this post was submitted on 30 Mar 2025
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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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The diversity of Linux distributions is one of its strengths, but it can also be challenging for app and game development. Where do we need more standards? For example, package management, graphics APIs, or other aspects of the ecosystem? Would such increased standards encourage broader adoption of the Linux ecosystem by developers?

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[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (3 children)

I'm not sure whether this should be a "standard", but we need a Linux Distribution where the user never has to touch the command line. Such a distro would be beneficial and useful to new users, who don't want to learn about command line commands.

And also we need a good app store where users can download and install software in a reasonably safe and easy way.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I really don't understand this. I put a fairly popular Linux distro on my son's computer and never needed to touch the command line. I update it by command line only because I think it's easier.

Sure, you may run into driver scenarios or things like that from time to time, but using supported hardware would never present that issue. And Windows has just as many random "gotchas".

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I try to avoid using the command line as much as possible, but it still crops up from time to time.

Back when I used windows, I would legitimately never touch the command line. I wouldn't even know how to interact with it.

We're not quite there with Linux, but we're getting closer!

[–] [email protected] 0 points 23 hours ago

I try to avoid using the command line as much as possible

Why would you do that?

[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 day ago (2 children)

I think there are some that are getting pretty close to this. Like SteamOS (although not a traditional DE) and Mint.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 23 hours ago

Ubuntu as well. I wish I could say OpenSuse...

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 day ago

Mint is pretty good, but I found the update center GUI app to always fail to update things like Firefox with some mirror error (regardless of whether you told it to use it or not). It happened for my old desktop (now my dad’s main computer), my LG laptop or used HP elitedesk G4. Using “sudo apt update” + “sudo apt upgrade” + Y (to confirm) on the command line was 10x easier and just worked. I do feel better/safe now that they use Linux for internet browsing instead of windows too.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

Why do people keep saying this? If you don't want to use the command line then don't.

But there is no good reason to say people shouldn't. It's always the best way to get across what needs to be done and have the person execute it.

The fedora laptop I have been using for the past year has never needed the command line.

On my desktop I use arch. I use the command line because I know it and it makes sense.

Its sad people see it as a negative when it is really useful. But as of today you can get by without it.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

It’s always the best way to get across what needs to be done and have the person execute it.

Sigh. If you want to use the command line, great. Nobody is stopping you.

For those of us who don't want to use the command line (most regular users) there should be an option not to, even in Linux.

Its sad people see it as a negative when it is really useful.

It's even sadder seeing people lose sight of their humanity when praising the command line while ignoring all of its negatives.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

lose sight of their humanity

Ok this is now a stupid conversation. Really? Humanity?

Look, you can either follow a flowchart of a dozen different things to click on to get information about your thunderbolt device or type boltctl -list

Do you want me to create screen shots of every step of the way to use a gui or just type 12 characters? That is why it is useful. It is easy to explain, easy to ask someone to do it. Then they can copy and paste a response, instead of yet another screenshot.

Next thing you know you will be telling me it is against humanity to "right click". Or maybe we all should just get a Mac Book Wheel

Look, I am only advocating that it is a very useful tool. There is nothing "bad" about it, or even hard. What is the negative?

But I also said, I have been using a Fedora laptop for over a year and guess what? I never needed the command line. Not once.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

Ok this is now a stupid conversation. Really? Humanity?

Yeah, humanity. The fact you think it's 'stupid' really just proves my point that you're too far gone.

or type boltctl -list

Really? You have every command memorized? You never need to look any of them up? No copy-pasting!

Come on, at least try to make a decent argument to avoid looking like a troll.

I'm glad rational people have won out and your rhetoric is falling further and further by the wayside. The command line is great for development and developers. It's awful for regular users which is why regular users never touch it.

You lost sight of your humanity, which is why you don't even think about how asinine it is to say "just type this command!" as though people are supposed to know it intuitively.

Gonna block ya now. Arguing with people like you is tiresome and a waste of time.

Have fun writing commands. Make sure you don't use a GUI to look them up, or else you'd be proving me right.

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

You blocked me over a difference of opinion?

Wow.

All I am trying to say it that it is a tool in the toolbox. Telling people Linux needs it is not true, telling people it's bad is not true.

Quit trying to make it a negative. I would encourage anyone to explore how to use this tool. And when trying to communicate ideas on the internet it is a very useful one.

I have never blocked anyone, I find that so strange. It's like saying because of our difference on this issue, we could never have common ground on any other.

And you ask me to remember my humanity?