After 25 years of running Linux on multiple computers, my migration away from Linux is now complete. MacOS handles audio and graphics, GhostBSD is my main programming platform, and Windows 11 Pro, installed on my Zephyrus laptop, takes on AI, virtualization, and other GPU-intensive tasks.
This move wouldn’t have happened without Chris Titus’s Windows Utility, which strips away a lot of the bloat and unnecessary background services that typically weigh down a fresh Windows 11 Pro install. With Pro features and 8 GB of VRAM, the Zephyrus fills a powerful niche in my post-Linux toolkit.
My Zephyrus laptop runs Windows 11 Pro, displays no ads, and has Copilot and all bloatware removed. While some telemetry is still collected, Linux does the same. Don’t be mislead by YouTube videos claiming Linux is superior simply because “anyone” can modify the code. That claim, like many more, is misleading.
Installed Software
Affinity Suite
I initially purchased Affinity Photo for Windows and was pleasantly surprised when Serif offered me a smooth upgrade path to the full Affinity Suite when I bought a Mac earlier this year. It’s refreshing to see a company that values customers by providing flexible upgrades and subscription-free pricing. The Photo 2, Designer 2 and Publisher 2 apps are powerful, intuitive, and professional. All in all, Serif’s approach and software quality have earned my respect and loyalty.
Blender
Blender is a powerful, open-source 3D creation suite that covers the entire pipeline. Modeling, sculpting, texturing, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, and even video editing. It’s built for artists, engineers, and creators who demand control without compromise.
Whether I’m building game assets, architectural visualizations, or cinematic animations, Blender on Linux gives me all the tools I need.
FreeCAD
I use FreeCAD on Windows for precision modeling where strict parametric control is essential. It excels at building mechanically accurate parts, letting me define relationships, constraints, and dimensions in a way that stays stable as designs evolve. Once the technical models are complete, I move them into Blender for final visualization and rendering. FreeCAD handles the engineering-grade detail, and Blender handles the presentation, an ideal combination for mechanical and product-focused workflows.
Rufus
My new go-to software for creating bootable USB flash drives. As I no longer have access to Gnome Disk, Rufus is the best alternative.
VirtualBox
One of the final reasons I moved away from Linux on the Zephyrus was ongoing issues with VirtManager, particularly around VM networking. Getting virtual machines online required too much tweaking, an old, well-known issue that remains unresolved.
That’s when Windows 11 Pro entered the scene. After installing it, the very first application I added was VirtualBox. I used Chris Titus’s Windows Utility, which also installs the required .NET runtime as part of its streamlined setup process.
I’m happy to report that, unlike VirtManager on Linux, VirtualBox on Windows runs GhostBSD as a VM flawlessly. Fullscreen at 3440×1440 resolution? No problem. Bridged networking? Just a checkbox. I enjoy doing things the easy way because time is precious.