355
Why is Linux so frustrating for some people?
(lemmy.ml)
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
this post was submitted on 16 Jul 2023
355 points (92.4% liked)
Linux
47365 readers
1070 users here now
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
Rules
- Posts must be relevant to operating systems running the Linux kernel. GNU/Linux or otherwise.
- No misinformation
- No NSFW content
- No hate speech, bigotry, etc
Related Communities
Community icon by Alpár-Etele Méder, licensed under CC BY 3.0
founded 5 years ago
MODERATORS
I use a MacBook, a Windows PC, and Linux (school, games, work). A MacBook is by far the easiest to use, windows is a close second and Linux right behind it. Linux can be easy to use, but when stuff goes wrong, I think Troubleshooting for the average person is where it’s a bit harder. Just in general, people tend to freak out the moment they have to mess with the terminal, and memorizing commands isn’t as easy as visually remembering where to click for most people. That’s not to say that Linux is super hard to learn, I think windows and MacOS just offer a way of doing things that sticks much better in the memory than a line of commands.
I love all 3 and I believe all 3 have their strengths and weaknesses and I’m damn glad that we have choice! (Though right now I’m rooting for Linux a bit more due to the Steam Deck bringing a lot more attention to linux gaming)
No "average person" troubleshoots their own Windows machine, but they know someone who can. if you install Linux on someone's machine, you are their tech support. Most of the time that's fine, because Linux is pretty damn reliable. But when something goes wrong an average person is going to have a harder time finding support.
And on top of that, almost all people are familiar with Windows or MacOS, the chances of you being able to ask the person next to you about a problem and them being familiar with windows or mac is MUCH higher than with Linux. Their popularity is a massive advantage
That aside, almost every program you can think of has a windows version and 90% of the time also a Mac version. Linux support has gotten very good over the years but it’s still not close to Windows, and that translates to better support for Windows as well