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* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I think you are right, but I also think it's a bit more in the relearning side than on the "Linux is hard" side.

I also spent most of my time working on Windows. When I started to work with Linux, like the OP I spent many years with in the "use it until I mess something up and then reinstall because I can't fix it" loop. But after a few years I really got into it. I haven't done a misconfiguration related reinstall in many years.

But if you put me in front of a Mac, I wouldn't even know how to copy/paste text.

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

But if you put me in front of a Mac, I wouldn’t even know how to copy/paste text.

I've had to troubleshoot router problems for a neighbor who uses Mac, and man was it a confusing experience. The UX is obviously Mac, so I've had trouble with it. But when I got to the command-line, it almost broke me. Why I was even in the command-line in the first place? I don't even know! But it's a confusing mix of familiar (from daily-driving Linux), and unfamiliar (different Mac-specific commands and syntax).

Someone else could probably point out what I've done wrong, but it still doesn't make it not a confusing experience. It's humbling, and the kids who've hung around me watching me try to fix their computer were even giving me tips (mostly on how to navigate the UI, helping me where to find the settings, etc).

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

Yeah, goes to show that one doesn't know/learn "computers" but OS specific stuff.

I don't know "computers", I know Windows and Debian-like Linux.