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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New Linux user here. Is this really how I'm supposed to install apps on Linux? (feddit.uk)

submitted 11 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

225 comments fedilink hide all child comments

https://mullvad.net/en/help/install-mullvad-app-linux

Trying to install VPN and these are the instructions Mullvad is giving me. This is ridiculous. There must be a more simple way. I know how to follow the instructions but I have no idea what I'm doing here. Can't I just download a file and install it? I'm on Ubuntu.

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[–] [email protected] 33 points 11 months ago (3 children)

The comment section here is a perfect example of why people don't use Linux

[–] sailingbythelee 16 points 11 months ago (1 children)

You got that right. So many contradictory comments for such a simple question.

That said, Linux for home use is a hobby and hobbyists expect a certain level of interest and basic commitment to learning. Also, the Linux community is a bit anti-Windows. So, coming on a Linux forum and complaining that a simple Linux task is too hard, basically because it isn't Windows and you didn't bother to read any documentation, pushes ALL the Linux nerd buttons, LOL.

Imagine going on a boardgame forum to complain that some super popular game is dumb because it isn't like a video game, and too complicated even though you didn't bother to read the game rules.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 11 months ago (2 children)

As a board game hobbyist, that happens all the time. Our community generally makes an effort to direct them to games with a lower weight and easier rules and encourages them to keep playing to grow the hobby.

That's not at all what happens with Linux.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

Can you recommend any good forums to look for board games?

[–] sailingbythelee 1 points 10 months ago

Don't they just make a joke about Patchwork and move on?

[–] [email protected] 6 points 11 months ago (1 children)

+1 there is something nice about just downloading and double clicking an exe.

Maybe they should have a common file format for all distro that extracts, etc. for the current distro. I thought that was flatpak, but idk.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago

They have the .deb at the top of their download page, no need to install the PPA repository if you don't want. You can't get any more than "just downloading and double clicking an ~~exe~~ deb" than that on Ubuntu.

I will admit though, I wish there were an easier way to install PPAs.

[–] [email protected] -3 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

This comment here is a prefect example of being unhelpful and inflammatory.

You added nothing to the conversation but instead tried to be "clever" by doing the same tired old "angsty Linux vs. Windows shtick" that's been around for as long as GNU/Linux was a thing.

Other people at least offered an explanation or suggestion.