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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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Linux Switch advice? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) by Reverendender@sh.itjust.works to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/16676119

I am seriously considering pulling the trigger on a switch to Linux. Looking for advice and discussion

In terms of hardware, what are some good cost effective resources and what what things might I want to consider differently than what I am used to in both the Mac and Windows worlds? I need smart home management, a plex hub, and photo editing, as well as the usual other stuff.

EDIT: When I say photo editing, I am talking about working with RAW files to optimize the image according to my taste and style. I also make use of software that has good library organization capabilites. In this case, I use CaptureOne. I do not generally do the sort of editing people do in photoshop, putting unicorns in their pictures or whatever people do these days. I'm not opposed to cool creative images or anything, I just don't go down that route terribly often.

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[–] sentient_loom@sh.itjust.works 8 points 8 months ago (1 children)

These are fair warnings but increasingly exaggerated toward the end. Ubuntu will work just fine with a minimum of "getting basic things to work."

The most important item in the list is that proprietary software is often just better, and not available on Linux, and wine sucks.

I suggest Ubuntu. It's heavily managed and takes care of basic stuff. I've heard the same about Fedora but I never used it.

[–] TCB13@lemmy.world -3 points 8 months ago

Ubuntu will work just fine with a minimum of “getting basic things to work.” (...) I suggest Ubuntu.

I don't disagree with you, Ubuntu may make be easier but with it you get the worst of both worlds - no "good" and "solid" proprietary apps + questionable open-source, potential spyware and other shenanigans Canonical is known for. In that case I would rather keep using Windows and have everything working out of the box.

If one lives in a bubble and doesn’t to collaborate then native Linux apps might deliver a decent workflow. Once collaboration with Windows/Mac users is required then it’s game over – the “alternatives” aren’t just up to it. Proprietary applications provide good and complex features, support, development time and continuous updates that FOSS alternatives can’t just match.

Windows licenses are cheap and things work out of the box. Software runs fine, all vendors support whatever you’re trying to do and you’re productive from day zero. Sure, there are annoyances from time to time, but they’re way fewer and simpler to deal with than the hoops you’ve to go through to get a minimal and viable/productive Linux desktop experience. It all comes down to a question of how much time (days? months?) you want to spend fixing things on Linux that simply work out of the box under Windows for a minimal fee. Buy a Windows license and spend the time you would’ve spent dealing with Linux issues doing your actual job and you’ll, most likely, get a better ROI.

You can buy a second hand computer with a decent 8th generation CPU for around 200 € and that includes a valid Windows license. Computers selling on retail stores also include a Windows license, students can get them for free etc. what else?