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this post was submitted on 18 Nov 2023
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Just to set the record straight: I'm not trying to gaslight you. I'm sharing my newbie Linux journey, which hasn't been as smooth as I hoped.
Linux's centralised app management is neat, but for a Windows convert, figuring out which Linux apps to use isn't straightforward. Deciding between numerous unfamiliar software options isn't much different from the Windows method you described – it's just swapping out the final step of installer downloads for package manager searches. What I'm saying is that, yes, you're technicallycorrect. But in terms of pratical experience, the difference isn't that significant.
The package manager is a mixed bag. Yes, it's probably safer, but as a beginner, I'm still placing my trust in it blindly, just like I would with any Windows software site. And navigating it? It's like a sweet shop, but one where I can't tell one sweet from another. Maybe I don't need to? Maybe there's actually some huge benefit or negative of one version over the other? I don't know, I'll have to research it... again.
The descriptions don't tell me either. For instance, my Linux Mint shows two versions of VLC (one with the familiar icon), and a bunch of other VLC stuff, which I'm sure is super helpful for people who need whatever they are, but it leaves me baffled.
Then there's the terminal – Linux's "user-friendly" feature (/s). To fix something as simple as a controller, I'm thrust into a world of cryptic commands, that, unless I want to spend weeks learning, I have to take on faith aren't the linux equivalent of deleting system32... It's a steep climb compared to the familiar process of downloading and installing drivers on Windows.
So, while I recognise each OS has its strengths and weaknesses, for someone fresh to Linux, it can feel like you need a Computer Science degree for what's a walk in the park on Windows.And yes, that's due to familiarity. Maybe even Stokholme Syndrome...
That's a problem with any system. You can say that about moving to iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux.
Yes it is, it's very different. I've shown you the difference.
No, the practical difference is huge, and I've shown you that! It's far less complicated, far less cumbersome, far more intuitive, and also considerably safer on Linux than it is on windows.
I like Windows, I do. I use it every day. I could list a dozen things I think Windows does very well. But the biggest issue I have with Windows is that managing software on it makes me want to pull my teeth out. It is hands down the worst operating system that is still in use in that regard.
That's not me being dramatic or exaggerating. It is the worst actively used operating system that exists for managing software, and it's not even close.
No amount of writing I can do can sum up how bad it is in that regard.
Again, I need to reiterate this. Microsoft has stated themselves that they think it's a bad system. No other OS has tried to do it this way, for good reason.
Please stop pretending they're on par, because they're not.
Verifiably safer.
Stop talking about the terminal. You don't need to use the terminal. If you talk about the terminal then it's only fair that I bring up command prompt, Windows terminal, and powershell. And guess what? They're even more complex than the Linux terminal, the fact that there are three and you're expected to know what to use each for is another layer of confusion.
I also never said the terminal was user friendly, I've repeatedly said you shouldn't use it. Please stop putting words in my mouth.
You don't need to use the terminal. You don't need to use command prompt. You don't need to use powershell. You don't need to use Microsoft terminal.
YOU DON'T NEED TO USE THE TERMINAL.
Do I need to say it any more? It's a completely disingenuous argument.
I'm not sure why Mint lists flatpaks as a different app to their own packaged version. Other software centres I've seen don't do that, you've seen what mine looks like. But the Mint team is literally just a handful of people who make a system that's still less complicated than one from a $2.75 trillion dollar company.