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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Why is Linux so frustrating for some people? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Don't get me wrong. I love Linux and FOSS. I have been using and installing distros on my own since I was 12. Now that I'm working in tech-related positions, after the Reddit migration happened, etc. I recovered my interest in all the Linux environment. I use Ubuntu as my main operating system in my Desktop, but I always end up feeling very limited. There's always software I can't use properly (and not just Windows stuff), some stuff badly configured with weird error messages... last time I was not able to even use the apt command. Sometimes I lack time and energy for troubleshooting and sometimes I just fail at it.

I usually end up in need of redoing a fresh install until it breaks up again. Maybe Linux is not good for beginners working full time? Maybe we should do something like that Cisco course that teaches you the basic commands?

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[–] [email protected] 19 points 1 year ago (1 children)

There’s always software I can’t use properly (and not just Windows stuff), some stuff badly configured with weird error messages… last time I was not able to even use the apt command

I'm not sure what you were doing to break apt, but it was probably something pretty funky (or at least adding a bunch of repos without really thinking about it).

The thing with Linux is that it doesn't stop you doing stupid shit as much as Windows. If you know what you're doing, that's a really good thing. It's really annoying when your OS stops you doing something for your own protection if you know that you're not going to break anything. Simple example: Windows locks any file that's open, Linux doesn't. That's really convenient, but you can screw things up badly if you're not careful.

If you're a beginner, I would suggest sticking to the GUI, i.e. control panels, software installed, etc. in Ubuntu. If you ever go into command line, be really careful, and understand what you're doing. Definitely do not copy and paste commands you find online without understanding them reasonably well. Ubuntu puts in pretty good protections in its graphical tools. You'll be able to do whatever you need to do, but shouldn't break anything. Over time, you'll pick up some knowledge and be able to do more in the command line (etc.) without breaking things.

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

I'll shout out chatGPT for being a huge help explaining Linux commands or how to do certain things on Linux. If you have a guide you are following chatGPT will do a great job explaining the steps if you don't understand.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

That might explain why so many have their systems "breaking over time". 🤭