this post was submitted on 04 Feb 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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Linux needs to grow. Stop telling people it's 'tech-y' or acting like you're more advanced for using it, you are scaring away people. Linux Mint can be used by a senile person perfectly.

Explain shortly the benefits, 'faster, more secure, easier to use, main choices of professionals and free'. Ask questions that let you know if they need to dual boot, 'do you use Adobe, anti-cheat games, or Microsoft Office', 'how new is your computer', 'do you use a Mac'.

And most importantly, offer to help them install.

They don't understand the concept of distros, just suggest Linux Mint LTS Cinnamon unless they're curious.

That's it, spread Linux to as many people as possible. The larger the marketshare, the better support we ALL get. We can fight enshittification. Take the time to spread it but don't force it on anyone.

AND STOP SCARING PEOPLE AWAY. Linux has no advertising money, it's up to us.

Offer family members or friends your help or copy and paste the below

how to install linux: 1) copy down your windows product key 2) backup your files to a harddrive 3) install the linux mint cinnamon iso from the linux mint website 4) use etcher (download from its website) to put the iso on a usb flash drive 5) go into bios 6) boot from the usb 7) erase the storage and install 8) press update all in the update manager 9) celebrate. it takes 15 minutes.

edit: LET ME RE-STATE, DO NOT FORCE IT ON ANYONE.

and if someone is at the level of ignorance (not in a derogatory fashion) that they dont know what a file even is genuinely dont bother unless theyre your parents cause youll be tech support for their 'how do i install the internet' questions.

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[–] Chakravanti@sh.itjust.works 3 points 9 months ago (6 children)

I try to preach GNU/Linux to anyone who will listen. GNU/Linux & GPG.

Only had one success on the former. My wife. Technically there is another but every time I see that guy I fix petty easy stuff that's obvious. Sure, I've been doing it a decade and a half but...WHY DOES NO ONE LISTEN? IT'LL BE THE END OF THE FUCKING WORLD IF YOU DON'T START NOW!

FUCK.

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[–] Facebones@reddthat.com 3 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Im not particularly adverse, but gaming largely still keeps me a Windows main. I tried dual booting Ubuntu (I know it's not the best choice but it handles dual boot nicely,) but if I keep having to switch back to windows I just stay on windows

[–] wahming@monyet.cc 3 points 9 months ago (3 children)

I've not actually run into any games so far that can't run on Proton.

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[–] z3rOR0ne@lemmy.ml 3 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago)

Just donate to The Linux Foundation.

[–] GustavoM@lemmy.world 3 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Just tell em, "What if I told you theres an OS with no annoying ads popping on your screen 24/7?" -- "Yeah? Is that a modified Wi--" -- "Nope. Linux". And bam. :^)

[–] Kecessa@sh.itjust.works 2 points 9 months ago

"I know, that's Windows 11 on the 5 PCs that we own."

[–] zephr_c@lemm.ee 3 points 9 months ago

I'm not elitist. I'm a weirdo who likes weird things. If we get a bunch of normies in here normying up the place I'll just end up having to switch to FreeBSD.

[–] Belzebubulubu@mujico.org 2 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago)

› Tell a person to use linux.

› "Wtf is that"

› Tell 'em how good it is, and you can use almost all of his common sofware and games!

› "Almost?"

› It can't run some software

› "Can it run (Insert almost anygame with anticheat or adobe software)?"

› no...

/Gets beated up in the parking lot

Such is the life of the linux user.

[–] abby@feddit.de 2 points 9 months ago

no one in my family or friend group is tech literate enough to follow most of those steps, let alone deal with all the tiny troubleshooting they're in for at every step.

[–] Dirk@lemmy.ml 2 points 9 months ago

I stopped having Linux discussions years ago. If people approach me and ask for my opinion I tell them to try Linux Mint and make backups before installation.

[–] Dra@lemmy.zip 2 points 9 months ago

Insert link to linus daily driver video

[–] dylanTheDeveloper@lemmy.world 2 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Windows has fallen billions must use Android and IOS

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[–] jordanlund@lemmy.world 2 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (2 children)

I've been using Linux for 30 years now, certified to teach it and everything... Here's your problem:

"Stop telling people it's 'tech-y'"

Compared to Windows or MacOS, yes, it is very techy.

"offer to help them install." - If they need your help to install it they absolutely have no business running Linux.

"They don't understand the concept of distros" - If they have no understanding of distros, they have no business running Linux.

Think of it like this... if they can't wrap their head around a distro, what's going to happen when you try explaining a package manager?

I get the evangelism, but Linux simply is not for everyone, that's why Apple invented iPads.

[–] scratchandgame@lemmy.ml 2 points 9 months ago (6 children)

I’ve been using Linux for 30 years now, certified to teach it and everything

I'm curious what have you learn and certified to teach? I want to learn all of them :)

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