I agree, but I prefer not to use Windows at all. My current thinking (but
not my previously help opinion) is if it won't run in Linux then it isn't
worth having.

I have used Linux for ten years and over that time things have gotten much
better for users. I feel that it is worth using and supporting open source
applications even if they are not as good so that they can develop and
improve. It is our support and feedback over the years that has improved
Linux to the point where many of us can avoid using anything that comes from
Redmond. Along the way some of us have had to make sacrifices. I won't buy
Apple or many other things even if they are better because I know that we
need to buy alternative products if we are to offer an alternative.

Some users do agree and want to only use mature applications and pooh pooh
using anything but the best. If we all took this approach then there would
be few Linux applications and Windows would rule. Wait.. it does anyway! :)

Seriously, we are getting very close to providing a free choice in most
areas (games excluded). I am not aiming at anyone or making judgements.
Users must do what they think is best and many bought products before they
moved to Linux that they just want to use. I get that. I am just thinking to
the future and see much hope if we stay the course and support our own in
preference to proprietary and paid software. It helps if we are able to
donate to projects that we use and like, too. If we are overly protective
that can be as bad or worse because it is a turn off for many people. I
don't like to bash Microsoft any more for that reason. It does more harm
than good.

The way that I see it is that software freedom is a journey and not a
destination. We can't get there over night and some say that we will never
get there completely. I don't really care because the joy is in the trip.
Everybody is some place different on that journey and we have to respect
that. I was once a Microsoft stalwart and hardcore user, so there is hope
for anybody.