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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Why is Linux so frustrating for some people? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Don't get me wrong. I love Linux and FOSS. I have been using and installing distros on my own since I was 12. Now that I'm working in tech-related positions, after the Reddit migration happened, etc. I recovered my interest in all the Linux environment. I use Ubuntu as my main operating system in my Desktop, but I always end up feeling very limited. There's always software I can't use properly (and not just Windows stuff), some stuff badly configured with weird error messages... last time I was not able to even use the apt command. Sometimes I lack time and energy for troubleshooting and sometimes I just fail at it.

I usually end up in need of redoing a fresh install until it breaks up again. Maybe Linux is not good for beginners working full time? Maybe we should do something like that Cisco course that teaches you the basic commands?

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

Linux can be frustrating simply because it is so powerful and versatile in the way Windows is not. Unlike Windows, Linux is not a one size fits all approach. It's designed to be customized highly.

I think newbies would be better off with Linux Mint which pretty much works out of the box. This lowers the barrier to entry. As the newbie advances in their knowledge and skill, they can begin to tinker.

It's also not easy being a newbie and getting learning support isn't always easy. A lot of us sysadmins have a tendency to forget from whence they came.

[+] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Suddenly I'm curious about how many of these are the same people who laugh at warnings on coffee cups and power tools.
"WARNING: don't put your hand here or this will saw your fingers off!" "haha lol who would do that"
"WARNING: don't flip this switch or this will break your computer" "omfg why puter not work!!"
Like, damn, if you're straight-up warned then maybe the real problem's in the chair :-\ Seems there's kinda no solution for that but for the user to get smarter. Can't put all of the intelligence into the software.

Also, what's the story with the immutable distro hype? peeks out from under her rock I've heard of NixOS and various critters seem to love it but I never imagined that sort of thing would become a thing (kinda thought it was just a neat little niche) let alone a big thing for 'inexperienced' sorts.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

The AUR is usually necessary because not everything is in the core repos, so you don't really have any other choice.