this post was submitted on 16 May 2026
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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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i would counter that customizing one's desktop keeps more than a few users from switching (back) to something else. they enjoy it. let 'em do it. doing so will get them on the terminal at some point anyway and they'll learn by doing.
Might be just my experience but what actually keeps people from switching is a proper support time line. Long-term and rolling releases can keep people using them for years after which they actually know what they want, what they can get used to and they don't wanjt. Most distros however screw up something at the inevitable upgrade long before that, which then leads to "well, guess I could reinstall and try something else anyway".