I run Linux on my HP laptop. I don't use any proprietary software. So, for myself, I don't see this buy vs. subscribe dichotomy. By the way, I'm using Linux Mi

I run Linux on my HP laptop. I don't use any proprietary software. So, for myself, I don't see this buy vs. subscribe dichotomy. By the way, I'm using Linux Mint + MATE and everything works pretty well. Unfortunately, my work supplied computer is a pretty locked down Windows with a limited corporate approved software selection. Luckily, this selection includes VirtualBox! ;) So, with VB, I'm able to do all my dev work in a Linux VM (I run both Mint and Alpine..) You may want to consider trying some Free / Open Source software alternatives to your current setup if you are tired of subscriptions..