I think he is referring to the experience of using Windows 10 not WSL - they really do push for you to register/sign-in to an online account just to install creators update - even going so far as placing opt-outs in funny positions on the screen so it isn't obvious that is a possibility. Why does the start menu contain software that isn't installed and adverts? Why do you need an account to download free software from the store?
There's certainly a line of argument that says you can have all the linux goodness without all of that.
I have been in my day a very heavy user of Windows. What I object to on both Windows and Mac is the whole "store" experience. When my personal computer asks me for a credit card, I find this to be a profoundly uncomfortable experience - whether that's rational or not is a separate question.
So that's why to me it's like Avocado Ice Cream: a choice many people are free to make and enjoy....like the maniacs they are.
The only time your mac ask for your credit card information is when you are trying to pay something with your Apple account and you don't already have it.
If you don't want to be uncomfortable then simply don't try to pay for something with your Apple account.
Not wholly true. My mac ecosystem is currently blocking the download of a free app until I verify my CC information (which consists of entering the CCV for the hundredth time, but that's a separate rant).
Defiantly not totally true, I have multiple accounts on the mac store and I've never once been asked for a credit card, I download free apps via the store at will.
If that bothers you, you can always just download the app from the dev's website and not bother with the store completely.
What probably happened is that you have an existing expired CC on your account, so just remove it and continue on...
What is actually happening is my Apple account gets locked out about once a week (completely outside of my control), so they want me to verify everything again, even to make "free" purchases. A real PITA.
> you can always just download the app from the dev's website and not bother with the store completely
This makes a number of assumptions - namely that the developer has made the app available via their website (which is not common if they use in-app purchases).
Apple required/asked for Credit Card from me to upgrade a Desktop to (I think) Mavericks. It was an old computer that an employee of mine used to use. I logged in, had a look, saw an available upgrade and clicked to install it and - boom - please can we have your CC.
It depends what store you are connected to, I think. Haven't had the experience on the Mac, but on the iPhone, it let me download things freely on the US store but required I provide a credit card before it let me download free stuff from another store.
There's certainly a line of argument that says you can have all the linux goodness without all of that.