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1: I just don't see who these articles are written for. Linux is on the desktop, it's called Steam Deck, and millions are are using it. So, the author is wrong

1: I just don't see who these articles are written for. Linux is on the desktop, it's called Steam Deck, and millions are are using it. So, the author is wrong here in the spirit of the question, and the truth of the question. 2: The statement "Linux developers spend very little to no time checking that their code changes don't cause regressions or breakages" cannot be applied to all or possibly most developers. What packages is TFA talking about here? Maybe TFA means "Denuvo developers spend very little time checking that their code changes don't cause rootkits or kernel exploits - in Windows." 3: "Lack of general software" - TFA seems to be arguing that because software is not specifically compiled for Linux, it is therefore not "available", which is laughably false. My entire Steam library works just fine on the Steam Deck and in Debian. In fact, many of those games run on Steam/Proton when they could not be made to run on modern versions of Windows. 4: "Poor file and folder sharing" - I don't think TFA has ever tried Samba in an all-Linux environment, but I will grant that permissions across machines can be tricky. You know, like sharing folders between Windows XP, 7, 10, and 11. 5: "Lack of funding on the desktop" - Listen, I don't think IBM/RedHat are underfunded. I don't prefer Gnome Desktop, but it's perfectly functional, and funding doesn't seem to be an issue there. Maybe we should ask Canonical if they've ever funded desktop work. 6: "Hardware support and compatibility" - Listen, I'm using an HP 1012 laser printer. Microsoft stopped writing drivers for this perfectly usable printer in Windows 8. I'm using a modern GPU (Radeon 6700XT) that has drivers built right into the kernel. I'm using a scanner that was new when Windows 2000 was new, and I can tell you, it won't work in Windows anymore but it will for sure work in Linux. Once again, TFA does not give examples. 7: Ok, I'll give him this one. You can pay for commercial support for Linux if you want it, though! Canonical and Redhat would love to have your money. Summing up, it seems like this guy is just complaining that Linux isn't a commercially-supported O/S, except it is, if you pay for it. Maybe he means "Linux isn't Windows." So, his entire premise is wrong, and trolly. And speaking of trolls, you'll see TFA's name in the ars forum if you search, and I'll give you two guesses what his posts there look like.

Klonoar 2y ago
The Steam Deck is not the desktop and it’s really amazing that this line gets trotted out in defense of desktop Linux every time a criticism gets posted. It’s like saying that FreeBSD is on the desktop just because Sony used it as the base for the PS5. These are specific scenarios with specific hardware optimized for each use case. Desktop Linux encompasses the sheer amount of available PCs and laptops that one might install it on, and there is a miles long list of “just about everything works except $x thing” articles. I otherwise generally agree with your points and think the article itself is more troll-ish than it needs to be.
- LooseMarmoset 2y ago
  The Steam Deck literally has a desktop mode, and you can connect a keyboard, mouse, and monitor to it, and play games that way. Both my son and I play games using this method. The Steam dock was designed to allow users to take advantage of this mode, among other things. You can install regular Linux applications in Desktop mode, including Libreoffice and Firefox. It's probably fair to say the majority of users don't do this, but it's a completely accessible, usable, and supported Linux desktop. So, yes, the Steam deck is a Linux desktop. Even gaming mode is a usable "Desktop" environment, usable with a virtual or actual keyboard, touchpad or regular mouse. You can even install SteamOS on a regular PC! You might have to tweak it a bit to get your particular hardware supported, but you'll end up with...a Steam Linux desktop.
  - Klonoar 2y ago
    Even if we grant that point - which I'm not willing to do, since: > It's probably fair to say the majority of users don't do this You still missed the part where I noted: > These are specific scenarios with specific hardware optimized for each use case. Desktop Linux encompasses the sheer amount of available PCs and laptops that one might install it on, and there is a miles long list of “just about everything works except $x thing” articles. This is and has been the thorn in Desktop Linux's side for the last ~20 years.
    - LooseMarmoset 2y ago
      Everything you're describing here is literally true of Windows. How many desktop PCs aren't certified to run Windows 11? Can you hack it and make it run with esoteric commands and dubious registry edits? Sure, but then you're in the same spot Linux users are. How much hardware do people throw away because manufacturers don't write updated drivers anymore? Right, you're back in the just about everything works but situation again, except in Windows. The only real difference between Linux and Windows is that new hardware is better-supported in Windows, and comes with a shelf life, and older hardware is better-supported in Linux with a shelf life that Microsoft can't touch. When you add in and then Windows includes telemetry and data mining that Microsoft won't allow you to turn off and won't tell you what is included I can't see why anyone would want Windows. > These are specific scenarios with specific hardware optimized for each use case. Desktop Linux encompasses the sheer amount of available PCs and laptops that one might install it on, and there is a miles long list of “just about everything works except $x thing” articles. > This is and has been the thorn in Desktop Linux's side for the last ~20 years. The Steam Deck literally does not have these problems. It's the the Linux Desktop, perfected!

Klonoar 2y ago

The Steam Deck is not the desktop and it’s really amazing that this line gets trotted out in defense of desktop Linux every time a criticism gets posted. It’s like saying that FreeBSD is on the desktop just because Sony used it as the base for the PS5. These are specific scenarios with specific hardware optimized for each use case. Desktop Linux encompasses the sheer amount of available PCs and laptops that one might install it on, and there is a miles long list of “just about everything works except $x thing” articles. I otherwise generally agree with your points and think the article itself is more troll-ish than it needs to be.

LooseMarmoset 2y ago
The Steam Deck literally has a desktop mode, and you can connect a keyboard, mouse, and monitor to it, and play games that way. Both my son and I play games using this method. The Steam dock was designed to allow users to take advantage of this mode, among other things. You can install regular Linux applications in Desktop mode, including Libreoffice and Firefox. It's probably fair to say the majority of users don't do this, but it's a completely accessible, usable, and supported Linux desktop. So, yes, the Steam deck is a Linux desktop. Even gaming mode is a usable "Desktop" environment, usable with a virtual or actual keyboard, touchpad or regular mouse. You can even install SteamOS on a regular PC! You might have to tweak it a bit to get your particular hardware supported, but you'll end up with...a Steam Linux desktop.
- Klonoar 2y ago
  Even if we grant that point - which I'm not willing to do, since: > It's probably fair to say the majority of users don't do this You still missed the part where I noted: > These are specific scenarios with specific hardware optimized for each use case. Desktop Linux encompasses the sheer amount of available PCs and laptops that one might install it on, and there is a miles long list of “just about everything works except $x thing” articles. This is and has been the thorn in Desktop Linux's side for the last ~20 years.
  - LooseMarmoset 2y ago
    Everything you're describing here is literally true of Windows. How many desktop PCs aren't certified to run Windows 11? Can you hack it and make it run with esoteric commands and dubious registry edits? Sure, but then you're in the same spot Linux users are. How much hardware do people throw away because manufacturers don't write updated drivers anymore? Right, you're back in the just about everything works but situation again, except in Windows. The only real difference between Linux and Windows is that new hardware is better-supported in Windows, and comes with a shelf life, and older hardware is better-supported in Linux with a shelf life that Microsoft can't touch. When you add in and then Windows includes telemetry and data mining that Microsoft won't allow you to turn off and won't tell you what is included I can't see why anyone would want Windows. > These are specific scenarios with specific hardware optimized for each use case. Desktop Linux encompasses the sheer amount of available PCs and laptops that one might install it on, and there is a miles long list of “just about everything works except $x thing” articles. > This is and has been the thorn in Desktop Linux's side for the last ~20 years. The Steam Deck literally does not have these problems. It's the the Linux Desktop, perfected!