this post was submitted on 20 Aug 2023
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Linux

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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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[–] matt 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Hmm? I'm sorry, I'm not following because all distributions follow the same format here, which is that you flash an ISO to a USB stick (or other removable media).

This is, in fact, how it also works for Windows.

[–] JubilantJaguar 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I’m not following

USB sticks do not make themselves.

This is, in fact, how it also works for Windows.

Yes but in practice it is not necessary for Windows.

[–] matt 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I'm not entirely sure how you expect Linux distributions to start coming pre installed on computers from major retailers.

It would be great to see, but it can't just happen without those retailers having a reason to sell them.

While there are systems that some companies sell with Linux on them, those companies are not where "normal people" are buying computers.

[–] JubilantJaguar 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Sure, all true. Which is why Debian needs to make the installation as easy as possible.

Actually, here in Europe I did once buy a laptop with Linux on it from a mainstream retailer. It came with nothing but a Knoppix CD. But sure, that is less common then ever, disappointingly.

[–] matt 1 points 1 year ago

Sorry, but your logic doesn't follow. The installation is as easy as it possibly can be... which is incredibly easy, you just keep clicking next, put in your username / password, choose what drive you want to install on, and voilà, it is done!

...just like it is for Windows.