this post was submitted on 16 Jul 2023
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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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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] 8 points 1 year ago (3 children)

The Linux community doesn't understand what "just works" really means.

Whether windows or mac, I plug my machine to the docking station, and it just works.

With Linux, every day a different problem. Out of the blue, screens just stop working. Resolutions change. Every restart different behavior. Zero consistency.

I'm not 17 anymore... I don't have the time to keep tweaking. I need to be productive.

So what do I do? I SSH to a Linux machine whose desktop environment I don't wanna see, and code remotely. Most productive setting.

You asked. Here's the answer.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (2 children)

@TheQuantumPhysicist
@leninmummy
This is another one of those things I've heard about but not experienced, I use my computer every day and haven't had any issues in over a year at this point

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Well, bugs don't spread evenly. Depending on your hardware, the software you run and your use cases, you might have no issues or really bad issues.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Try using screens with different resolutions at the same time. Always gave me trouble. In my case was always using a horizontal one and a vertical one together. I've had framerate problems, tearing, artefacts (parts of the vertical screen wouldn't update while the other 2 worked fine). From time to time, X will forget my monitor configuration too after a reboot / unplugging the dock / waking from sleep. All that with 2 laptops from different brands using different docstations, one with XFCE on Ubuntu and the other with KDE on Arch. I got it mostly working, but it's still troublesome

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That 40 year old X protocol might be the issue here, use wayland for multi monitor with different resolutions.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Yup, I suspect that is indeed the issue. Haven't tried KDE in wayland yet as I've seen some people saying it's still a bit rough. Will give it a try anyway. May give sway another shot too

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

you hit the nail on the head. When I first got into linux I was watching some youtube video about I think the pine phone and the person basically came to the realization, and you can see the sadness on his face, that people want their computer to work like an kitchen appliance. Plug it in, press button, it does it thing. No need to learn about how it works.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 weeks ago

That's my answer too. I went a month with just trying to make basic things work. Had to go back to being productive. Now, I bought another drive and I spend time whenever I have it. Once everything works as i need it to, I'll switch full time.