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 (2 children)

When I was a child we had basic computer literacy classes in elementary school. They showed you how to get around Windows and use computers a bit. Somehow, I doubt that those kinds of classes ever taught Linux.

But the real problem I think is that Linux distros also never had Microsoft's budget to develop, assemble, test, and release the operating system + software suite. The fact that Linux is as good as it is in spite of that is really something special.

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

This is the most truthful answer. People learn and use System X all their life, its no wonder when a different System, let's say System Y is presented, they have difficulties. System X!=System Y, never did.

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

Learned helplessness. People just get stuck on their ways. I guess it's just a feature of getting older. Your brain becomes less and less malleable. Ironically challenging yourself would probably help with that.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Back when I was in school, we had typing classes. I'm not sure if that's because I'm younger than you and they assumed we has basic computer literacy, or older than you and they assumed we couldn't type at all. In either case, we used Macs.

It wasn't until university that we even had an option to use Linux on school computers, and that's only because they have a big CS program. They're also heavily locked-down Ubuntu instances that re-image the drive on boot, so it's not like we could tinker much or learn how to install anything.

Unfortunately—at least in North America—you really have to go out of your way to learn how to do things in Linux. That's just something most people don't have the time for, and there's not much incentive driving people to switch.

A small side note: I'm pretty thankful for Valve and the Steam Deck. I feel like it's been doing a pretty good job teaching people how to approach Linux.

By going for a polished console-like experience with game mode by default, people are shown that Linux isn't a big, scary mish-mash of terminal windows and obscure FOSS programs without a consistent design language. And by also making it possible to enter a desktop environment and plug in a keyboard and mouse, people can* explore a more conventional Linux graphical environment if they're comfortable trying that.