Two years since quitting Windows. I'm doing 'mostly' fine with work on Linux, including Office and Teams
Are you letting Windows 'wait times' steal your life?
'Configuring updates. Do not turn off your PC 30%...'
The feeling of despair when this appears the moment you open your PC to reply to an urgent email in the morning.
The fans roar as if they're about to take off, and you're forced to wait a while just to open Excel.
The laptop you bought for over 100,000 yen a few years ago has now become nothing more than a 'heavy slab'.
Unable to endure that stress, I quit Windows.
It's been about two years since then. My work environment has completely migrated to Arch Linux.
When you hear 'Linux,' you might have an image of an 'OS where you type spells into a black screen' or something 'only for engineers.'
But, I'll give you the conclusion.
If your work is mainly administrative, Linux will suffice for about 90% of your needs.
The remaining 10% are 'exceptions' like 'internal proprietary Windows apps,' 'VBA macros,' or 'minor compatibility issues that occur occasionally.'
If you set it up to access the company's Windows (RDP) only when necessary, it works out in practice.
*Please follow your organization's policies regarding taking company PCs off-site, using personal devices, and the availability of web versions (I operate within the permitted scope).
Verification: Can I do my 'usual work'?
I will report, without any lies or embellishments, how I actually operate in my work (administrative/planning).
1. Teams works 'mostly' fine with the 'browser version'
Internal communication centers on Microsoft Teams, but I basically use the browser version.
Not just for chat, but also for calls and screen sharing, I'm able to use it without issues within the scope of daily tasks.
However, there are parts of the browser version that are 'not exactly the same as the desktop version.'
For example, some features may not be supported, or there may be restrictions on meeting displays depending on the browser. This is a point where you have to make compromises.
Even so, because you don't have to keep heavy apps running in the background, the overall performance of the PC is snappy.
'Not having the app' was not a disadvantage, but an advantage of 'lightness'.
*I occasionally use Zoom, but this is also often completed in the browser (depending on the environment). Zoom
2. Office works 'mostly' fine with the 'browser' (especially if you are in management)
Word and Excel are now quite excellent in Microsoft 365 (Web version).
At first, I was worried, thinking 'Won't the layout break?' or 'Are the features sufficient?', but the work of a manager is centered on 'viewing, correcting, and checking' rather than 'creating documents from scratch', isn't it?
Checking comments
Minor corrections
Checking formatting
Viewing for sharing (review/approval)
For these purposes, the browser version is often sufficient.
(Regarding Word, it's easier to accept that there are functional differences between the web and desktop versions.)
However, 'VBA is just not possible'.
This is important, so I will be clear.
Excel VBA macros cannot be created, executed, or edited in the web version.
So, this is what I do.
Daily: Run on Linux + browser
Exceptions (VBA/dedicated add-ins, etc.): Use RDP to connect to a company Windows machine only when necessary
With this, I can 'admit there are times when it's inconvenient, but minimize daily stress'.
3. Linux as the ultimate cost-effective 'tool'
The Arch Linux I use is an OS where you choose and install only the features you need.
It is also a rolling release, so it's a style where you keep using it while constantly updating.
There is little unnecessary background processing, and it runs surprisingly smoothly even on PCs from several years ago.
It doesn't restart on its own (you can control it yourself)
No ads appear
Can be configured for low memory consumption
You don't have to buy the latest high-spec PC; just changing the OS can revive the PC you have on hand.
This 'high cost-performance' is the reason why I have continued to use Linux for two years.
Disadvantages: If I dare to mention them
Honestly, there are far fewer times when I feel inconvenienced, but if I had to list some:
Teams notifications: You cannot get the same detailed notification integration as the desktop app (it centers on browser notifications).
Peripherals: There are cases where settings are required, such as for old printers.
Company rules: This is the biggest turning point (whether you can use it or not depends on the company).
However, these are just trivial matters in the face of the benefit of 'blazing fast and comfortable operability'.
Summary: Try this before throwing away that old PC
If you have a 'Windows PC that is too slow to use' sleeping at home, why not try installing Linux on it before throwing it away?
At a much lower cost than buying a new PC, your computer will be revived as a 'tool for focusing on work'.
Even the black screen (terminal) will become as dear to you as a 'partner' once you get used to it.