[ACS_Solver]

Or perhaps things are not so black and white.

I don't come into contact with Windows much, but had an ~18 month contract a few years ago. A Fortune 500 company, an interesting project. I ended up writing some important parts in software that has an actual positive real-world impact. During my work, I was of course given a Windows machine. I installed Cygwin and did the vast majority of work there. I'd drop back into Windows proper just for Outlook and to occasionally use an industry-specific tool.

Sure I would have preferred to work on a Linux machine, but having to use Windows doesn't mean that the work is pointless, or that I cannot put my best effort into it.

[techntoke]

So you used Cygwin to do the work why? Is it because it was actually easier to make progress when it came to actual work (not just needing to use the corporate tools to communicate with coworkers or track your time)? From the sounds of it, Windows actually hindered you so you tried to find a way to use Linux tools so that you could make the most positive impact. That is exactly what I'm saying.. why make concessions and limit yourself.