• RushLana@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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    8 months ago

    Really tired of “Linux user sucks” joke. We all know some obnoxious people exist and are annoying but they are small minority confined to their own space.

    On the other side, everyday I see Linux people working on their free time or for little to no pay on accessibility issues, bettering software for everyone (including windows users). I also see community members doing their best to answer, document and work with newcomer to fix their issues. I see developers burning out because they received another report insulting their work because a feature doesn’t work exactly like windows, etc…

    Maybe I’m reading too much into this, sorry if that’s the case.

    • prole@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      8 months ago

      Yeah I was going to say something similar… I’ve only been in Linux for maybe 2 years or so, but my experience interacting with people has been nothing but positive. Everyone is very helpful.

    • Snot Flickerman@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      8 months ago

      The problem is no matter how badly we want that to be true, Linux just still is not stable enough or user friendly enough for the average user. Unless you’re ready to be a system admin full-time for someone you’re giving a Linux device to, it’s pointless. Even the simple ones like Mint? It’s too much for my elderly mom, she gets lost too easily. It’s just too demanding of average users, simple as that.

      I want people to switch to Linux too, but this is exactly why this comic is dead-accurate, because it’s just not ready for average users and likely won’t be anytime soon. Why? Because Linux gives you control, and giving you control is actually demanding of your time and energy and effort. People like Windows or macOS because they don’t have to expend time, energy, and effort, it just “works” well enough for them to use it passively.

      There are worse things in the world than regular people not being able to handle Linux.

      • TheLeadenSea@sh.itjust.works
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        8 months ago

        I switched my grandma to Fedora and she’s been able to use it without issue once I got it set up for her. She only really needs a browser and word processor anyway.

      • ImplyingImplications@lemmy.ca
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        8 months ago

        I think it mostly comes down to baby duck syndrome. People don’t like using a package manager for programs on their desktop but are fine using an app store on their phone (which might literally be running linux). People simply expect a desktop computer to work a specific way and when things are in different spots and called different things they get upset. I think it’s changing as more companies bake Linux into their product.

        Steam Decks running Linux changes people’s impression of it. If a mainstream company sold desktop computers that came with Linux preinstalled I’m sure its use would skyrocket. It’s not that it’s impossible for the average user to understand, It’s that it’s not the default option.

        • mortalic@lemmy.world
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          8 months ago

          Lenovo will sell you a thinkpad with your favorite distro preinstalled. I bought an X1 carbon with fedora 38 on it. BIOS updates and all.

      • Thekingoflorda@lemmy.world
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        8 months ago

        I think windows also kinda sucks for older people and less technologically inclined people.

        Windows is what people are used to, doesn’t mean it is better. I think there are a bunch of linux distros that would work just as well for older people.