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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What are the best reasons people have given you for not wanting to try Linux? (distrowatch.com)

submitted 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) by VoxAliorum@lemmy.ml to c/linux@lemmy.ml

105 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Heyho, recently someone asked for the silliest reasons, but as someone who has suggested linux to many people, I often encounter people having valid reasons for staying with Windows or switching back.

The most boring but valid one is "I have to use Windows for work. It is a requirement (of some software I have to use)". But there are also other answers that fit. My sister for example tried Linux, but while installing software constantly encountered issues that I helped her solve and eventually switched back because she felt like she had less control than over windows. While I am aware that this is fundamentally wrong, it is valid that some amateur users do not want to invest enough time to get over the initial hurdles of relearning how to install software.

What are the best reasons people have given you for not wanting to try Linux?

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[–] SlartyBartFast@sh.itjust.works 3 points 3 days ago (1 children)

"The file system layout is dumb. What the fuck is /etc? Also I hate using terminal"

[–] JaddedFauceet@lemmy.world 5 points 3 days ago (3 children)

But.. what actually is etc, opt, var, dev, bin, usr, local?

especially coming from windows...

there is no "Getting started" guide from the OS, you got to read a book or something to learn this..

during my early day i thought:

etc = etcetra? I put random my own stuff here?
opt = options? Do i put my configuration here?
dev = develop? Is this where debugging symbol or devtool live?
local = this must be where my local profile is located?
usr = user? Or is this where my local profile is located?
var = huh?
lib = library? huh why?
media = my media folder where i put my images and video?

lol

[–] silfer@lemmy.world 5 points 3 days ago (2 children)

Counterpoint

Does your average windows user know what any of Windows top level folders mean?

[–] AnUnusualRelic@lemmy.world 4 points 3 days ago

Some might think they do. But then very few programs respect the Windows standards, so...

[–] SlartyBartFast@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 days ago

The people who gave me their reasons for not using Linux do indeed know, and since this is a thread about best reasons not to use Linux, there isn't much need to argue the point of "no, it's the users that are wrong"

[–] prole@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filesystem_Hierarchy_Standard

Also:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unix_filesystem

Has a breakdown of what each has referred to, historically

[–] null_dot@lemmy.dbzer0.com 0 points 3 days ago

I've been using Linux for a long time and I don't know any of this really.

Basically, home directory is for everything, unless some instructions say some other path.