this post was submitted on 24 Apr 2024
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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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In my own case I’d put it down to Flatpak etc. finally resolving the software installation problem.
Installing most Linux OSes has been easy enough for decades, but a program not in your distro’s repos could be a nightmare to get working.
"./configure"
"error: libblahblah1.0.0-2 not found"
downloads tarball
"tar –xvzf libblahblah1.0.0-2.tar.gz"
"./configure"
"error: libblahblah1.0.0-2 depends on libgofuckyourself.2.0.0"
downloads tarball
"tar -xvzf libgofuckyourself.2.0.0.tar.gz"
"./configure"
"error: libblahblah1.0.0-2 not found"
🤯😡🤬
Can you imagine we did this shit over dialup too? I was there. In the dark times.
Memories 🥲
And on top of that, to even get linux installed, there was lilo..
I was there in darker times, with a modem that had no Linux driver, so no connection at all, learning from printouts from the library.
I may have PTSD from it.
I disagree naming Flatpak etc. as the reason for more adoption. New users I know of do not know how to search for software and software alternatives in the first place.
Documentation and engagement on linux just improves by each day. Experiences are shared and people may just be curious. Then there are news about linux breakthroughs by big players like valve.
Imo a beginner linux distro should prompt on install:
If you are a potential linux adaptor do not get discouraged. You may have spent your entire life building knowledge for an other operating system. Once you grok the aimed simplicity of UNIX and which parts are involved in your daily tasks you will be at least as efficient as with other operating systems. The most inportant thing: Have fun on your journey and engage in our chats, forums and/or in social media.
Thank you for your attention.
New users don't need to know nor care about Flatpak. They just go to the app store, install the niche app on their niche distro without any hassle.