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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 don't more people use desktop Linux? I have a theory you might not like (www.zdnet.com)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

189 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I'm curious to hear thoughts on this. I agree for the most part, I just wish people would see the benefit of choice and be brave enough to try it out.

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[–] [email protected] 16 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (3 children)

Lazy theory. Think about cars. If the diversity of alternatives was putting off people, I guess we would still all be driving black Ford cars.

I have been using Linux since 1996 and what is putting off people is:

First and foremost: habits and lack of will to learn new ways.
Proprietary apps that have no exact equivalent. See 1.
A closed proprietary system that limits interoperability. Even if it has improved, certain fenced software perimeters remain an occasional issue.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 year ago

Also, MS pays computer makers to preinstall Windows.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

This. Exactly this.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

If the diversity of alternatives was putting off people, I guess we would still all be driving black Ford cars.

It's very different considering your car only needs to run the software it comes with from the factory (for now).

If we had a thousand different types of fuel, and 95% of people used fuel 1 or 2, and then 5% used one of a thousand other lesser-know fuels, you'd probably just buy a car that uses 1 or 2, because they're the easiest and most popular.