Is it time to start using Linux?

As you’ll know if you’re a regular reader, I’ve been on a kick of getting of US tech for some time. But as I was doing it, it also kind of morphed into a reassessment of which tech and services I use altogether — US or otherwise. I’ve toyed with the idea of ditching streaming services for an old iPod (more on that soon) but there’s one thing that’s been on my mind this whole time that I’ve been hesitant to give a real shot.

That is, of course, trying to use Linux.

You’ll probably know I’m a longtime Apple user — once a fanboy, now just someone who uses it because it’s what I’m used to and I can’t imagine going back to Windows as my main machine. But the notion of switching to Linux, or at least seeing how feasible it is, has been there for some time. And recent developments have been pushing me more and more in that direction.

It probably started with seeing the effort to get people to try Linux after Microsoft announced it was cutting support for Windows 10 in 2025. (It will now end in October 2026 after the backlash.) All these older computers on the operating system were going to be put out to pasture by the big megacorp, but a bunch of techies jumped in to help convert those PCs into Linux machines. And for many users, Linux was just fine.

As the tide has turned even more against Microsoft as it’s crammed its operating system and services with Copilot, the effort to go to Linux has gained even more steam. I’ve read plenty of articles over the past year or so from people at various tech publications who’ve tried Linux and didn’t see the point of going back. That was reinforced to me earlier this year when I spoke to Aftermath’s Chris Person on Tech Won’t Save Us and he told me about how moving to Linux worked for him.

The thing that really probably pushed me over the edge was seeing the new Framework 13 Pro laptop. I’m not saying I’m about to pick one up, but it resurrected this desire to actually give it a shot — right as I’m finally probably going to have the time to do it.

I’ve been flat out the past year writing a book, but starting in June or July I should finally have some time to take a breather and maybe try out a new operating system. I could get a separate machine for Linux, or just try running it on my Mac — though I’m told that’s not so easy on Apple Silicon, which my Macbook Pro happens to have.

Is Linux in my future? I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but I do want to give it a try and see what it’s all about — and ultimately, whether it’s something I can actually recommend to everyday users. I’ll keep you updated on how it goes.

In this month’s roundup, find some articles about the UK’s embrace of AI, a German state trying to get off US tech, and AI-generated Iranian propaganda videos. Plus, more important stories, labor updates, and other news you might have missed this month — all for paying subscribers of Disconnect.

Have a great month!

— Paris