> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.ctrl.blog/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Why I Love Free Software - URL: https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/ilovefs-2017/ - Published: 2017-02-14T11:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-23T22:11:50.000Z - Description: My contribution to the FSFE’s 2017 #ilovefs campaign. - Author: Daniel Aleksandersen - Tags: Linux, Microsoft Windows *Here is my contribution to this year’s annual* [*I Love Free Software-day*](https://fsfe.org/activities/ilovefs/?ref=ctrl.blog) *campaign by Free Software Foundation Europe. It’s also a roundup of much of what I’ve written about Linux and Windows over the last year.* I’m a Linux desktop user, because Linux doesn’t try to [lock me into their platform and services](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/edgedeflector-default-browser/) only to [abandon me halfway through the journey](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/ipod-5gen-iosx/). Instead of having my access to [remote management features](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/how-to-rdpwrapper-win10-home/), [convenient encryption features](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/how-to-file-history-network-storage/), and even [how long I’m allowed to use my own device](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/windows-active-hours/) be restricted by how much I’ve paid for my operating system edition; I’m free to [choose whichever edition I want](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/migrated-to-fedora/) based on my needs of the moment. Rather than being [annoyed](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/software-update-tyranny/) and [upset](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/software-updates-suck/) with the heap of garbage that’s Windows Update; I’m fascinated by the [innovations and configurability of my update platform](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/how-to-fedora-drpm-network-bandwidth/). Instead of being frustrated by the lackluster error messages and logs when Windows Update refuses to install updates; I feel the joy of having my [patch that improves error messages](https://github.com/rpm-software-management/dnf/pull/708?ref=ctrl.blog) approved and included in my operating system. When core system features breaks, which they [always](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/how-to-reconnect-file-history-drive/) [seem](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/windows-network-data-usage-stuck/) to [do](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/idle-task-scheduler-powershell/), I can better identify and either correct — or work around — the issue more easily when I can study and improve the code. Sure, I’ve had my share of issues on Linux too. Contrary to popular beliefs, hardware compatibility issues happen on Linux and Windows. Yet, I can always [find](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/linux-wifi-dpm-latency/) a [solution](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/replace-broadcom-wifi-with-intel/) on Linux whereas I’m [left wondering](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/troubleshooting-esata-pmp/) on Windows. I still can’t sync my contacts and calendar between Windows Mail/Calendar and Contacts with my other devices, but Linux has [no problem syncing](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/gnome-caldav/) with MacOS, iOS, and Android. Sure, despite the efforts of the GNOME team and even with [patches provided by yours truly](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/met-norway-api-endpoints/) to keep operations running smoothly, [other people’s servers sometimes stop working](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/gnome-apps-web-api/). You don’t usually run into issues like that on Windows. I do appreciate Windows’ friendly gestures and attempts at [embracing Linux](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/lxss-lxrun/) as a [powertool](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/rmrf-in-wsl/). Though, I sincerely wish Microsoft will do more work on support for [running my favorite programs](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/how-to-x-on-wsl/). It’s a great start with lots of potential none the less. [I’m a Linux desktop user](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/choose-linux/), and [I show off my love with pride](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/review-unixstickers/). Although Windows is still a part of my life, I prefer [sticking it in a box](https://www.ctrl.blog/entry/how-to-win10-in-gnome-boxes/) and forgetting all about it. I use Linux every day, and I love it. #ilovefs I’d like to say a big great **thank you!** to everyone who contribute and help make Linux the greatest operating system on the planet. A special thank you to everyone — and especially project maintainers — who’ve help review one of the 150+ small patches that I’ve submitted to various projects in the free software world over the last year. I’ve felt welcome and valued just about everywhere. I sincerely appreciate your time commitment and work every day!