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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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why people use windows despite it being inferior to linux? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

69 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Edit: here is some context because people are getting mad

the reason i asked because my friend asked me to install linux on his laptop because he wanted to look like a cringey hacker so i installed it but after i installed linux few days after he reinstalled windows(i am not sure why but he said he can't run bluestack, i suggested other VMs but he wouldn't have any other way but that's not reason i think he switched he was being dismissive) and now his mic and web cam is not working and some other stuff, so he's asking me again to reinstall linux constantly and i don't want to do that again (why? My school is far from my home around 9km/5.5 and i go there by my bicycle so after school I don't wanna waste my time installing linux)so i was just ranting didn't expect to make people mad

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[–] [email protected] 34 points 10 months ago (2 children)

            
              Familiarity
More games/better gaming support
Consistency with computers used at work/school or by friends/colleagues
IT people can benefit from using the same systems as their users to provide better support
Availability of proprietary software necessary to run specialized equipment
Non-power users might not run into significant issues with Windows since it does basic tasks like web browsing, game playing, and movie watching just fine

[–] [email protected] 7 points 10 months ago (2 children)

Gaming related: while true Proton put Linux gaming on the map, most problems are anti cheat related. Some games run even better under Linux IT related: this really depends on your job. I work 100% on Linux machines but my client is indeed a Windows machine with regular fuckups because of shitty Updates or things Windows does for no good reason or even worse no proper error handling or logging. Non power user related: most stuff happens in Browsers Today so watching Videos, browsing the web works the same and doesnt need that much bloat and spyware Windows delivers by default

Today there is no real reason to stick on Windows though besides mostly flawless gaming or shitty software which is not available on Linux nor runs proper through WINE

[–] [email protected] 7 points 10 months ago

None of this applies to the average user though.

The vast majority of devices sold come with Windows or MacOS, so you’re suggesting that the average Joe should wipe their drive, pick a distro, and self-install and maintain a new operating system.

You and I know that it’s not as difficult as it sounds, but that’s asking a lot from people who can’t even bother to reboot their system when there’s been an update pending for 10 days.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago

Those are real reasons though.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Familiarity = Lazy
Games = Waste of one's life
Consistencty... = Need to fit in, low self worth
IT people can... = You accept being controlled by others
...proprietary software... = How fcking dare you, sir?!?
Non-power users - These people need Linux the MOST. They screw up their windows installs and need competent people to fix it for them... again, and again, and again!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I'm not sure insulting people is the most effective way to win them over to your perspective.

You seem to attribute to character flaws what is more commonly just practical decisions.

[–] [email protected] -2 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I won't be an apologist for people's shortcomings, especially when those hurt Linux adoption.

Familiarity: There is Cinnamon, MATE, and KDE that is plenty similar to Windows for understanding the interface. This is not an excuse.
Games: The fact that games continues to dictate peoples platform choice is simply intolerable. Games are on Windows to make money, not on Linux because it doesn't make enough money. That simply should not be allowed. It's a feedback loop. And why? So people can sit on their butts accomplishing nothing. If one is going to be on a computer, USE it for doing something useful. Games are a waste of good computer.
Consistency: Seriously, be a thorn in the side of proprietary file format users. They promote vendor lock-in with their careless use of proprietary Windows software. Don't just go with the flow, show them they are wrong for surrendering to companies in it only for money. If it costs you friends, they weren't good enough people to be friends with, anyway.
IT people can...: Sure... nothing like Teams and corporate spyware agents on your system. No thank you.
Proprietary software: Simply shouldn't exist. It is a harm to society and needs to be eradicated.
Non-power users: Yeah I said it, and I'm not wrong.

The message: Join the Linux and FOSS utopia, quit wasting life gaming (unless you do it to spend quality time with your child, as computer games are for children), make real relationships not based on conforming and not based on promoting non-FOSS solutions, learn how to properly run and secure a computer, as it is a responsibility and a tool, not a toy and not something you should trust anyone else to administer, stop paying for software written for non-FOSS platforms, and finally, again, more responsibility in knowing how to properly and safely use a computer. That time wasted gaming could have been spent educating oneself on how to use, administer, and secure computers. It can also be used to properly call this stuff out in order to help create a more perfect society.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I had a point by point response, but I don't think perpetuating this discussion is productive, so I'll just leave you with the friendly advice that adopting a judgmental, nearly religious fundamentalist, and authoritarian approach to FOSS feels like it violates the spirit of FOSS itself and will likely be off-putting to even other FOSS enthusiasts, much less anyone you want to convince.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago

That's fair. I'm finding myself more tolerant since I've had lunch. Have a good day.