So do they. But then the tiny tool they built for fun keeps expanding as they add features until it’s useful, then really useful. And some eventually become a small, ignored, absolutely critical components in software used by millions. Too small or unsexy to get any money, but user errors or scammers or AI slop or bugs or feature requests lead to enormous volumes of email, comments, forum posts, vitriol, pressure, stress, angst, burnout, depression.

Yeah, I installed Enterprise edition on my desktop, which allows you to cut out all the bloat and spyware. But it takes a long time to do, and I’m not sure I got everything since Windows Updates can change anything.

That love of tinkering is why I’ve landed on not using an immutable distro for my first time installing Linux since the 00s. CachyOS is what I landed on; now I just need to catch up on work so I can take a day to tinker with my setup.

For context, I semi-broke my current Windows 11 install by trying to manually edit the registry to remove all traces of a piece of invasive, uninstallable bloatware (that comes direct from ASRock… the bastards) I accidentally installed. Turns out my sound drivers are from the same company, so when I deleted all entries with that company in the search terms, I FUBARed my Bluetooth audio and 3.5mm microphone. And didn’t backup the registry.

I like to tinker, and if I need to reinstall my OS anyway, so now is the time to finally switch!