Hello all! I began working today, where the work is closely related to programming. Despite this, the work computer is set up as Windows (eww). I want to look for work-arounds, as installing linux on a work machine is a no-go.

I wonder, what is the way to minimize pain from having to use windows? Either that, or a way to maximize work done on linux-like stuffs. A linux server is given for us, and I think I can install WSL. Any recommendations on this setup?

Especially, I miss the virtual desktop feature, is there any way to use it? Is there a way I can run compositor through WSL? Also, should I install Pop! OS for the feature, or is it available on e.g. Ubuntu (default WSL)?

Sorry to ask a non-exclusively-linux question, but I think, hopefully, many linux people have experience to give me pointers what to do with a windows work environment.

EDIT: The Windows is Windows 10.

  • @leftzero
    1•4 hours ago

    .I did all of those for my grandmother a few months back.

    Oh, wow, I bow to the expert; I only have to do them several times a week on a variety of machines, and have been doing so for a couple decades. Clearly all my problems would be fixed if I was as experienced as you, please accept my humble apologies, oh master.

    If you’re having problems with those things, that’s a you problem.

    Oh, most definitely.

    I have a problem with settings that used to be grouped on a single easy to get window being randomly spread over several unrelated ones, and that’s the ones which aren’t only configurable now through the registry, or group policies, or powershell incantations.

    I have a problem with tasks that used to take 30 seconds and less than five clicks now taking minutes and the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

    I have a problem with the almost constant loss of functionality and usability since windows 2000; sure there’s some nice new features from time to time (winget is nice, if late, WSL1 was good — WSL2 is a horrible bloated hack that completely ignores that the NT architecture is designed to integrate multiple kernel subsystems at its core —, the windows 10 start menu was relatively practical once you got it setup right and until it randomly decided to fubar itself, shadow copies were very nice and are sorely missed…), but they don’t tend to last, and are usually gone by the next version of the OS or even the next major update.

    But sure, sure, it’s a me problem; never mind everyone else complaining about the same issues. We clearly just want to be cool.