Switch to Linux Reason #95: Support public knowledge instead of permanent vendor secrecy

Why this matters now

When fixes and design decisions stay private, each customer repeats the same dependency and mistakes. Debian publicly commits to free software, open bug reporting, and putting users and the free-software community first. That is a governance commitment users can inspect rather than a promise hidden in marketing (Debian Social Contract).

What changes with Linux

Open-source communities publish code, bug reports, documentation, and reusable improvements. That shared record helps people verify claims and solve problems without permission. GNU defines free software through the rights to run, study, change, and share it, including commercial use. These are practical rights that allow a community to repair or fork tools when priorities diverge (GNU free-software definition). Debian describes a free operating system with a package manager and a large software archive. That provides a concrete route to getting essential tools without making one commercial store the gatekeeper (About Debian).

Make the move

Contribute a reproducible bug report or documentation fix when you can. Choose projects that publish changes and respond to security reports.

A Linux installation does not erase data already collected or make every app private. Choose a maintained distribution, check its data practices, protect your accounts, and keep tested backups.

Take the power back