Windows 11 is a much needed improvement over previous versions of Windows. I've been using Windows since the 90s. I've also used Linux extensively, as well as MacOS X.
I use MacOS X regularly for work, and there are a lot of things I don't like about it, and I am constantly fighting with it, how it works. I'm most proficient with the command line there, and most of my work is on the command line, and I'd say that is the best feature of OS X. I spend as little time in Finder as I can…worst file manager I've ever used, to be quite frank (many, many Linux file managers are VASTLY superior, as is Windows Explorer, IMO.) Outside of that, I would generally prefer to use Windows or Linux.
Linux is fine, if you are a technical type who loves fiddling and tweaking. Linux is not as easy to use, even when you are using one of the simpler and more nicely packaged distributions. It is also less compatible overall, and your choices will be limited. I like Linux, but for a day to day operating system that I need to get things done, need maximum productivity with, etc….I wouldn't generally choose linux. I love to fiddle, and I'm very technical, and I enjoy playing around with linux. For server stuff (which I do a lot in my day job), linux is generally the preferred option as it can be much lighter weight than Windows. It has a great command line system, and I love the command line. For business purposes, Linux is a top choice. For desktop based interactive daily productivity work, though, including photography and astrophotography stuff…its definitely not my first choice. It may be faster, but there is more to productivity than the raw performance of your OS.
For day to day productivity, IMO, nothing beats Windows these days. People complain a lot about it, but having used windows extensively for decades now, Windows 11 was really a huge improvement over previous versions of Windows. Its like the modern day Windows 7, which at the time was kind of the same thing…the best windows to date at that time. It solved problems that kept plaguing the OS since the Windows 98/ME/Vista days. Windows 11 is kind of the same, solving so many of the problems that plagues windows in the 8/8.1/10 days. Windows 10 was ok, but it had so many inconsistencies and quirks, and while it solved some of hte problems of Windows 8, it introduced so many more of its own.
I don't really know why so many people complain about Windows 11, and in all honesty when I first upgraded to it (built a brand new computer in the spring of 2023, fresh install of windows), I was rather apprehensive. But to my delight, Windows 11 actually proved to be a breath of fresh air. I expected it to be horrible, and instead it was VASTLY more consistent in UI structure, flow, behavior, and functionality than Windows 10, 8.1 or 8. It was VASTLY more stable (I've never once had any crashes, instability or other issues with it). It is VASTLY more reliable (always had sleep and hibernate issues with Windows 10, and that has actually been a long term issue with Windows throughout the decades) , and I can sleep or hibernate and resume as much as I like without issue. This has been quite a boon, as I prefer to let the system sleep, then hibernate, fairly quickly to save energy, and it works like a charm now. Love it. Windows 11 is much faster than any of its predecessors. Its compatible with all current hardware. It supports all current networking protocols, and I recently found that Comcast had automatically updated me to 1200mbps internet (no cost increase), and after upgrading my wifi router and cable modem, the wireless speeds have been insane, and connectivity has been impeccably reliable.
I could go on, but suffice it to say, I've honestly, despite my original trepidation, been very pleased with Windows 11. I don't know why it took Microsoft this long to produce an OS like this, but hopefully they don't mess it up, as W11 has been wonderful. Without having to worry about the OS' stability, I really can just get down to business (which is mostly what I do on my windows machines these days) and work. That includes running astrophotography software, all of which has been quite reliable (across a number of machines, including my on-mount PC for controlling all my hardware.)
So, if you are afraid of Windows 11, I would say don't be. Its a worthwhile upgrade and should improve things. I read so many horror stories and thus far, not a single one has ever materialized. I think its just a thing now, hating on Windows. In reality, I think people should really shift that hate to Microsoft itself, rather than windows, as the product seems to finally have stabilized quite nicely. Microsoft, on the other hand, still has their annoying policies and other issues. The ONLY thing I do not like about Windows 11 is that they still force updates on their users. I've always found that egregious, unnecessary, and quite often devastating to data and productivity when Microsoft decides they are going to force a reboot on you. Disgusting behavior, IMO. That said, I have had FAR, FAR fewer problems with updates with W11 than any previous version. They still happen, but they have become a lot more forgiving, with warnings of when they are going to occur and easy ways to push them out into the future (so they don't disrupt your current endeavors, like running your AP gear!!) Its easy to schedule when updates happen, and I always schedule them to run during the DAYTIME on any system that I use to control my AP gear. So far, I have not had a windows reboot while imaging. I just make sure to run them during the day before the hard deadline, and its just never been an issue. I've also never encountered a case, yet, where a windows update broke any existing functionality (i.e. drivers or the like), which was one of the biggest longstanding horror stories about Windows 11…that updates broke some driver or software. I still LOATH the fact that they are forced, its a matter of principle for me, and I have always and will always find the practice despicable. However, its not nearly as much of a hateful problem as it was with prior versions of Windows, and I've been grateful for that.
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