this post was submitted on 20 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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Linux has made significant strides, and in 2023, it’s better than ever. However, there are still individuals perpetuating a delusion: that desktop Linux is as user-friendly and productive as its mainstream counterparts. After a few discussions on Lemmy, I believe it’s important to provide a clear review of where Linux falls short as a daily driver for average users.

EDIT: can I just make it clear I don't agree with this article one bit and think it's an unhinged polemic?

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

i've supported home users for over two decades.

the 'average' of those is dumb as bricks when it comes to PCs or the internet. a mainstream linux distribution will not work for them unless their needs are basically a browser only--and for that limited use case, a chromebook is the better fit--dirt cheap to buy, and integrated with the google ecosystem they probably already got sucked-into via their android-based phone.

i have one user that calls me every year or so for an updated ubuntu live boot disk, they run a browser off that for everything--don't even have a hdd in their pc, and a couple others that boot a kiosk-type setup off hdd.

i do have a few that have a full linux desktop--but they aren't among those 'average' users and are mostly self-sufficient in maintaining them.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I find zorin about as easy and windows. I think the issue is the dumb as bricks users rely on family and friends that use windows and thats what they would expect to see.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

ngl, friends and family that 'know what they're doing' generates revenue.