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Yeah, I think this is right. GNU/Linux works perfectly fine for the normal person's use case - the main issue is that it's not the default, and switching is a p

Yeah, I think this is right. GNU/Linux works perfectly fine for the normal person's use case - the main issue is that it's not the default, and switching is a pain. Really, GNU/Linux should be the default. People have this impression that Windows and MacOS is for normal people but GNU/Linux is a strange specialized OS for techies, but really, it's the opposite. The average person really just needs to be able to launch a browser (which gets you email, social media, cloud storage, document editing/management, whatever else). GNU/Linux is perfectly fine for that, and may even be the most sensible solution. It's actually Windows and MacOS that are the "specialist" operating systems - when you really need to use specialized software like Photoshop, Logic Pro, or whatever else, and when the Linux/browser alternatives aren't good enough for you.

appplication 3y ago
> the main issue is that it's not the default, and switching is a pain. I would disagree. The main issue is basic driver incompatibility and in depth, dev-level debugging required when something goes wrong rather than just visiting the Apple or Microsoft forum. I will say this is less of an issue than it was 10 years ago, but it’s certainly not a non-issue. If you’re average Joe looking to switch this is a huge impediment.
- Dalewyn 3y ago
  It's not necessarily Apple/Microsoft forums specifically either. I note that Windows users and nerds are generally much more open to just helping people overcome whatever problem they're having in the simplest and easiest way possible. Linux users, and neckbeards in particular, on the other hand are generally more concerned about ordering people having problems to do things the One True Way(tm). This condescending attitude is by far the thing that holds back wider Linux adoption the most; most people don't have time to be talked down by some neckbeard when Windows users will sympathize and happily lend a hand. I can't and won't speak to MacOS users because MacOS, within the confines of the One Apple Way(tm), has always Just Worked(tm) which is by far its strongest selling point.
- number6 3y ago
  On Windows you need in depth knowledge just to add an local account or to switch browsers

appplication 3y ago

> the main issue is that it's not the default, and switching is a pain. I would disagree. The main issue is basic driver incompatibility and in depth, dev-level debugging required when something goes wrong rather than just visiting the Apple or Microsoft forum. I will say this is less of an issue than it was 10 years ago, but it’s certainly not a non-issue. If you’re average Joe looking to switch this is a huge impediment.

Dalewyn 3y ago
It's not necessarily Apple/Microsoft forums specifically either. I note that Windows users and nerds are generally much more open to just helping people overcome whatever problem they're having in the simplest and easiest way possible. Linux users, and neckbeards in particular, on the other hand are generally more concerned about ordering people having problems to do things the One True Way(tm). This condescending attitude is by far the thing that holds back wider Linux adoption the most; most people don't have time to be talked down by some neckbeard when Windows users will sympathize and happily lend a hand. I can't and won't speak to MacOS users because MacOS, within the confines of the One Apple Way(tm), has always Just Worked(tm) which is by far its strongest selling point.
number6 3y ago
On Windows you need in depth knowledge just to add an local account or to switch browsers