this post was submitted on 01 Jun 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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I'm considering switching to linux but I'm not a computer savvy person, so I wanted to have the option to switch back to windows if unforeseen complications (I only have 1 pc). Is it just a download on usb and install? And what ways can I get the product key or "cleaner" debloated versions.

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[–] [email protected] 12 points 6 months ago (3 children)

I know it's not what you're asking but switching back is truly horrible, I have to use w11 at work and I hate every second of it. One drive shoven down your throat, Xbox stuff wants to install something everytime I update, installing stuff from random exes found on websites (I know the store exists but it sucks if your needs are not "I want to install candy crush"), changed something in your path variable? Reboot! Wtf? I really hope microsoft abandons windows in favour of its cloud apps for people who need it and lets Linux distros rule the desktop world

[–] [email protected] 4 points 6 months ago (1 children)

I'm only commenting this because you said you're stuck on Win11 and not defending it, but..

Using winget and Chocolately will make your app installation much better.

Also, to reload your path variable in a PowerShell prompt you can run the following:

$env:Path = [System.Environment]::GetEnvironmentVariable("Path","Machine") + ";" + [System.Environment]::GetEnvironmentVariable("Path","User")

Again, your gripes are all legitimate, but these might help ease your pain.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago

Thanks, appreciate it!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago

I used scoop as my package manager on windows. It even lets you install gnu coreutils like ls, cat and find to run in powershell.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago)

I really hope microsoft abandons windows in favour of its cloud apps for people who need it and lets Linux distros rule the desktop world

This only born more commercial distros and make macos and chromeos span even more.

Open source benefits when there are so many companies competing.

https://www.openbsdfoundation.org/contributors.html