Communities, governments and businesses face a choice that carries real economic weight as Microsoft winds down support for its Windows 10 operating system.

This choice relates to centuries-old economic realities.

The 18th-century economist Richard Cantillon noted that when new money enters the economy, it benefits those closest to the source first while others face rising costs. Today, purchases of proprietary software echo this theory in a similar way. Vendors and shareholders profit early, while taxpayers and communities shoulder the burden of recurring fees, upgrade costs, and discarded hardware.

Switching to Linux distributions like openSUSE reverses this imbalance. Instead of sending public money to distant corporations, funds stay local and support IT jobs for regional developers and entrepreneurs. The use of open-source Linux distributions also extends the life of existing hardware and reduces e-waste, which proprietary models can exploit for unnecessary spending.

Free Software Foundation Europe’s Public Money, Public Code campaign makes the case clearly; open code ensures transparency, prevents lock-in, and strengthens digital sovereignty. Switzerland has already enshrined this principle in law through its Federal Law on the Use of Electronic Means for the Fulfilment of Governmental Tasks (EMBAG), which reflects its federalist tradition of governance. Other countries are pursuing similar measures and it signals a clear shift toward legally ensuring openness and local control in publicly funded software.

The approaching end of Windows 10 is a clear chance for people and administrations to make smarter choices for their communities. For individuals, that means installing a Linux distribution instead of enriching distant shareholders. For governments, it means avoiding dependence on foreign corporations and preserving digital sovereignty by keeping control of critical infrastructure. Digital sovereignty increasingly depends on open-source software, yet open hardware will soon play a role in securing digital independence. The Endof10 movement backed by several Linux communities has events for those willing to install open-source distributions like openSUSE and others. The great migration is upon us and switching to Linux it’s an economic and cultural decision that will keep money, skills, and control within communities rather than flowing to global software monopolies.

This is part of a series on End of 10 articles where we offer reasons to transition from Windows to Linux.

sqybi hat dem Pool ein Foto hinzugefügt:

这是我这次在东京附近旅行拍到的比较满意的一张照片，同样是在江之电的电车上。

上车之前我特地挑选了可以拍摄到驾驶员的车厢，在驾驶员使用指差确认法执行动作的时候，拍到了这样一张照片。此时驾驶员的手也正好指向了前方正在拍摄的路人，就像是正在和这位路人打招呼。

This is one of my favorite photos from my recent trip near Tokyo, also taken on the Enoden train.

Before boarding, I specifically chose a carriage where I could photograph the driver. I captured this shot just as the driver was performing the “pointing and calling” safety procedure. At that moment, the driver’s hand happened to be pointing toward a passerby ahead who was taking a photo, making it look as if the driver was greeting that person.