I’ve been forced recently to reorganize all the computers I use for work and play. Here are some surprising conclusions leading to the decision to switch from Linux to Windows workstation (with no WSL) and full Kali Linux virtual machine as my daily driver:
Personally, I just need a Linux terminal that’s it. I don’t give a shit how I get it so long as it is responsive and I can put TMUX on it.
WSL2 may have a ton of bugs, not work with Cisco Anyconnect, and lack graphics support but is clearly the way everything is going, even Vagrant supports it by redirecting everything to the host Windows system so that the VirtualBox and other providers just work.
I’ll be using VMware Workstation Pro since it is required by the OSCP certs. I will use Kali in VirtualBox and from WSL2 for the Boost.
I don’t need long-term stability. As ironic as it sounds, I don’t need my computer to be on all day. I can simply turn it on when I need it for gaming or streaming, or leave it on and reboot is weekly or so. This is because I’m no longer doing 24 hour streams with fish. If and when I do something like that again, it will be from a dedicated systems streaming to a specific, separate account.
Windows dominates 3D (CAD, games). This is no surprise. Microsoft pioneered modern 3D desktop applications (DirectX). I don’t do that much gaming, but when I do I like having the option to play games that just don’t work on Linux at all, or are a pain in the ass to setup. Also, I would love to get into SolidWorks and Overwatch (Windows only) again.
StreamLabs is the leading streaming application despite it being highly proprietary and ripping off OBS. I can still use vanilla OBS, but having all the power of StreamLabs is a compelling for someone operating at this level of streaming these days. They make a very good product.
Streaming game development is easier from Windows since Windows dominates that realm. This includes GameMaker (for which I have about 20 licenses) and Phaser3D as well as Unreal Engine and Unity with C#. I’m not into game development, but if I wanted to do a fun stream or two covering that I would be more able to do it.
I need to get good with Windows C++, Assembly, and PowerShell if I want to hack like the pros and start making that sweet pentesting money (which I know I’m easily capable of once I have the tools).
“Windows 10 is the only supported operating system for OSEE” means that this is the system required by the most elite hacking certification possible from Offensive Security. Might as well get used to using it now. Oh, and this certification requires owning VMware Workstation Pro version 15 or higher (which I also have).
Related:
Troubles with VirtualBox and the Windows Subsystem for Linux
https://nicolaiarocci.com/troubles-with-virtualbox-and-the-windows-subsystem-for-linux/
EXP-401 and the OSEE Certification | Offensive Security
https://www.offensive-security.com/awe-osee/