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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Is Linux (dumb)user friendly yet? (lemmy.ca)

submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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So I'm building a new computer before the end of the year and lemmy is obviously pushing me towards Linux.

I am not computer savvy, I have a family member that will help me set up my PC, but I do not want to be calling/messaging them every day when I want to open a program.

Basically my question comes down to: can I operate a Linux PC these days without needing to troubleshoot or type code.

I use my computer about once a week for a few hours I would say, so any time spent troubleshooting is time wasted.

Thanks!

EDIT: since a lot of people are asking what programs I typically use, I'll just list my most used programs.

Word, Excel, ect(I'm fine with alternatives)

Spotify

Gimp (would have been a make or break, so I'm glad it's supported)

Brave browser (browser is a browser)

Steam

Discord

I would say that while I could figure out how the kernels work, I'm at a point with computers these days where I don't have the time. My priorities fall with a seamless daily experience. If I have the time to figure something out I can, but ideally my day to day usage being unbotherd is what I'm after.

A lot of the comments so far have been helpful! I'm definitely going to give Linux a fair shot with my new build, probably start with Mint.

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[–] FooBarrington 1 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

No, it absolutely is hard, and those are bad comparisons. Growing up you interact with bread and cars, and you build a preference based on what you're taught and what you experience. If I go into a new store and see a dozen types of bread I've never eaten, I can still make inferences about their taste, texture etc. This is not the case with Linux distributions - if I've never used Linux before, I literally don't know what the hell I'm doing.

And it's absolutely unrealistic to expect your average person to try a few out. They won't be able to decide on technical grounds, and they'll have to use the distribution for some time to build enough experience for a preference. Going back to your car example, it's like suggesting people buy a few cars and decide which one they like (since they don't have the experience to make judgements based on short test drives) - you're asking them to invest a lot of time for something they don't really need or want.

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

I disagree with you, I happen to think that the average person is intelligent enough to make an informed decision about their computing. They just have to forgo the learned helplessness that Microsoft and Apple have fostered since the early nineties.

I don't think it's unreasonable for someone who is dissatisfied to try a few out. Let's be clear here, if you're satisfied, then you're not going to even think about moving but more and more people are becoming dissatisfied, you can tell by the number of people on Reddit (yes I still lurk Reddit) asking about switching. Also, unless you're really a geek, it isn't going to be close to a technical decision - it will be purely gut-feel. I like this one, I don't like that one.

[–] FooBarrington 1 points 2 months ago

You seem to be fundamentally misunderstanding my point, as I didn't mention the average person's intelligence in any way. All I'm saying is that minimizing the effort required to really try multiple distributions is a terrible way of introducing people to Linux. It will only lead to frustration and rejection. Choosing your bread doesn't require investing dozens of hours.