Can DevOps Engineers Effectively Use Windows OS?
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Chapter 1: The Dominance of Operating Systems
Linux is an incredibly robust Operating System, powering over 80% of all internet servers. It is particularly favored in the realm of supercomputing, where it holds a near-monopoly.
On the other hand, Windows reigns as the most prevalent Operating System globally, especially among consumer desktops, laptops, and in corporate settings. Currently, Windows occupies the top spot in the desktop OS market, with more than 70% of computers worldwide operating on it. Following Windows, macOS, Apple's Operating System for Mac computers, is the second most widely used OS, with around 15% of the global population utilizing it.
My initial encounter with computers began with a Windows installation. I acquired it primarily for entertainment and self-learning. My first mission was to figure out how to install PC games, which led to countless hours of gameplay.
What initially sparked my interest in programming were the cheat codes we used to navigate particularly challenging missions. This curiosity prompted me to delve deeper into programming concepts, including variables and logic, which I had previously known little about.
A significant influence in my journey came from a friend who provided me with a CD featuring a CISCO course titled IT Essentials. This course introduced me to the fundamentals of computer hardware and software, covering essential topics such as assembly, disassembly, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance. I eagerly practiced these skills on my own computer until I inadvertently damaged it.
The course not only taught me about computer systems but also ignited my passion for web design. Initially, I learned HTML to create static web pages. However, as I explored further, I encountered PHP and MySQL databases. Running these technologies on Windows proved to be quite challenging, which led me to discover Linux. Eventually, Linux became my primary OS, though I still relied on Windows for gaming.
Section 1.1: Transitioning from IT Technician to Linux Admin
I began my career as an IT technician in a company with approximately 200 Windows-operated computers. At home, I utilized a Linux laptop, which made transferring applications between the two systems somewhat cumbersome. To address this, I configured my laptop to dual-boot both Windows and Linux. However, due to my heavy reliance on Windows for work, I predominantly operated within that environment.
Later, I secured a position as a System Administrator at a hosting company that employed a variety of operating systems. This role allowed me to work extensively with Linux, and eventually, I was promoted to a Linux System Administrator.
This journey unfolded prior to 2015, a pivotal year when Docker gained traction. I began leveraging Docker, which streamlined my workflow with PHP and MySQL. Despite some initial hurdles, I adopted Docker whenever possible.
As time passed, I transitioned into a DevOps Engineer role. I encountered numerous colleagues who primarily used Linux laptops. However, I also met a fellow engineer who preferred Windows as his main OS, utilizing Linux through a virtual machine. He appreciated having "the best of both worlds."
While I was never fond of running Linux in a VM due to the lengthy boot time, by 2018, I learned about Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). This was a game changer for me. I rushed home, activated my Windows PC, and installed WSL with Debian. The experience was phenomenal; I could run Linux directly within Windows, achieving boot times quicker than opening a terminal in Windows. It quickly became second nature to me, prompting me to install Windows on my work laptop to utilize WSL for my Linux tasks.
Section 1.2: Docker's Influence on My Workflow
Recently, I acquired a MacBook, largely due to my fondness for Apple products (feel free to judge). My experience with it has been positive, as Docker allows me to manage all my needs seamlessly. I also use Git for version control, ensuring that I can access my projects from any device—be it my MacBook at work, my Windows PC at home, or my Linux laptop in my bedroom. The consistency of my workflow is largely attributed to my reliance on a terminal, a code IDE (like VS Code), and a web browser.
Because I utilize Docker and Docker Compose for all my projects, the choice of operating system has become irrelevant. The outcomes of my work remain consistent, whether I am using Windows, Linux, or macOS. Thanks to Docker and Git, the operating system is no longer a concern for me. Thus, it's clear that DevOps engineers can indeed use Windows without any reservations, as Docker has fundamentally transformed the landscape of operating system usage.