this post was submitted on 27 May 2024

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Unpopular Opinion

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Linux is still not ready to replace Windows (lemmy.world)

submitted 5 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

221 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Windows 10 EoL is fast approaching, so I thought I’d give Linux a try on some equipment that won’t be able to upgrade to Windows 11. I wanted to see if I will be able to recommend an option to anyone that asks me what they should do with their old PC.

Many years ago I switched to Gentoo Linux to get through collage. I was very anti-MS at the time. I also currently interact with Linux systems regularly although they don’t have a DE and aren’t for general workstation use.

Ubuntu: easy install. Working desktop. Had issues with getting GPU drivers. App Store had apps that would install but not work. The App Store itself kept failing to update itself with an error that it was still running. It couldn’t clear this hurdle after a reboot so I finally killed the process and manually updated from terminal. Overall, can’t recommend this to a normal user.

Mint: easy install. Switching to nvidia drivers worked without issue. App Store had issues with installing some apps due to missing dependencies that it couldn’t install. Some popular apps would install but wouldn’t run. Shutting the laptop closed results in a prompt to shutdown, but never really shuts off. Update process asks me to pick a fast source (why can’t it do this itself?)

Both: installing apps outside of their respective stores is an adventure in terminal instead of a GUI double-click. Secure boot issues. Constant prompt for password instead of a simple PIN or other form of identity verification.

Search results for basic operations require understanding that what works for Ubuntu might not work for Mint.

While I personally could work with either, I don’t see Linux taking any market share from MS or Apple when windows 10 is retired.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 months ago

it's certainly ready to replace mac

[–] [email protected] 0 points 5 months ago

I dunno, the only actual issue I've had with Mint so far that didn't just resolve after an update or reinstallation of the offending software (glares at Nvidia drivers) just happened a couple days ago and I pray to Linus I finally did the right thing to fix it:

Decided I didn't need my old Win10 install anymore and so wiped the drive it was on, partitions and everything, ready to add it as a slower extra drive for Mint.

What I failed to realize in my exhaustion (ADHD script wasn't renewed, wet blanket withdrawal is fun) was this included the boooooooooot parrrrrtitiiioooooon

Was a bitch and a half to make my install media boot in non-legacy mode for some fucked reason so boot repair was a PITA. Literally was choosing EUFI_OPTION for my install media, but then the media was all "lol bro I'm booted in BIOS legacy ain't that wild"

Once I fixed that little issue (I'm sure my dumb ass just flipped a switch somewhere without noticing) it was actually an easier fix than Windows boot repair ever was.

The heart attack when my PC just opened to a blank black screen with a cursor blinking, though, whoof. That's the kind of rush we were made for boys.

[–] [email protected] -3 points 5 months ago

Unpopular Opinion: Android is based on the Linux kernel. Almost most "Linux" Android users have never touched a terminal in their life. So the "Year of the Linux Desktop" has quietly happened and most people making redundant posts here on Lemmy :-D

[–] [email protected] 16 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) (4 children)

Linux is plenty ready for "most users." I recently saw a meme that applies here, about experts/enthusiasts overestimating the "average normie" in their field even when they're trying to account for most people not being on their level.

GPU Drivers, app stores

"Most users" scroll Facebook or Twitter and watch Netflix. Distro comes with firefox? GG. 🤷‍♂️ While I don't think its widespread (and hope lol,) ever since the Facebook app integrated a web browser there are people (usually younger iirc) who think Facebook IS the internet. Loads of people almost wouldn't notice if you switched their os overnight, if they have a desktop/laptop at all.

As for people looking to change to Linux due to MS business decisions, let's be real - they're by and large already techies. Its also not the 90s anymore, there are resources abound and SOOOO many users to have your problem before you do.

Personal nitpick for me, nothing to do with OP but the overall sentiment - Using the terminal is NOT THAT BALL CRUSHINGLY HARD as people still make it out to be, certainly not for stuff you may need it for in modern times. I have fedora, I need spotify. "sudo dnf install Spotify" "y" ta da. Certainly not an adventure, IMO.

EDIT: I'm thinking alot of you haven't used Linux in a long time. I've run into an issue before, but people run into issues with windows too and nobody is screeching about that. 🤷‍♂️ Some of you just straight didn't read my comment. 🤣

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 months ago

You really have no clue how inept “most users” are. I’d be extremely surprised if even 20% of the population would be able to use Linux without getting extremely frustrated at the first error, and unable to fix anything themselves.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

I recently saw a meme that applies here, about experts/enthusiasts overestimating the “average normie” in their field even when they’re trying to account for most people not being on their level.

Yeah, and if you think that "most users" are ready for linux, you're in that meme.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 5 months ago

Normal people don't want to touch the terminal at all.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 5 months ago

Your post misses the entire point.

While us nerds can work out problems and use a terminal, it doesn't mean we're happy to spend our time trouble shooting instead of actually getting shit done.

And the fact that so many of these basic issues should exist in the first place leaves one with the sour taste that they have to hold the OS's hand forever.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 5 months ago

A lot of these issues can probably be solved in one of two ways:

Buy a computer from a company that sells Linux computers. Hardware issues should be nonexistent, and sometimes there's even a customized DE that smoothes out package installation.
Have a friend help you get up and running. I've given out a few Mint machines lately, and I always boot it up and preconfigure some stuff before I hand it over.

Generally, I think most modern distros are well within the capability of anyone brave and savvy enough to flash a USB drive and boot their computer from it. If they don't have that level of technical skill, that's okay, but then I'd say pick from the two options above.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 5 months ago

I don't think this is an unpopular opinion in general. (If you ignore the Lemmy Linux echo chamber).

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