Microsoft Dictum Ending Windows 10 Support Creates Unique Opportunity for a Quantum Expansion of the Linux Universe

Thebolt

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With the end of support of Windows 10 in 2025, 200 million plus Windows 10 desktops and laptops will be headed to landfills over the next year, many millions of them suitable for repurposing as productive Linux desktops. I am interested in organizing Linux promoters and enthusiasts in creating nonprofits where Windows 10 machines and their peripherals may be donated, collected, rebuilt with various Linux distributions and preinstalled productivity software and then redistributed without cost to educational and vocational organizations and disadvantaged families and individuals who could otherwise not afford a Window 11 or Apple computer.

The advantages are many: Millions of disadvantaged children will have access to a capable computer preinstalled with word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, browsers, email, and whatever other appropriate software supportive of educational development and participation in work and family environments. Almost everybody has a smartphone, or at minimum a cellphone, but the work of the world is done on desktops and laptops. Introducing young people to this environment, learning as they grow, will create a generation of Linux users that can easily adapt to a Windows or Apple workplace if required by future employment opportunities or in their own small business pursuits. Adults with little or no computer experience could likewise benefit from computer skills developed in the Linux world.

The sudden and dramatic increase in Linux users created through this program will stimulate growth in the Linux community well beyond the next year. Many of the new users will become enthusiasts themselves. Developers will create new programs and new desktops. Faced with this growth, familiar Windows and Apple software manufacturers, historically reluctant to invest in Linux software development, will expand their products to include Linux versions (Quicken for Linux anyone?)

It is debatable whether Microsoft's decision to end Windows 10 support is shortsighted or not, but what is not debatable is that this decision is a classic opportunity to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. The opportunity should not be wasted.
 


Lots of difficulties with your premise, home users come with varying mindsets,
1] have only ever heard of windows, apple and google
2]those who have only used windows and have no interest in changing
3] those who think/have been told, Linux is no good/doesn't work, is too complicated
4] those who think it's no good because anything that's free is no good, otherwise they would sell it
5] those that think a computer is too old when it reaches over 3 years

when it comes to machinery, there is already an increase in mainly 3 to 7 yr old kit hitting the market, and in some regions second hand prices are falling [this 2019 dell i am using normally re-sales at £200-£260 in grade A condition, all I Paid was £85 inc carriage]
and finally is regional compatibility, for example in my area of the UK [and I understand it applies elsewhere] Schools insist on Windows or Google as their systems only can be used for submitting work, many government depts online applications can only be completed with apple, Google or windows, my own doctors I cannot access the online appointments or prescriptions, and there are many suppliers whose systems are not compatible,
 
Give us your address. If I find anything I will send it C.O.D.
 
Brickwizard, thanks for your input!
Like all new ideas there are always barriers to overcome. It will take education and demonstration to overcome preconceived notions. It is always a challenge, but the very existence of the Linux community is proof that it is possible. Nevertheless, we are not looking to convert the well healed skeptical who will simply buy a new Windows 11 or Apple machine but instead to offer a practical alternative to those lacking the means of choice.
The idea is not to purchase used machines but acquire them through donations, intercepting them on their way to the landfill, perhaps partnering with big box outlets like Staples, Walmart, Circuit City, Office Depot, etc. that might be willing to accept used computers on our behalf.
I do not know the requirements in the UK, but many communities across the US do not allow the disposal of electronics in the recurring household garbage pickup. Periodic electronic disposal days and locations are announced for their disposal. It may be possible to work with those communities to cherry pick the drop-offs for suitable processing units. I expect the volume of perfectly operational and capable Windows 10 but Windows 11 ineligible machines at these electronic disposal sites will skyrocket.
In regards to government and educational organizations not accepting work prepared on Linux perhaps there are clever developers in the Linux community who can design an app that overcomes this limitation. A steadily increasing Linux community may create the demand. It may even be possible that government adjusts to accept Linux input. We'll see.
In any case these are just a couple of ideas.
Thanks again for your interest...Thebolt
 
G'day Thebolt, Welcome to Linux.org

I like your approach. I see the pitfalls too, of course. However, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Logistically, it is a nightmare.

Gathering the throw aways would be the first of many dramas. A huge task

Perhaps a philanthropist may show interest in organising and financing drop off points across the nation, in order to short circuit the current arrangement ?
It is a massive undertaking and requires a "massive" approach
 
@Brickwizard :-

....and finally is regional compatibility, for example in my area of the UK [and I understand it applies elsewhere] Schools insist on Windows or Google as their systems only can be used for submitting work, many government depts online applications can only be completed with apple, Google or windows, my own doctors I cannot access the online appointments or prescriptions, and there are many suppliers whose systems are not compatible,
Eh???

Now THAT I don't understand, Brian.

It's now nearly 7 years since my wee cardiac episode (Feb 2018). Of course, following such, you end up on various combinations of 'standard' meds for life, yes? Ever since then, I've been able to access the full range of online facilities from my surgery, including ordering repeat prescriptions AND making/managing appointments as and when necessary.....via the browser, here in Puppy, whenever I need to. Never had any issues with it.

I order my prescription online, the chemist texts me when they're ready to collect. A 10-minute round trip later ( a mile & a half away).....that's me sorted for another 4 weeks.

Admittedly, my own doctors are a fairly forward-thinking bunch, always adopting the most up-to-date & modern practices as soon as they can. But I mean, you're what; only about 65-70 miles south of me....probably not even that. You're telling me Bedfordshire is that far behind the times? Nah; I can't believe THAT.......surely not.

On top of which, I've yet to find any official organization telling me I can't interact with them because I'm on Linux. On-line stuff - which everyone and his dog makes use of these days, for their clients/customers benefit, is cross-platform...

I have to ask this. Are you a die-hard Firefox user? 'Cos if you are, I know it may be sacrilege to even suggest this, but it might be worth keeping a Chromium-based clone of some sort around specifically for dealing with this stuff. None of the clones have any issues with accessing and interacting with 'official' online stuff, but I've noticed on many occasions that Mozilla's browser(s) seem to make very heavy going of it. And I've never been able to understand why.

This is yet another reason why Firefox & Co. have long been related to 'second-class citzen' status as far as I'm concerned. If they can't - or won't - interact with the "real world" because of some perceived notion of adhering to purely open-source standards, then perhaps they deserve to go under......yes? No?

It's an admirable principle to stick to, but in practice it just makes them look silly & 'backward thinking'. And yes, I'm well aware I'll annoy a good many folks here by saying this......but Christ, somebody's got to!

(shrug...)


Mike. o_O
 
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Welcome to the Forum.
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Some time ago I thought the worst windoze got...the more people would switch to Linux but I was wrong because when m$ says jump the majority of them say how high.
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If people are stupid enought to buy a new computer when m$ says so...whey deserve all they get.
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I still use W in VM because I need some software (TTax, Garmin Maps ...).
Throw away my perfectly working handheld Dakota NO.
Throw away my perfectly working obsolete Canon scanner NO.
But Pay Bill's salary NO.
 
I have several computers that I got used but I don't think I've ever actually paid for one. Usually they come to me when Windows is so badly fubar'd that the owner can't stand it any more or the machine won't even boot. The user will then ask me to either resurrect Windows if I can or salvage their personal data if I can or make sure their private data is wiped. I'm very up-front about my (low) success rate in recovering Windows and my (decent) success rate at getting their data for them (assuming it's intact). Then I usually end up with another Linux computer (usually with a non-functional main battery in the case of laptops).

I haven't got any new toys for a while, but I expect to get at least one or two Windows 10 laptops in the next year or so, thanks to MS. Depending on how that pans out, I'm hoping to be able to donate a few systems, and maybe some teaching time, to a local home-school co-op.
 
hi there - many thanks for this thread


I share your thoughts.

here in Europe its the same situation:

Experts advise consumers to switch from Windows 10 to a newer operating system.

and in Germany more than 30 million computers still have Windows 10 - which will soon no longer be supported by Microsoft.Computer experts are urging consumers to switch from the old Windows 10 software to a future-proof PC operating system.
According to the security company Eset, approximatley 32 million computers in Germany are currently still running Windows 10, which will only be supported free of charge by Microsoft until October 14, 2025. more security gaps will no longer be closed

Well i guess that many people try to migrate to Linux.
 
in Germany more than 30 million computers still have Windows 10
There are still many thousands of people using older than W10, many older ATM's across the world still use a cut down embedded XP system
experts are urging consumers to switch from the old Windows 10 software to a future-proof PC operating system.
and because the will not make any money out of it will not recommend Linux, not even one developed in Germany [openSUSE]
 
I like your ambition, but realistically, I don't know it can be centralised without a solid campaign. I'll give you some tips:
  • Have a precise gameplan: strategy, costs, etc. per phase and counters to objections. Practice presentations on honest friends. If you cannot handle this, your journey ends here.
  • Get a cheap domain + hosting + GUI site builder all-in-one package. Get a site up.
  • Actually register as an NPO.
  • Get someone who can write professional content for the site (more people will be willing to help once you don't look too hole-in-the-wall).
  • If said content writer knows how to compose emails, great. Otherwise see if a BDR/SDR will freelance for you to approach smaller vendors first to book you appointments with the relevant decision-makers. Teams/Google/Zoom meets are quite acceptable, but be prepared to do F2F.
  • Build some partnerships with smaller guys. Conversion rate will be low, do not be disheartened.
  • Now start a funding campaign so you can afford more serious marketing (more professional site, social media presence, paid-advertising, etc.) You will be taken seriously only if you come across that way.
  • Now you can hire professionals to gain audience with professionals.

Protips (for you and your BDR/SDR):
1. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail: when you have a meeting with a decision-maker or are approaching said company, do the research. Know your pitch. Tailor it to them. Prepared for all objections.
2. Negotiate their attention. Example: "Hi, I'm X or X. <Our project in a sentence> If you can give me X quality moments of your, I can guarantee you <incentive> <pause>." (Obviously this is out the book, you need to dig deeper)
3. Continue to engage. Always follow up appointments thanking people for their time.
4. Ensure meetings: Always call the day before to confirm the meeting. It's a good idea to send a follow-up email the day after booking with a meeting agenda.
5. Read some up-to-date sales books.
6. Remember you have to take yourself seriously for others to take you seriously. I don't mean don't laugh at yourself, I mean be professional and don't tolerate too much time-wasting. You can find out about that in sales books.
7. Don't take advice from Youtube/Ticktock "experts".

Source: I work in Sales for an IT company. I have a friend who worked as a fundraiser for an NPO. Combined knowledge.

On the whole I really hope you succeed. That American e-waste ends up here in Africa. Luckily not here in South Africa, but in many northern countries. They dispose of e-waste by shipping it as second-hand, aka "pre-owned" goods to massive dumps in countries like Ghana. There are tips that span as far as the eye can see where people live, scavenging things to strip out parts. In many cases, there's nothing usable other than raw materials. People go so far as burning cables to extract the copper and breaking old CRTs open. Many children live in these trash towns and participate in informal recycling... Of course that's all swept under the rug. Some say "Good business", I say "Bribes"... And that's enough activism, I may be walking the line bringing it up at all.
 
I will quote, no paraphrase Men In Black... a person is smart, people are dumb, panicky, and dangerous.

bottom line is that most of the people out there are "sheep" they will do what they are told to by anybody that looks like they are in charge. They will continue to bail water out of a leaky boat rather than step over to the new perfectly floating boat just because microsoft said to keep bailing water..

Intelligent person will make the switch and be happy but most users are not smart enough and will just keep with what they know even though it no longer works. People will see the windows 10 message and just go buy a new computer or upgrade to windows 11 or soon 12. Only thing we will notice is a huge amount of perfectly working good used computers that windows won't work with. Very few people are smart enough to move to linux because MS has great marketing people that make them believe they can't change. Don't hold your breath waiting for people to move en mass, instead wait for the great deal on perfectly good computers that the sheep will be selling because MS told them it is no good now.
 
I don't share OP enthusiasm:
1) this scenario happened already when MS was forcing win8 to win10 switch. Users complained MS extended support and eventually most users switched to win10
2) if referring to TPM 2.0, it was introduced 10yrs ago so most machines support TPM 2.0 already. If not, then buying 5yrs old box cheap is not a big deal
3) I don't think that the wave of new users without clue how Linux works is really beneficial. Personally I think it is better that Windows users stay with Windows and live with the consequences.
 

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