this post was submitted on 13 Jun 2024
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I find the whole idea of "unthemeable" apps annoying. One big motivating factor of using Linux for me is the ability to create a custom and cohesive aesthetic. I actually actively avoid apps that take it upon themselves to override and create their own (often ugly) decorations, menus, popups, etc. They're almost never flattering, and they typically stand out like a sore thumb in my workflow.
I'm on the opposite side. I prefer a monolithic, immutable theme where you can only change color accents and that's it. This provides a consistent experience across all installations from one PC to another.
Look at Mac or Windows users. If someone is used to using these Desktop environments, when they use another computer with the same OS, they know what to expect. They know how to operate the system right away and immediately be efficient and get things done.
In a Linux desktop, not only there are a LOT of various desktop environments, AND they can also be customized to hell to a point they're not even recognizable. From one desktop PC to another you can get wildly different experiences.
I worked in a Linux company once and when someone asked for assistance or I had to show someone something on their PC, I often couldn't even use them because I couldn't find the apps or features I needed. Going from then standard default Gnome 2, to some tile based desktop, to some oddly customized Enlightenment desktop or a KDE environment themed to look like a Mac, it was hell.
Some people have the opinion that allowing people that freedom is awesome. I think it scares the vast majority of the people away from using a Linux based desktop OS because of this. It looks too complicated for them. And that's just for desktop environments. Then you get into the whole application management thing with various package managers and snaps and flatpaks. It's too much. (Edit: Appimages could fix that issue for desktop applications.)
All of this should be standardized into one simple system. Then we could have Gnome OS, KDE OS, XFCE OS based on Linux, just like we have Mac OS based on Free BSD.
But that's my opinion. And I know it's unpopular among the Linux community, even if I'm right. ;)
If the workflow at a workplace requires a consistent experience across all PCs...why doesn't that workplace enforce that consistency?
I understand your frustrations, but corporate or organizational needs should not technically limit the personal needs of using a personal computer.
(And when people, used to a strict environment, are overwhelmed by the amount of freedom in their new environment, I think it's better to guide them through the options instead of just taking away everyone's freedom)