I need Windows 10, for almost nothing. Every once-in-a-while, I come across some 'tard circumstance, where I need to use an application that only runs on Windows; such as, WFH (work from home) apps, that may never be ported to linux.
Many of us have struggled with how to get Windows running on our linux machines and have discovered that in dual or multiboot mode Windows has to be installed first and basically controls the C:\ drive or “sda.” Those of us who have had the good fortune of having more than one drive and having gotten tired of the software maintenance required by multibooting, on a single drive, have aquiesced to allowing Windows full and unfettered control, over our C:\ drive, only to discover that Windows “write” protects our D:\ drive or “sdb,” after having installed our linux distros there. What a house of horrors, Windows won’t allow us any degree of control, over our own systems, even when we give it the prime C:\ drive, all to itself. What a jealous hog.
For many of us, the only choice has been to rip out Windows, by the roots, and destroy all traces of it. This has ultimately made life much more peaceful; and, our workflows have benefitted, as a result. But gosh-darn-it, that $60/hr website and software testing job, that I want, requires a Windows or Mac OS. Oh why, oh why, oh why do I need to have two PCs or laptops, just to stay employed. Good lord, can it get any more complicated.
Running Windows in a VM can be a really lame experience. That tiny little window it runs in is already annoying. Add to that, the fact that sometimes you can’t use audio from a virtualized Windows desktop, especially with older hardware. Then there is the Windows-To-Go option, which I haven’t tried; but, must be a better experience than virtualization. This solution is “not” straight-forward and requires additional software and expense, not to mention patience.
Finally, there appears to be another solution. I just discovered today, that “infosaic.com” offers Windows 10, as a service, running on Microsoft’s “linux” based Azure servers, starting at $11.95 per month. infosaic claims you get admin rights and the ability to install software. Whether or not I’ll be able to run my 'tard WFH app on it, remains to be seen; but, for the moment, this solution seems promising.
Has anyone tried this? What was your experience?
I’d love to hear what you think.