this post was submitted on 30 Sep 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 don't want usage adoption; I want philosophical adoption which will lead to usage adoption.
I want users to appreciate that they own their software. I want them to realize the importance of being able to inspect and use your software as you see fit (within reason).
I want people to realize the dangers of walled gardens, and opaque black boxes that are doing who knows what.
I hope that makes sense; I get confused and worried when people just push adoption. I'd rather people migrate because they believe in FOSS, and then setup linux boxes for their non-tech family members as a means of protecting them.
I have a lot to say on this...but the words just aren't coming out right now. I guess I need to get in the right frame of mind.
wdym, linux boxes ?
i totally agree that usage would come a lot easier if what gets pushed is a mindset
if you have more to say now, i'm all ears. i want to drive adoption in my circles
by boxes I just mean, linux computers for those who just use a browser to go on the internet. Those users, they don't have to adopt the Linux philosophy.
But for people who are actively coming to linux, I wish they would come with an appreciation for the ethos of FOSS.
I'm flattered you think I have something of value to say, but what I've learned in life is that you can't convince people of anything unless they want to be convinced. And ego plays a big role in that.
If you go and even imply to someone, "you're using computers wrong," or "there is a better way," depending on their relationship with you, their ego will kick in: what is this guy talking about, I've been using computers for x years and I have it do everything I want it to. Just nod along
I adopted Linux on my home PC about 12 years ago, but I could never get the "Linux box" in a state where I could replace my wife's until Win11 came out. At the time, I noticed a lot of improvements that allowed a seamless transition and I was finally able to replace her Win10 install with a KDE setup. She barely noticed the difference. The only real challenge was her migration from Outlook to Thunderbird.
But I think the reality is that, apart from Linux enthusiasts, no one really cares for using FOSS or not. Most simply want their PC to work and not be a nuisance. And it seems that more and more, that is the case for Linux.