this post was submitted on 11 Nov 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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157
Sell Me on Linux (self.linux)
submitted 7 months ago by Sage_the_Lawyer to c/[email protected]
140 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

I posted this as a comment in another post but when I got done I realized it would probably just be better as its own post. I'm sure I could find the answers I need myself but frankly I trust the userbase here more than most online articles.

As my username hints at, I'm a lawyer. I'm considering starting my own firm as a solo practitioner. I need a computer and/or laptop for it, and as a new business my budget would be pretty tight. I've mostly only ever used windows, but I'm getting fed up with the bullshit, so I'm considering going with Linux.

I assume Linux is capable of doing everything I need, which is primarily handling word documents, viewing PDFs, watching evidence videos, and online research. But my concern is that some of the more commonly used video types might have trouble on Linux, or that some of the word document templates I use in Windows might have compatibility issues.

I'm also nervous about using an OS I'm not familiar with for business purposes right away.

So I guess I'm asking a few questions. What is a reliable yet affordable option to get started? Are my concerns based in reality or is Linux going to be able to handle everything windows does without issues? What else might I need to know to use Linux comfortably from the get go? Is it going to take a lot of time and effort to get Linux running how I need it to?

For reference, I do consider myself to be somewhat tech-savvy. I don't code or anything, but I've built my last two home computers myself and I'm not scared of general software management, I just don't make it myself.

So, yeah, sell me on Linux, please.

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[–] TCB13 -2 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (10 children)

I'll instead "un-sell" you on Linux: https://tadeubento.com/2023/linux-desktop-a-collective-delusion/

Given your job I wouldn't do it:

People who need MS Office because once you have to collaborate with others Open/Libre/OnlyOffice won’t cut it. If one lives in a bubble and doesn’t to collaborate with others then native Linux apps might work and might even deliver a decent workflow. Once collaboration with Windows/Mac users is required then it’s game over – the “alternatives” aren’t just up to it.

Windows licenses are cheap and things work out of the box. Software runs fine, all vendors support whatever you’re trying to do and you’re productive from day zero. Sure, there are annoyances from time to time, but they’re way fewer and simpler to deal with than the hoops you’ve to go through to get a minimal and viable/productive Linux desktop experience.

It all comes down to a question of how much time (days? months?) you want to spend fixing things on Linux that simply work out of the box under Windows for a minimal fee. Buy a Windows license and spend the time you would’ve spent dealing with Linux issues doing your actual job and you’ll, most likely, get a better ROI.

Linux desktop is great, I love it but I don’t sugar coat it nor I’m delusional like most posting about it.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 7 months ago (2 children)

@TCB13 @Sage_the_Lawyer
many of the reasons in the article are no true!! I'm a researcher and need to write lots of pages and give them to journals. This is very delicate because if you don't write it the way they want or in other formats your paper will be rejected. I also study at university and has needs for a good office program. It's been 3 years I'm using libreoffice and i never had any problem working with others on the same file even when my professors use MS.

[–] TCB13 1 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Dude c'mon facts: https://lemmy.world/comment/5254969 not even simple bullet points.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago

@TCB13 @Sage_the_Lawyer

Also I can tell you gimp will do just fine!
Native linux games are also so much faster with lower GPU temperature. Also steam is making so much progress on that.

Anyway you should understand that using Linux is not about ease of use or speed. It's about your freedom and your right to see through something you buy or use.

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