Technology

It means I’ll continue to happily use Linux.

Wouldn't moving Windows into the cloud basically make computers non-functional without internet? Because I can see a few problems with that, particularly for those in rural areas or who are travelling a lot.

I've hesitated to switch over to Linux in recent years, primarily due to concerns about compatibility with software and games, but I'd rather have to find new art software than pay a subscription for an operating system that I can't even use offline.

It does not mean anything for me because I am not a Windows user. For Windows users it means subscription models and renting software. It could also mean eventually booting your computer into a desktop that is in the cloud. I hope to god that does not happen because it may make finding hardware that will run Linux and BSD that much harder.

My take on this Cloud-First-Windows vision that was leaked from a Microsoft presentation with very little details and just a lot of speculation:

If it actually happens, it will be more similar to a Chromebook, they will provide, likely an ARM based, low specs device with a basic Windows install that perhaps only has the cloud-connector (probably RDP based), One Drive to sync files, and Edge with extensions to run Office365 in offline mode.

Apps would just be either web-wrapper based apps, or RDP Apps, or you could just deploy your cloud desktop to do some work that requires more power.

I also think they would still provide an x86_64 based Windows for more powerful PCs for content creators and gamers.

It means Windows is switching to a subscription model. It could be a good thing for some Linux users, if they need Windows for specific applications and don't want to spin up a VM. O can't see a reason for using it beyond that, other than being forced to, because Microsoft kills off yoir local Windows and turns your computer for a bootloader for a cloud system, which is itself a bootloader for your browser, for most people. What a terrible world we live in. Zero privacy guaranteed, a subscription model making Windows more profitable (again).

ALSO, good luck stripping down Windows, removing bloatware, ads and telemetry. I GUARANTEE you it will be impossible to remove ads and telemetry on Windows in the Cloud. And thus that crap will be FORCED on you!

I personally don't see the "Eureka!" moment that big tech apparently does in moving EVERYTHING to the cloud when they struggle to design safe and reliable services as is. The whole cloud stuff just kind of says "sure it will be a privacy nightmare rife for exploitation from bad actors, but THINK of the money we could earn from it in the long run!"

I doubt people will pay for a windows subscription. Most will stay on 10/11 indefinitely and Microsoft will probably backtrack pretty quickly (look at windows 10 to 11 migration) 😉

With the state of internet speeds in the US? No. This won't work.

"You will own nothing and be happy"

I'm not entirely a fan the idea of having my OS run somewhere other than my own computer, unless it's like a remote lab I use for specific tasks. Like if I could use Linux, and just use this for my classes that run Windows exclusive software, then I'd maybe use it. Otherwise I think it's a bit weird to have your whole computer basically be in the cloud.

That sounds like a horrid decision. Imagine having to troubleshoot a relative's computer, which isn't working because their internet is down, or is too slow to support streaming Windows like that.

It just sounds like a nightmare all-round, both from a Microsoft Standpoint, since they would have to build all the hardware to support it, people who would have to troubleshoot an issue that might show up on either the local or networked version of Windows, but not both, and from a security standpoint, since it seems like it would make it a lot easier to just hijack the whole computer using that kind of mechanism, with the user being none the wiser, for the most part.

honestly if not for DirectX and whatever windows specific thing, I would have use linux for a long time cause I am heavy gamer. I know this version of windows OS is probably experimenting offering stuff that are directly on the cloud(like office/team etc), I don't see them suddenly throw away local OS market and just let whoever wants to take over. (oh, and all the telemetry data, right? )

Considering how stadia panned out, this is a nothing burger for at least the next decade.

It means we’re about to see a lot more people asking for help with Linux.

I don't understand what any of this means. Windows is now just Edge?

It’s actually nonsense because you would still need some software on your computer to connect to the internet in the first place

Middle term? The phasing out of personal computers, and moving toward a system of servers/terminals where noone owns software.
You'll rent computing power or storage space, you'll only pay for the interface.

More fees.