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 should I primary Linux for Home Desktop and which one do you recommend? (lemmy.world)

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

105 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I've always used Windows and am super comfortable with it. I have set up a dual boot with fedora but don't use it because I have never identified a need to use it. I see a lot of windows hate, so what does Linux have that I need? What can motivate me to migrate? What is a good Linux to have for a desktop + steam?

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[–] [email protected] 33 points 1 year ago (2 children)

For a normal Desktop user nowadays I think Linux is just not worse than Windows. Don't ask what Linux can do what Windows can't, ask what Windows is doing what Linux isn't: Spying on you, installing software you neither want nor need, forces you to use software you don't want, forces you to connect your local account with an online account, forces recent hardware on you and in the future, forces you to move all your data into the cloud. And all that while charging you a few hundred moneys. Linux just doesn't do that (well, depending on the distro of course).

For newcomers and non-techies I'd recommend Ubuntu or Ubuntu based distros. Plain Ubuntu is the distro which in most parts 'just works'. If you're looking for something which looks more like Windows have a look at Linux Mint Cinnamon. Linux Mint Mate (or XFCE) is a great choice if your computer is a bit older. I also mention Kubuntu because KDE is the a very popular desktop but rather demanding (but also feature rich), it may also feel more natural for people switching from Windows.

All of them will run Steam without trouble, but be aware that playing Windows games on Linux can in some cases be troublesome and require manual fixes. Maybe look beforehand which games are supported how well on https://www.protondb.com/ .

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago

Forces you to reboot.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

@Seltsamsel @SendMePhotos
I've had issues with plain Ubuntu but never have I had an issue with Linux Mint. Works perfect out the box. Even Debian edition.

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

There are billions of possible hardware configurations and billions of use cases for an OS. No OS will ever be able to work on all of these combinations flawlessly, I'm just saying that on average you have the best chances of everything working out of the box if using Ubuntu and even if not, there are the best chances that you find help online for your problem on Ubuntu, but there are of course cases where other distros will be better suited.

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

@Seltsamsel
I certainly can't argue against your last point. You are almost guaranteed to find a solution to your problem on Ubuntu. Simply due to mass usage.