. SteamOS represents 26.42% of the Linux user base. AMD holds a CPU market share of 43.56%, with Intel at 56.44%. Nvidia's 60-class GPUs remain popular among gamers.

Winsage

November 28, 2025

Why people keep flocking to Linux in 2025 (and it’s not just to escape Windows)

The Linux desktop has seen a rise in popularity, attributed to user distrust in Microsoft Windows, particularly as Windows 10 nears the end of its support life. Zorin OS 18 achieved 1 million downloads in its first month, with 78% from Windows users. Linux desktop market share increased from 1.5% in 2020 to over 4% in 2024, with a peak of over 5% in the US by 2025. The current US figure shows Linux at 3.49%, while the "unknown" category accounts for 4.21%, suggesting many could be running Linux. ChromeOS, a Linux variant, has a market share of 3.67%, bringing the total Linux desktop market share to approximately 11.37%. When including Android, Linux's presence rises to 41.71% in the US and 72.55% globally. The Digital Analytics Program reports a 5.8% market share for Linux desktops, up from 0.67% a decade ago, with a total of 23.3% when including Chrome OS and Android for government site access. Windows 10 holds a 16.9% market share, while Windows 11 is at 13.5%. Factors driving Linux adoption include Microsoft's shift to cloud services, improved gaming capabilities, better usability, hardware compatibility, and concerns about privacy. Approximately 25% of Windows 10 PCs cannot upgrade to Windows 11, with 26% of users planning to continue using Windows 10 post-support. Digital sovereignty is becoming important for users outside the US, with European governments seeking alternatives to Microsoft, leading to increased exploration of Linux solutions.

Winsage

November 26, 2025

5 Linux desktop environments that make ditching Windows 10 easy – including my top pick

KDE Plasma is a Linux desktop environment that resembles the Windows desktop and offers extensive customization options. It serves as the default desktop for distributions such as KDE Neon, Kubuntu, openSUSE, and Fedora KDE. Cinnamon is the default desktop environment for Linux Mint, designed for user-friendliness and closely resembling Windows in aesthetics and functionality. It is included in distributions like Linux Mint, Ubuntu Cinnamon, and Fedora Cinnamon. MATE is a continuation of GNOME 2, retaining familiar Windows features while being lightweight for older hardware. It can be found in distributions such as Debian, Fedora, Gentoo, and Ubuntu MATE. Budgie features an elegant design that mimics Windows and offers a customizable experience with a notification system called Raven. It is available in distributions like Ubuntu Budgie and Fedora. Xfce resembles Windows and includes essential features, but its high level of customization may overwhelm new users. It is the default desktop for distributions like Xubuntu and MX Linux.

AppWizard

November 18, 2025

Is Minecraft facing an outage? Gamers report login and server issues

On November 18 at 1:57 AM, many Minecraft players experienced difficulties accessing the game due to a significant network outage affecting Microsoft’s networks. Downdetector recorded over 250 user complaints, with 80% related to server issues, 10% to login errors, and 10% to gameplay challenges. This incident is the second occurrence of server issues for Minecraft in a few weeks, following a previous outage linked to Microsoft Azure. Microsoft transitioned Minecraft hosting from Amazon to its own Azure platform in 2020 to enhance Azure's growth. Minecraft, developed by Mojang Studios and launched in 2011, was acquired by Microsoft for .5 billion in 2014.

Winsage

November 16, 2025

Windows 11 Pro upgrade plummets under $10

Prices for a Windows 11 Pro license have dropped below , making it affordable to upgrade older PCs into capable daily drivers. The upgrade offers a streamlined interface, enhanced multitasking with snap layouts, improved search functionality, and integrated Microsoft Teams. It also includes advanced security features like virtualization-based security, Smart App Control, and BitLocker device encryption. Windows Update packages are reported to be up to 40% smaller, allowing older hardware to operate more efficiently. To ensure compatibility, a machine must have a 64-bit CPU, at least 4GB of RAM, a minimum of 64GB storage, support for Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. Microsoft's PC Health Check app can verify these requirements. A smooth setup requires a discounted Windows 11 Pro license, an 8–16GB USB drive for installation, and access to free online installation media and drivers. The clean installation process involves backing up files, creating a bootable USB installer, installing Windows 11 Pro, and running Windows Update for patches. Users can optimize their setup by enabling Storage Sense, Core Isolation, and uninstalling unnecessary applications. StatCounter reports that Windows 11 powers about one-third of the world’s PCs, improving performance for browsers and office applications. A clean install can significantly reduce boot times and enhance overall system responsiveness. Security features like Secure Boot and Credential Guard help reduce vulnerabilities. When purchasing a Windows license, it's important to buy from reputable sellers to ensure the key is legitimate. Students and employees may have access to free or low-cost licenses through educational or corporate programs. For machines that cannot run Windows 11, modern Linux distributions like Mint and Ubuntu offer practical, cost-free alternatives with user-friendly installers and built-in drivers.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

I actually liked Windows 8.1, even though I never had a tablet

In 2012, Microsoft launched Windows 8 to bridge traditional desktop environments and the tablet market, but it received a poor reception, leading to the release of Windows 8.1 a year later to address its shortcomings. Windows 8 aimed to compete with the iPad by transforming tablets into productivity tools. Windows 8.1 introduced features like on-demand OneDrive storage and the ability to snap apps side-by-side, marking a significant evolution in Windows. The concept of Windows RT for ARM processors faced challenges due to hardware limitations and underdeveloped applications but laid the groundwork for devices like the Microsoft Surface. The transition to touchscreen capabilities was revolutionary for users accustomed to older operating systems. The adaptation of the Windows Phone Metro UI for Windows 8 and 8.1 was innovative, despite criticism from traditional PC users. Windows 8.1 developed a dedicated fan base for its tile-based interface, leading to hopes for its return in future devices.