this post was submitted on 05 Oct 2023
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Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

On the one hand I agree.

I remember when I first learned about Linux, specifically an early version of KNOPPIX. Computers ran Windows. Mac whatever existed but was niche. The idea that I could boot a new fully functional OS from a CD was an absolutely crazy idea. I thought I had an understanding of computers but this changed everything.

This rant talks about users being unwilling to branch out but I think it's more that they're unable to. They lack the understanding of what question to ask. They're not making the choice to not try Foo, they lack the understanding that alternatives exist. If someone told you "Actually cars don't need wheels" and then took the wheels off and drove away you'd be completely flabbergasted. Turns out cars move based on magic not wheels.

On the other hand.

I don't think it's unreasonable for folks to be a little more attentive in the choices they make. When you buy a car you don't just show up to the dealership and grab the first one you see. You choose gas, electric or hybrid. You choose a car, a truck, a van, etc based on your needs. You might pick a specific brand/make/model based on other requirements.

It's fine to choose the most popular option, it's popular for a reason, but you should understand a little bit about your choice. You chose Lenovo. You chose Windows. You chose Edge. You chose Bing.

I'm not asking if you know if you have an HDD or an SSD. I'm not asking if it's an NVME drive. I'm not asking which generation/model CPU it has.

I think the frustration being expressed is the type you see from the classic "The Website is Down".