this post was submitted on 04 Sep 2024

184 points (94.7% liked)

Linux

48376 readers

1675 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

Posts must be relevant to operating systems running the Linux kernel. GNU/Linux or otherwise.
No misinformation
No NSFW content
No hate speech, bigotry, etc

Related Communities

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

founded 5 years ago

MODERATORS

AgreeableLandscape@lemmy.ml

nooter692@lemmy.ml

MarcellusDrum@lemmy.ml

cypherpunks@lemmy.ml

cyclohexane@lemmy.ml

d3Xt3r@lemmy.nz

184

Is Linux (dumb)user friendly yet? (lemmy.ca)

submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by Noved@lemmy.ca to c/linux@lemmy.ml

175 comments fedilink hide all child comments

So I'm building a new computer before the end of the year and lemmy is obviously pushing me towards Linux.

I am not computer savvy, I have a family member that will help me set up my PC, but I do not want to be calling/messaging them every day when I want to open a program.

Basically my question comes down to: can I operate a Linux PC these days without needing to troubleshoot or type code.

I use my computer about once a week for a few hours I would say, so any time spent troubleshooting is time wasted.

Thanks!

EDIT: since a lot of people are asking what programs I typically use, I'll just list my most used programs.

Word, Excel, ect(I'm fine with alternatives)

Spotify

Gimp (would have been a make or break, so I'm glad it's supported)

Brave browser (browser is a browser)

Steam

Discord

I would say that while I could figure out how the kernels work, I'm at a point with computers these days where I don't have the time. My priorities fall with a seamless daily experience. If I have the time to figure something out I can, but ideally my day to day usage being unbotherd is what I'm after.

A lot of the comments so far have been helpful! I'm definitely going to give Linux a fair shot with my new build, probably start with Mint.

(page 4) 34 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old

[–] bitwolf@lemmy.one 1 points 2 months ago

You can absolutely get by by, and have a great experience with GNOME + the app store.

Its a reason its default on so many distros.

[–] spittingimage@lemmy.world 1 points 2 months ago

If you pick a new user-friendly distro, nine times out of ten it'll run like a dream out of the box.

If you want to change something minor like a desktop background, you might need to search through menus for the settings or ask for advice.

If you want to install new hardware, like swapping in a new video card, you'll definitely need some assistance.

[–] blarth@thelemmy.club -1 points 2 months ago

It already was like 10 years ago.

[–] toastal@lemmy.ml -2 points 2 months ago (4 children)

Linux the lifestyle will mean slowly embracing more open or otherwise ethical software. Slowly ween yourself off the Discord, the Spotify, the Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft LinkedIn, Microsoft npm, Microsoft GitHub.

For some reason we tend to give Steam a pass for convenience & investing as much as it has into the Linux ecosystem (even if it is selfishly & largely to avoid Microsoft lock-in/competition).

load more comments (4 replies)

[–] just_another_person@lemmy.world -5 points 2 months ago (4 children)

I'm downvoting every to comment in this thread because you're doing exactly what I said you'd do in my original comment. 🤦

load more comments (4 replies)

load more comments