Usually this is a UAC prompt so that the installer can deploy the game/app into Program Files. This isn't the fault of Windows and I'm fairly certain this could be avoided by the developer of the game/app.
> play your game without Windows having a hissy fit about Windows updates
You know you can defer updates and the nag? But then if you value your security then you'd install these updates (I lifted this from the start of your comment).
> without worrying that some bad patch from Microsoft will hose your entire setup
These are fairly rare, and personally never had it happen. I've hosed my Fedora install because the package manager really ballsed things up. But that was also a rare event.
I run both Windows and Linux and feel I'm in happily in control of both OS's.
> You really don't have to run interference for Microsoft
I beg your pardon? I think you need to re-acquaint yourself with the HN Guidelines:
"Please don't post insinuations about astroturfing, shilling, bots, brigading, foreign agents and the like. It degrades discussion and is usually mistaken. If you're worried about abuse, email hn@ycombinator.com and we'll look at the data."
> Consider that games and accounts themselves are a high value target. Your League or WoW account alone can be worth hundreds to thousands and then some. Putting all your gaming eggs in one basket, so to speak, isn't that great.
I think even you can see the flaw in your argument there. It's the accounts that are at risk and it doesn't matter which platform you're using. A determined miscreant will get control and it doesn't matter a hoot whether you were running Windows, Linux, MacOS etc.
That's not true.
> or at some point ask for admin privileges.
Usually this is a UAC prompt so that the installer can deploy the game/app into Program Files. This isn't the fault of Windows and I'm fairly certain this could be avoided by the developer of the game/app.
> play your game without Windows having a hissy fit about Windows updates
You know you can defer updates and the nag? But then if you value your security then you'd install these updates (I lifted this from the start of your comment).
> without worrying that some bad patch from Microsoft will hose your entire setup
These are fairly rare, and personally never had it happen. I've hosed my Fedora install because the package manager really ballsed things up. But that was also a rare event.
I run both Windows and Linux and feel I'm in happily in control of both OS's.