this post was submitted on 26 Sep 2024
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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] 31 points 1 month ago (16 children)

How would y'all feel if Valve started selling PCs with their flavor of Linux on it?

[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 month ago (4 children)

Didn't work out that well last time. But Valve got a lot better with Hardware since then.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_Machine_(computer)

[–] [email protected] 13 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

I had an alienware Steam Machine and it was perfectly fine.

I think the criticisms of the Steam Machine suffered from what I would call the Verge Syndrome, which is only being able to comprehend things in a binary of instant success or failure, with no in between and no comprehension of other definitions of success.

Steam Machines were a low risk initiative that were fine for what the were. They did not have a ring of death, they didn't have a blue screen, the OS itself was not glitchy, they didn't lose money, and they didn't fail any stated goals. They got the Proton ecosystem up and running, and got the ball rolling on hardware partnerships, which led to the smash success of the Steam Deck which would not have been otherwise possible.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 month ago

I am sure they were fine machines. I don't think they were profitable for Valve (that is what I meant with "not worked out well"). On the other hand, the Steamdeck might not exist without the Steam Machines, so maybe I am wrong and it did work out well.

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