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

submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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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.

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[–] [email protected] 16 points 2 months ago (3 children)

Hi there, I use nearly all the stuff you do and I am on Linux for like 2-3 years now.

I use PopOS. PopOS is a distro with a user interface that differs a bit from windows. But you will get used to it, its not like on Linux "up" is "down".

PopOS has a lot of programs preinstalled, that help "normal users". This includes drivers for Nvidia-GPUs and Flatpak which is a way to install software on all Linux-Systems opposed to the normal package managers, distros ship with, Flarpak e.g. has Spotify and Discord. But other distros might ship it too and you can definitely install it later on.

What you should definitely learn to use is the software-center (or App store or whatever some distros call it). This is a central place, where most software can be found and installed. Also all software installed through it can be updated here. So it's in a way like steam for all the non-games.

I currently use (natively, so no web app or smth):

Spotify
Steam
Discord
Libreoffice (instead of MS Office)
Gimp
Brave (as backup browser to test if it's Firefox' fault)

Libreoffice is enough for day to day usage, if you are no power user with VBA-Scripts or mayor macros.

Games work mostly well, but as others have said, look at ProtonDB to check your specific Steam-Games. I mostly play single player titles or PvE stuff without the need for anticheat. Nearly all those titles work.

If a game is not on steam, you can check lutris. Lutris has install scripts for a lot of Battle.net games as well as GoG among others. There is also the heroic games launcher, but you don't need to know all that yet.

PS: The great thing about Lemmy is that you don't have to ask your friend, you can ask here.

PPS: If you plan to game on your PC, may I suggest some games? (All work well for me, of course)

Dwarf fortress - is a city builder/sims-like game, on steam for money or on the official website for free, but with less art.

Core Keeper - a small Indy game about digging, crafting and fighting

Deep Rock Galactic - a first person shooter with mining and fighting bugs

Factorio - ~~an~~ THE automation game

Disco Elysium - probably the best RPG/Detective game ever

The Long journey home - a space exploration rogue-like

[–] [email protected] 7 points 2 months ago

Oh wonderful! Thank you for the suggestions!

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