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I've been using various GNU/Linux distros and BSD flavors on my desktop for more than 20 years now, and I like it ("it" in my case being MATE) much better than

by krylon 5y ago

I've been using various GNU/Linux distros and BSD flavors on my desktop for more than 20 years now, and I like it ("it" in my case being MATE) much better than either Windows or macOS. But to be fair, some parts of what I like about it are due to the tiny share Linux/BSD has on the desktop. Malware, in particular, is a non-issue mainly because people writing malware don't bother targeting it. Also, the amount of techies/nerds among Linux desktop users is much higher (I assume, at least) than on Windows, so the current state with a variety of desktop environments and window managers is viable. What impresses me, though, is how much smoother the experience has become since 2001. Hardware support was a real issue back then, but in the past 10 years, I had no issues getting my hardware to work. Installers have become easier to use (except OpenBSD's, but loyal OpenBSD users will argue that their installer was easy to use to begin with, and they've got a point there), update management on Free- and OpenBSD is a breeze these days, and the gaming situation is pretty good (as far as my preferences go, anyway). I've never been one to try and proselytize and convert people to GNU/Linux, but it works very well for me, and I'm happy about that. Others are happy with Windows or macOS, and that is okay with me, too.

yellowapple 5y ago
> Malware, in particular, is a non-issue mainly because people writing malware don't bother targeting it. This always struck me as a weird argument in a world where the vast majority of web servers - particularly high-profile ones - run Linux. It's gotten even weirder in a world where smartphones, routers, smart speakers, and smart TVs all have largely converged on Linux or something derived from it.
- krylon 5y ago
  Oh, to my knowledge web servers (and mail servers, etc.) get attacked all the time. So do routers, IoT devices and so forth. But those attacks work differently from a user innocently clicking a link they received via email or opening an attachment. And your desktop machine typically doesn't have any services exposed to the Internet. I think Android malware is a thing, but I don't know enough about this to be less vague.

by krylon 5y ago

yellowapple 5y ago

> Malware, in particular, is a non-issue mainly because people writing malware don't bother targeting it. This always struck me as a weird argument in a world where the vast majority of web servers - particularly high-profile ones - run Linux. It's gotten even weirder in a world where smartphones, routers, smart speakers, and smart TVs all have largely converged on Linux or something derived from it.

krylon 5y ago
Oh, to my knowledge web servers (and mail servers, etc.) get attacked all the time. So do routers, IoT devices and so forth. But those attacks work differently from a user innocently clicking a link they received via email or opening an attachment. And your desktop machine typically doesn't have any services exposed to the Internet. I think Android malware is a thing, but I don't know enough about this to be less vague.