Yes, and as someone with a pricey cancer treatment at the moment which I can only afford due to Medicaid, there is a very good chance I will be one of them.

Covid called

That’s Nostradumbass to you.

Also as a casual pc gamer, here is my take.

I just started getting into github projects, and have learned a few things. Like windows and linux can be ran on the same operating system (called wsl) for free and already built in windows. It is pretty useful for developer projects. The point being, there is a good chunk of gamers that are tech savy. Learning linux is not that hard especially with no barriers to entry.

But MAINLY, because people are tired of changing operating systems. https://store.steampowered.com/hwsurvey

Windows 10 has INCREASED in popularity more than windows 11 compared to last year for steam users. Since Windows 10 will be officially discontinued in a year, that is actually bonkers. This shows that people (gamers) are getting tired of making unnecessary changes/updates to things that aren’t broken and work fine.

Linux is a free option for that. BUT… until you can play all steam game son linux, the switch won’t happen. The linux popularity will only increase once games can be run on it. Then, the gamers will teach their families how to use linux, which won’t be hard, because distros like Ubuntu are already user friendly (Macs are also based off linux as well). It has desktop, file exploration, browsers, etc.

Since most people just use their computers for work, email, social media, streaming, etc., there is actually no reason for people not to use linux really. The only reason they haven’t is because they are not per-installed on computers and windows is already ‘free’.

Depends on the “average” person You are allowed to stop reading at any point!

generally:

• if one only uses the browser anyway why not use an os that is easy to install, gets updates for like forever, can run on a potato and just works
• it supports more hardware (especially that it does not require tpm) making it cheaper when choosing used hardware + is more resource efficient
• It has no ads build in
• being able to drag games fullscreen from one desktop to another with windows key* pressed and mouse drag (at least arch + plasma)
• users being able to choose their own difficulty from easy and less flexible (mint) to specific (bazzite, looks like a games console but for steam) to advanced (arch) and further
• no account needed to use it (+ no nag screens except maybe on install but way less than windows)
• able to be installed on a USB stick and be used on every pc that lets you boot from it, can even be tested without install
• Installing software is much easier and safer as one does not need to visit some website to download an exe but only needs to open the program store or look up the name and then simply copy paste something in the console and press enter
• a lot can be updated at once, not only the system but programs as well with one simple command (or the update button in discover or something like that)

*dont really know how else to call it XD

specific: gamer -> proton works wonderful to emulate win games that have no intrusive anticheat (protondb is your friend) office -> open office or if they want a more ms office thing Softmaker (but its paid & some things are not supported, has no subscription options tho) artist -> gimp and krita are your friends

cons (to be a bit fair):

• some things (like how to download programs) can be massively inconsistent between platforms (glancing at ubuntu)
• its not windows and will never be so it can be challenging to adapt (like using the console or installing programs)
• MS office is not native to linux and needs compatibility layers (like proton or wine) or even a VM
• could be a hassle for students or workers where MS software is required

Sorry for the dump, i am not sure if i properly answered your question or you got what you wanted to know

I think they’re just saying they’ll incorrectly consider it sentient because we’re always lead by morons, it seems.

Okay, I could see this one happening.

but are holding on as long as their power grids do.

This is a big thing. Where I live, there’s long stretches of time where the temperature differential inside vs. out might average 50C. It might be hard to imagine if you’re not in a place like this, but it’s totally possible to live somewhere hostile to life with the right technology.

To be fair, the laws of thermodynamics are working against you if it’s hotter outside. Heat can’t really be destroyed very easily, only moved. AC units are universal in the US, but aren’t a good solution in the third world, and if something happens to them you’re in a much scarier situation than just having to bundle up and drain your pipes. Still, I expect the trend towards overly hot places like Arizona growing will continue.