this post was submitted on 03 Sep 2024
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Linux
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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.
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This is the best description I've seen.
It gets old hearing the "Linux is better, Windows sucks" mantra.
They're different things with different use cases.
I despise Linux for a desktop, it's an awful experience, because it hasn't been developed/targeted for what I need to do, and I don't have the time to play fuck-fuck with distros to work something out - I have other shit to do.
Like build and manage Proxmox/TrueNAS boxes, which are... LINUX! Because this is where Linux shines, as purpose-built solutions.
Kinda, however Linux is always better in one regard - we can change it and it generally serves the needs of its users since its users build and change it. Windows and macOS on the other hand serve the needs of Microsoft's and Apple's major shareholders and only in part of their users to the degree they can get away with. The goal is always gaining and retaining market share while extracting the most value from the users - money, data, etc.
If enough of us wanted a sleek, uber smooth desktop that has all UI bases covered, we could totally do it. We just don't give enough shit and we're content with what it is. Case in point, I know multi-monitor support isn't amazing, so I buy a bigger monitor and use more windows. 🥹 Personally I've been content with the mainstream desktop Linux UX since 2012-14. You won't see me digging into features in GNOME or Wayland.