this post was submitted on 10 Dec 2023
94 points (96.1% liked)

Linux

48031 readers
1280 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

Related Communities

Community icon by Alpár-Etele Méder, licensed under CC BY 3.0

founded 5 years ago
MODERATORS
 

Now i've been considering moving to linux. I don't have much of a history using a computer and find it tougher to use than my phone. But I also really appreciate the foss movement. I've currently got an old laptop running windows 11 I think and it would prolly speed up with linux too. But I'm afraid I'd fuck smth up trying to download linux, understand it or while using it. Is it worth switching and how different is it to a windows experience.

(page 2) 14 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] duncesplayed@lemmy.one 2 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

I'm going to reframe the question as "Are computers good for someone tech illiterate?"

I think the answer is "yes, if you have someone that can help you".

The problem with proprietary systems like Windows or OS X is that that "someone" is a large corporation. And, in fairness, they generally do a good job of looking after tech illiterate people. They ensure that their users don't have to worry about how to do updates, or figure out what browser they should be using, or what have you.

But (and it's a big but) they don't actually care about you. Their interest making sure you have a good experience ends at a dollar sign. If they think what's best for you is to show you ads and spy on you, that's what they'll do. And you're in a tricky position with them because you kind of have to trust them.

So with Linux you don't have a corporation looking after you. You do have a community (like this one) to some degree, but there's a limit to how much we can help you. We're not there on your computer with you (thankfully, for your privacy's sake), so to a large degree, you are kind of on your own.

But Linux actually works very well if you have a trusted friend/partner/child/sibling/whoever who can help you out now and then. If you've got someone to help you out with it, Linux can actually work very very well for tech illiterate people. The general experience of browsing around, editing documents, editing photos, etc., works very much the same way as it does on Windows or OS X. You will probably be able to do all that without help.

But you might not know which software is best for editing photos. Or you might need help with a specific task (like getting a printer set up) and having someone to fall back on will give you much better experience.

[–] The_Walkening@hexbear.net 2 points 11 months ago

I'd say so - since you're coming in relatively cold you're probably not so used to Windows that you'd get frustrated with how Linux works compared to it, and if you're just using it for regular, everyday stuff like web browsing there's practically no difference.

[–] GnomeComedy@beehaw.org 1 points 10 months ago
  • old laptop
  • windows 11
  • tech illiterate

Something doesn't add up, or only 2/3 are true.

[–] chitak166@lemmy.world 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Not really, to be honest.

I think Linux has come a long, long way. But unfortunately, "tech illiterate" has become much, much more illiterate.

It feels like Linux will forever be stuck in this 'just behind' mentality because companies like Apple and even Microsoft can funnel so many resources into making sure their distribution ;) is user-friendly.

That said, I think Microsoft sees the writing on the wall and is ducking out. Apple has no reason to. Their designers, unfortunately, are on point.

[–] flontlocs@lemmy.world 0 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Except for most "tech illiterate" people, they just need a browser...

...which works identically in Linux and Windows. With the bonus of not running random exe files.

[–] chitak166@lemmy.world 0 points 11 months ago

Uhh, no. Tech illiterate people might spend most of their time in a browser, but it's not all most of them need.

Thinking otherwise is just being out of touch with reality.

[–] Rustmilian@lemmy.world -1 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

That depends. You could go the same path ChromeOS & SteamOS does and setup an immutable distribution.

load more comments
view more: ‹ prev next ›