Linux Mint user here. One way that Linux users can help Linux community is creating a database of what works and what does not work with LInux, so that people who want to adopt Linux know exactly what they are getting into. We have sites like the openprinting which gives some details on whether a printer will work with Linux or not. However, its database is heavily outdated. But what about by a gaming mouse? Or a graphics tablet? We also need to promote manufacturers and software companies that play well with Linux. Give them a freaking award of something like that. Edit: Using a live environment to test if Linux will work with you hardware is a good idea, if you already have the hardware. But, it won't help you for things that you are planning to buy.
Yes, it’s all these devices that are still popular but only within a certain subset of users we really need to get companies to get interested in providing not just device drivers but proper applications as well (you allude to graphics tablets and design). And better GPU drivers open or closed.
@@nerfherder4284 yes, indeed, Windows 7 was... probably ok memory-wise but Windows 10, 11? They run like molasses on anything 4gigs or less. It’s crazy.
I typically use Ubuntu MATE, as the default ubuntu gnome desktop is heavy on graphics and feels more like it was made for tablets than a keyboard and mouse. I loved Unity when I started on 16.04 LTS, and eventually migrated to Ubuntu MATE when they switched to Gnome for 17.10. I've tried most of the other ones including the new Cinnamon version but I still prefer mate as its much less graphically demanding so it runs well on my Celeron based HP Stream.
I also run Mint on my main Linux desktop. It's easy for the grandkids to use - they are mostly Windows/ ChromeOS users. I would also install Mint for anyone who wants to repurpose an old laptop (assuming they have 4 GB of memory.)
For even older PCs, I use Linux Lite with XFCE de. It works flawlessly. I managed to run Linux Lite on a Core2Duo PC from 2007 with only 2GB of RAM without problem as a secondary PC that I used for watching Movies, TV shows and UA-cam without many problems up until last year. On more modern PCs I just use Linux Mint, since that's the distro I'm most familiar with and have been using it one form or another for 5 years now.
For a while there Dell was offering free linux installs rather than paying for Windows. But most people don't even know what it is. Having all kinds of distros doesn't help either. People know vaguely of Steam OS, but even most most don't know of Linux.
@@shApYT superior on the Steam Deck. Perhaps it will also be great on other handhelds once Valve actually officially themselves makes it available. Where other distros imitating Steam OS 3 have limitations like not utilizing gamescope as much and running big picture mode isn't entirely the same as running game mode even though the UI is more or less the same.
@@IRefuseToUseThisStupidFeature those computers are also more for enterprise constumers and not regular consumers. There are also distros that sell their own computers but it won't be as cheap as the big manufacturers. (For some reason I don't see your comment outside of notification)
I am a writer that uses Linux Mint to write my books. I'm not super tech savvy but I do enjoy installing an OS and running the few things that I enjoy. Mainly that's music apps and LibreOffice. I don't connect to the internet with my working machine. Also I have donated to the Linux Mint folks and encourage others to do so for their favorite distros. Thank you Chris for this heartfelt video.
Happy Holidays Chris, I'll never be able to repay what you've shared with me so I won't try. My goals are: enjoy, learn, and grow from the content you've published. share who you are, what you're about and where others may find you. to share with you tokens of my appreciation. - Happy Times and Places
Thanks greatly for your support, most appreciated. Sorry I've only just read this -- as you know as a channel member, life for me is different just now.
I WANTED to use Linux for years, but every time I installed it I found that online Linux knowledge bases were dominated by advanced computer users who refuse to acknowledge simple GUI based answers already existed. I don't want to type lines of code when a menu with tick boxes and sliders can do the same thing much more intuitively. I went back to windows twice because I could not get the firewall and network working. There was not enough documentation for stuff I needed to get working, and the "help" forums were just telling me over and over again that Linux was not for me. I now have a network of Mint boxes, but most of my terminal inputs are just cut and paste jobs from websites rather than truly knowing what I am doing. People like me want to just use their computers, not spend forever tinkering with them.
Amen! There are so many Linux "gurus" who tell people that they should avoid distros like Mint because they are not "powerful enough." By which they mean they are easy to use right out of the box and do not require endless fiddling with obscure settings (usually using the command line) in order to gain basic functionality. But if people adopt an easy distro like Mint, there won't be any need for the "gurus." And they don't like that idea.
Totally agree The trouble with most Linux distros is you get sidetracked into running Linux instead of the Apps you want to get stuff done. I have yet to find ANYTHING compelling that Linux offers. The few usable Apps are not at the level I want and are as distracting as Linux itself. Virtually everything becomes a substitute that you wouldn't ordinarily choose except you have no choice. Why would you deliberately choose *No-Choice* ? For me Linux is a considerable time waster. The obsession with running on older hardware doesn't make sense. Just run the OS that does manage the hardware, the incompatibilities with more recent Apps are just the same or less than the incompatibilities with running Linux, which precludes most valuable commercial Apps. And older hardware is older hardware, Linux is not going to help with slowness or dated features, it may even make it worse due to missing drivers. New cheap hardware is not as limited as old cheap hardware. Where is the gain? You are hunting for a bargain that you are unlikely get.and is just more money down the drain. Like buying a really old cheap car ends up negating the savings with expensive repairs, upgrades and lost time.
"Obsession with running old hardware" and at the same time you talk about choice. Maybe the other 8bi people on earth aren't like you and have your life with access to the same things and same views, values? Just maybe.
I started using Linux full-time during the pandemic and it largly meets all of my requirements. There are a few applications that are Windows or Mac based that I use on occasion, but Linux is far better now than it was 10 years ago when I first tried it. While I do think your point of FOSS vs closed-source software is valid, I prefer FOSS because closed-source software can hide all manor of nefarious mechanisms for telemetry and data collection. In fact, this was my primary reason for moving to Linux. I have no qualm paying for software, I just don't want it spying on me.
@@mopeybloke absolutely not, that's very naive. The Microsofts and Googles of the world have all realised they make a hell of a lot of money off the telemetry, the cat is out of the bag and won't go back in just because we start paying for it again. In fact if the pendulum were to swing back in favour of one-time payments again, these companies wouldn't change a thing, they'd just welcome the additional income
@@mopeybloke You have that completely backward. The data collection only goes away when you have control over your systems and the software that runs on it. That means at best open source software and at worst closed source software that isn't leaky or that contains DRM. Every OS I use on every computer and device I have is open source. On desktop, the only closed source software I use is foobar2000 and DRM-free games, run via Wine. The only closed source software on my phone are my bank apps, and I have even considered dumping those and just managing my finances through my banks' respective web sites. The end result is that I have total control and the ability to harden my systems for maximum security/privacy. Not one byte of data leaves any of my systems without my explicit say so.
The difficulty of advocating for Linux and/or FOSS is that elementary schools don’t want to teach pupils something that won’t get them a job, and employers don’t want to switch to something for which graduates have not been trained. Complete change would have to happen at both ends. However, college students might be a good target audience. They’re at an ideal age to learn something new, and they’re about to learn that, once out of school, they have to pay full retail for commercial software. They can also learn that Linux and FOSS can produce output compatible with commercial software.
me taking a virtualization class for my it program made me want to give linux another shot. i had tried a bit during the pandemic during hs but at the time the games compat list was way lower due to the lack of the eac and battleye proton layers. really felt like nothing worked, and it was a pain to always restart if a friend wanted to play one of the many games that didnt work at the time. now theres a single game for me. i guess another annoying aspect is that due to being a student i need to use office 365 for certain collaborative projects and for email, and so im stuck with the crappy web client cuz sso doesnt work in mail apps or smthing. thats just the experience ig and im sure ill continue to have this issue but its workable
When you buy a new PC : it comes with a Microsoft operating system, as long as this version is supported by Microsoft (windows update, drivers) then all is ok for the user. Things get complicated when the PC gets old and when a new windows version comes, it is then the key moment for promoting linux as an alternative, it can avoid planned obsolescence and it can help to save money (no license to pay, no new PC to buy).
One would have to be a fool to dump Windows on a prebuilt box that already has Windows installed. "Build your own". For me? Sure. For "Them"? No, I'm not going to be their IT Hardware and software person. Been there, done that, won't do it again. PC builds are leaps and bounds easier to slap together these days. If someone wants to, that's up to them.
I dunno, Microsoft's business model has changed. I don't feel like I properly control my own PC. I'd have to work to take control of updates & virus scans & fight to keep the my choice of browser etc. I've found my PC updating itself in the middle of the night and failing because it can't negotiate my multiboot loader or NVME driver patch. I've had Outlook impose an update on me in the middle of picking info from hundreds of emails@@dlewis9760
@@dlewis9760 I think his larger point was what about someone still on Win7/8.x. Windows 10 users will face this issue soon. Windoze 11 has much higher end requirements in order to be supported. Same thing happened with MacOS. I have an old Mac Pro from my son. He was basically throwing it away since it could not run the current MacOS at the time. Forcing him to buy a new one. I replaced the slow spinning rust disk with a used SSD I had and have been running Linux on it ever since. Currently running hyprland w/ Arch like a beast. It will never been a gaming powerhouse, but as a machine to do basic things it's great. I also used it to test out other OS's and WM before settling on Hyprland.
"One would have to be a fool to dump Windows on a prebuilt box that already has Windows installed." @@dlewis9760 Just isn't true. Windows machines designed for XP etc just won't work properly today. A low-profile linux install can bring these machines back to life, giving them a use-case.
@@dlewis9760Your first sentence makes zero sense. I think you intended to say installing *Linux* on a prebuilt system that already has Windows installed. Which is utter nonsense and doesn't address the original comment, which was specifically talking about when the installed Windows version is (deliberately and massively prematurely) obsolete and unsupported by Micro$oft. In those cases, Linux can make an old computer practically new and massively extend its useful life. As for being tech support, you clearly haven't actually filled that role with both Linux and Windows, or you would know that Linux requires FAR less tech support than Windows. Aside from Micro$oft constantly changing and moving things for no good reason, Linux is far more stable and keeps itself up to date far better. Since I installed Ubuntu MATE on my 84-year-old friend's computer 8 years ago, there have been zero tech-support requests related to the OS, and I can count on one hand the number of help sessions of any kind. It's just so much better there's no comparison whatsoever. And if it were on Windows it would be unbearably slow by now. It's been so long since he got a new computer that I don't even remember the hardware, but there is no way that box would still be a daily driver if it weren't on Linux.
As a 25+ year Linux user, I really appreciate the effort you put into this. As a UA-cam Content Creator, I wonder if you would grant the use of your manifesto to others in the Linux Community at large to help spread the word. I found your Manifesto to be in line with much of what I've been thinking about when it comes to Linux in the past few years. Thanks for the work you do. Happy holidays.
Many thanks for all the work ⚒ very well done! After having watched many of the Channel's videos, I keep liking that retro computing sound in the intro. In the very, very long run..., though, it would be super cool 😎 if eventually developments w/Linux sound-editor 🔊 and the soundfile could get edited producing a 'Rhythm-and-Bass' version of the intro. Just a funky suggestion for the NewYear2024! Happy New yr2024! Should such sound developments take place, it would be a soundscape enhancement to the production (i.e. the "N.E.X.T. Intro Remix" version to unfold into test and production, having the intro-sound to become edited, say in an external 👽 studio, beside the main content creation). Then, basically the audience could find that enhancement as a sign 🤘 that this channel keeps rocking at all raving levels, w/its content. Though it's just fine as such when the content gets such 🆕 content that just makes the listener intrigued. And, Yes. I've also spread the word by advertising the Channel to the closest geeks I know (who are my true friends in another space & time). Thanks for the manifestation, Christopher 🎷 🙏
In big part thanks to your educating videos I switched my PC to Linux, a still competent 6th gen i7. I've also helped family members migrate their old unsupported apple stuff to Linux, and they are amazed by how well their old gear works again. We're all enthusiastic promoters of Linux now.
Similarly, I have a 7th gen i7 which currently runs Windows, with the option to boot into Linux. When support for Windows 10 ends I'd like to move completely to Linux but need a couple of (currently) Windows only apps, so a decision will have to be made. I also have 2nd and 3rd generation i5 computers that are Linux only, and which run perfectly. Likewise, I've switched a few friends to Linux. They're all what I'd call "average computer users" who just want to get online, access Facebook, amazon, email, etc, and all of them love how "fuss free" Linux is compared to Windows.
@@bamahama707 I use Linux Mint for two reasons; 1. It does everything I need it do. 2. I believe it to be among the best Linux distros for those new to Linux so it's what I've installed on computers belonging to friends, hence I need to be very familiar with it if technical support is needed. Happily, it "just works" for them and (touch wood) none of them have had the slightest problem. 😊
I am totally floored by the performance of my old Dell Latitude E6420 i7-based laptop with Debian 12. It absolutely flies when used with an SSD and the default desktop environment.
I'm still running (Gentoo) Linux perfectly happily as daily drivers on Core 2 Duo Lenovo Thinkpad T60's and T61's from 2007 - a 2GHz Core 2 Duo with 4GB RAM and a "lite" desktop like XFCE will play UA-cam videos and let you browse the Internet perfectly happily.
As a hybrid user between Linux and Windows, I can only fully agree with all the points of the manifesto you propose. From my point of view, respect and tolerance between regular linux users and towards new users is something fundamental to make Linux more known and attractive to a wider audience. Promoting the platform in a didactic way and always from an open and respectful mentality can be a powerful tool for further growth. I also join the last point of the manifesto, in which you advocate helping developers within the possibilities that each user has. The ideal is through financial donations, but I also think it can be useful to help other users through forums, social networks or comments in videos like this one. Thank you very much for your content, from which I always learn something. I wish you a Merry Christmas from Spain 🙂
Some valid points there... as a FreeBSD user with a bigger mountain to climb, the manifesto is applicable even more so 🙂 Thanks Chris, take care and see you next time!
I advocate for Linux when I feel I'm talking to someone who could be persuaded to try it, or whom expresses interest in it. Having switched to Linux myself as recently as 2020, I know that changing your desktop OS isn't going to be as easy for everyone. When advocating for Linux, I try to be upfront about using it, while also attempting to explain the benefits of an OS that respects your privacy and can run better than Windows on older hardware.
I'm the same way. Though I've switched a few family members who just live in the web browser over to Linux just to save on spending my holidays fixing their computers.
Completely agree with your point about Linux being more private and can be even more private again, if a user wants that. I also advocate for Linux with people who are basically interested. But I also unashamedly advocate for Linux where I know the people well and I know that literally everything they do on their PC can be done just as well in Linux with none of the constraints of OSs like Windows.
Thrilled that yours is a rational, reasonable voice in the Linux community. It's tiring seeing so many "year of the Linux desktop" or "Linux on the desktop is doomed" clickbait videos.
This video is one of your finest moments. Advocating for tolerance, diversity and pragmatism in a manifesto is rare and refreshing! - I appreciate it very much, when I hear evangelism while avoiding fundamentalism.
Valve are doing great work with proton making Linux more viable for gamers, it feels like magic when it works. using KDE plasma on the steam deck was familiar enough to not be overwhelming as a new user and flatpacks gave me confidence to try stuff without the fear of wrecking the O.S
I am a fairly new Linux user and I must say it has taken awhile for me to find some encouragement. I found it through pop OS. I hope more people see your video and take it to heart. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Last September my laptop was heading to the trash as booting to windows was taking forever, and it would hang and crash from even a right click on the desktop. And let's not even bother talking about web browsing. Puppy Linux and Manjaro XFCE to the rescue. Now I think I can still get a few more years of good use from my obsolete laptop. In short time I went from zero Linux knowledge to everyday user. It's saved me a lot of money. I wholeheartedly pledge my allegiance to the Linux Manifesto!
I began using Slackware Linux back in '95' when you were expected to compile your own kernel and build your own desktop and applications. I have bought the developers a few pizzas along the way and have volunteered my time to help guide new users on community servers. Modern distros are less hobby oriented and well suited for our current media devices as Android has shown. The desktop era has largely given way to the laptop era and big software packages suffer a performance hit. Linux is best known for being light on the hardware, adaptable to anything digital and, has a large enough following that help is not too hard to find. However, the nature of the classic voluntary support team and their too frequent dissolution or change of venture puts the big software vendors at risk of premature product support loss and short lived sales potential. Addressing this long term shelf life problem has made some distros better than others.
Been using Linux Mint as primary O/S since release of Win10 and have been trying to convert people to Linux for many years. Biggest hurdles now are Windows only software and lack of hardware drivers. That said, driver support for Linux has improved so much that lately I am having as much or more problems finding Windows drivers.
Great topic! I have just been building PC's for seniors and putting linux on them. I've found when people who have never used PC's before start with Linux, they never know any difference! Mint is my go to !! This video is so very encouraging!! Merry Christmas Dr. Barnatt!!
I have found the exact same thing. You don't even need to consider if the DE is "like windows" .You can introduce them to Gnome and they learn it with no problems.
Same! I made a desktop PC for my father and a Media Player for my parent's TV, creating desktop launch items for what they actually wanted to do. Both boxes are ten year old HP Windows 7 era PC's. now running Mint on SSDs. So my elderly parents became Linux users in their late 80's!
You've stated seven logical points that makes sense, at least to me. Of course, I tend to general agree with you on most things' computer related for some reason. With that being said, I find it interesting that your basic End-User Linux Manifesto could be applied to other subjects rather easily, which suggests that you put quite a bit of thought into it. It is my hope that this video presentation gains a lot of interest among, not only your viewer base, but the computer tech UA-cam community in general. Looking forward to your next video!
Excellent presentation, Chris! In my profession career, I was forced to use Windows. But, now I'm retired and no longer have outside constraints. I made the decision to switch to Linux 2 years ago. The learning curve has been a little steep, but I'm getting there. My biggest problem is finding out what libraries I need to include in my programs to solve a problem. I do not have a resource to tell me what is available. So I struggle with things, but I am slowly progressing. And I'm not looking back.
Hi chris you've made so many excellent videos but in this one I cant help feeling you've let us see the real you and he's a passionate guy who cares about how people can benefit from Linux. Excellent video!
An awkward conversation to have with many linux diehards... and several times I wanted to shout at you "But this..." or "But that..." But in the end, I think you hit some very good points. Thank you!
I started with Mint, after watching a video here on the channel. I was reluctant to use Linux at the beginning, because I wasn’t sure how it would work and all that. I’ve played with a few other distros just to see what’s out there and have always returned to Mint because if it’s ease of use. All of the points presented are all valid to improve the adoption of Linux. Having only 2 OS’s monopolizing the majority of computing constrains advancement and brings about the concerns of keeping society locked in to someone else’s ideas of correct ways to perform computing.
I started using Linux back in 2002 with Red Hat, which I purchased in a store. I liked it, but I switched to OpenSUSE in 2003 and liked it so much I stuck with it to this day. I do use Windows, but I immediately swap it out for SUSE by having swappable hard drive bays. I definitely agree with the points of your manifesto. We need to maintain the options to step away from the Microsoft or Google ecosystems.
This is the first "EC" video I've seen. Recommended from the Linux Mint support IRC channel. Great format, it's like a community tv style channel program. Great rug too btw :P
I've been a Linux user for 30 years and I will admit, I was one of "those users" that would give people a hard time for using non-free operating systems and applications but I moved on from that ridiculousness 20 years ago. I learned a long time ago that people will use what they need to use to get the job done. If that's Linux, then great! If it's Windows, Mac, BSD, then that's great, too! I heard about this UA-cam channel on the latest Late Night Linux podcast episode and I'm so glad they had you on, Chris. This is an excellent channel!
What a beautiful needed video my Friend! You summed up all important issues. Linux is a breath of fresh air in this world dominated by windows and osx. The bigger picture that everybody should care about is that it's open-source, meaning that anyone could see the source code and even contribute. So, it's inherently built for the user, not against him.
People should not fear giving Linux a try. Linux is not as hard to install today as it was 25 years ago. I still have an old Red Hat Linux install book and it was a huge challenge back then. People just need to look for the right beginner distro.
The average person who would like to use Linux hit the wall when you say the word 'install'. It has to be either already on the device, or done for them. its not that they could not, it just that most people simply do not have the time or energy. The reason people like macs is that - indeed - 'they just work' (bloat and other issues aside).
I feel like the FOSS movement is noble, it inspires creativity, collaboration and transparency as opposed to a corporate proprietary culture governed by companies who are very well willing to sacrifice user experience for profit Of course, proprietary software is completely reasonable and any form of extremism to remove everything proprietary is really unreasonable; we should accept the users right to install and use whatever software they want on their machines... however, there is definitely a overwhelming benefit to supporting and promoting free and open source software for the user aswell That's just my thoughts anyways, excellent video!
I'm totally on board with you Chris. I've bought the premium version of Zorin and donated $20 to KDE Neon. It's always very hard to promote anything as I'm sure you know. I'm always talking it up with friends and family. We can only hope for more users. Linux is in such a beautiful state these days. I love it. Merry Christmas!
The Linux community needs to be a bit friendlier if they want to encourage people to join it. I haven't even bothered to try to ask a question on a forum for some time now. You either don't get an answer or get a downright nasty, snotty answer. I try hard to find answers on my own. I actually have a lot of difficulty asking for help and prefer to struggle through and try to come to a solution on my own. Apparently that's my learning style. So, if I ask a question and get a response like RTFM (read the friendly manual) the F in RTFM might as well be that word we don't use in polite company. Thank God for Raspberry Pi. That forum is so friendly and helpful. The retro gaming community is unbelievably welcoming and supportive too.
in my experience the friendliest Linux communities have been distros designed to run on old hardware. Once on a Puppy Linux forum I said how old my computer was. Someone send me old RAM, old modem and other parts designed for that computer! They even declined to pay for postage! @@kattz753
As being a user of Windows, Mac OS and Linux I can confirm Linux and in particularly Mint, my preferred distribution, has improved immensely. I will certainly try to get people to give Linux a try. Thanks for all your videos this year. Look forward to viewing more in 2024 and improve my knowledge further. Have a Happy and Peaceful Festive Season and New Year. Thanks again. Maurice from Malvern UK.
10-15 years ago I would try Linux every so often and quickly do something that would spectacularly break the system and give up on the idea for another 12 months. Now I'm glad to say I am using linux 80% of the time on my laptop and have not had a major problem in the past 18mths.. while I obviously got a bit more competent using the command line it is more down to driver support and the user experience improving enormously in the past few years.
I really enjoy your videos! They‘re so well structured and to the point. Many other creators tend to annoy me because of a number of reasons, none of which are the case on your channel. Keep up the great work. P.S.: Especially the point that linux users tend to be toxic towards other users with different taste is so accurate. 😄 No wonder that phrases like „I use Arch btw“ have reached meme-status.
Not sure if this is first time I've commented on this video, but this my favorite video that you have done so far! I am really hoping that more people more to Linux.
As always, very informative and direct. Thank you for putting in the time and trouble to produce these videos. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year.
Recently, I read an article regarding how there are going to be many thousands of unusable computers/laptops because of unsupported Windows OSs. But I'm fairly sure all of them with work perfectly fine with a good Linux distribution. Not only that but linux has been able to reliably access NTFS drives for almost 20 years whereas Windows probably still doesn't have native Linux format access. Always look forward to your well done presentations.
As of yesterday I can say that Windows still cannot understand the Ext4 format. This is annoying for me because I still have to dual boot for a Windows specific software (Izotope audio restoration suite). I can't use my drive's Ext4 partition while I'm dual booting. On the flip side, I had to fix my fiancees Windows installation which wouldn't boot into a login session nor would any of its native diagnostic/repair tools work (Im starting to believe the Microsoft support site is cursed). I booted a Live Image of Linux Mint to create a backup of her files and did a full reinstall of Windows (her preference) on a fresh hard drive. Thank goodness for Linux!
I can see the advantages of a 32 bit OS when it comes to limited ram but I believe that most computers have had 64 bit OS, capability for about 15 years at least.@@snarfusmaximus
Many brilliant points well made. I found my way back to Linux thanks to the Raspberry Pi OS and now use Mint, Ubuntu and Manjaro on the majority of my machines. I try to be an advocate and have a couple of friends who now use Linux as their daily driver. Merry Christmas and all the best for 2024.
Great video as usual. Each day, I find Windows more difficult to use. Here's a short list of issues I have with Windows. OneDrive moves personal files to MS servers by default, updates are always slow and often require restarting (same for install), the 6 tier security system make some operations impossible, aggressive promotion of other MS products, some removed bloatware eventually gets restored as part of an update, 3rd party software is needed to monitor all (not just some) of the system. Again, this is just a short list
Linux is my everyday OS of choice. Xubuntu and ZorinOS are my faves! I'm writing this on my GMKtec Nukbox G1- 1TB NVMe SSD and 16 gigs of ram, which is dual booting Windows 11 and Xubuntu 22.04.2 LTS. I am on Linux more than 98% of the time. Thank you for all you do!
Wow! I couldn't agree more! I work with adobe software daily and would love to be able to use Linux instead of my hackintosh os. I'm also so happy to hear that you use lightwave. I haven't used it in years. But it was a great piece of software. Love your videos keep it up!
I have thrived on Linux on my PCs since 1997. Somehow survived. Music editing in Ardour, Pipewire, and Flight Sim with XPlane, Video editing with KDENLive, ffmpeg. Gaming with Steam. DTP with Scribus, coding with Jetbrains IDEs. My kids have been using since they were 12 years old. There are so many good options.
For home office apps, libreoffice is the package to use. If you need options, Google docs, sheets, etc. If the kids need to use office 365, they use the school accounts and work on the web. Do I need office? Ever since using Multiplan in the early 1980's, spreadsheets are easy to switch. Today, open, portable formats make it much easier. SpeedCalc, Lotus 1-2-3, over the decades. There is rarely a need for excel. Maybe some proprietary plug-in, like genetic algorithms...99.9999% don't need.
The "options" are options depending on what exactly you need from a software. I use libreffice for my "basic" needs and have had to use Google Docs for better compatibility a few times. There is also WPS Office which some people like.
I'm looking to migrate from a win7 installation to linux for playing my old games now that steam moves to chromium at the end of the month. I'm running on an amd fx8350 processor so options are limited. Do you play xplane through steam? Which distro do you use for xplane?
It would be quite useful to be shown (again), how to set up a linux system with a XP Window virtual machine, ready in the background. Have been following your channel for years now. Thank you for your contribution in this space!
Thank you Chris for a well thought out and well presented idea! seperating FOSS from getting people to use linux is one of the best ideas i have heard recently. Unfortunately there is still a large proportion of linux users pushing the "you must use the command line to be a real linux user" agenda. I have been following the PYRA handheld linux computer for many years as well as the previous Pandora. They dont do themselves any favours with some of the more vocal forum users pushing FOSS and constantly moaning that "blobs" are required in drivers to get things to work. i think that the use of a GUI should be perfectly acceptable instead of having to remember the syntax of commands in a terminal. Linux has to be easy for users to migrate to at least in the first distro users try.
Yes, I believe you’re correct sir. If Adobe would offer a their software to Linux users, I think many people would be willing to pay for it. Sure some users would complain, but overall I believe Adobe could earn a LOT of money.
I certainly appreciate your passion for Linux. I switched to Linux 25 years ago as my primary OS. I think, as you eluded to, the key to Linux adoption is via the applications. I don't think most people are tied to an OS, they're tied to applications. I use GIMP for all of my raster image editing, Inkscape for all of my vector image editing, Kdenlive for Video Editing, Blender for 3D Modeling, LibreOffice for Office Documents, and the list goes on and on. I've started producing video tutorials on using these opensource applications and I think educating users on opensource application alternatives is the key to Linux adoption on the desktop. Keep up the great work on ExplainingComputers ;-)
@@ynyslochtyn They seem to have worked very well for me over the past 25 years but everyone needs to find what works for them. The reason I switched to Linux 25 years ago is, I was tired of my commercial OS and applications crashing all the time. I'm not complaining mind you, I work in I.T. for over 20 years and made a good living supporting commercial operating systems and applications ;-) Operating System and Applications are just tools so use the ones that work for you.
I'd like to offer a correction regarding the term FOSS: The word "Free" in the term "Free and Open-Source Software" does not mean the software is distributed free of charge, rather it means that the software respects the users' essential freedoms to run, study, modify, and share both exact and modified versions of software. Free (or libre) software is a very important philosophy that every GNU/Linux user should be familiar with as it is the reason why GNU/Linux exists in the first place. Also, distributing proprietary drivers for GNU/Linux is far from an ideal solution; instead, manufacturers should be pushed to do the right thing and make public the driver source-code under a free (libre) license. With all that said, I appreciate your effort to make a positive difference in other people's lives by making videos like this. Thank you.
@@StraussBR I agree. But as it wasn't the main topic of the video, the lack of mention is understandable. For this, a video on popular software licenses would be more suitable as it would put in context Dr. Stallman's work on the GNU Public License and aid people in understanding the idea behind software licensing and how it relates to users' freedom.
Thanks Chris. When I first tried Linux - maybe 15 years ago it wasn't an easy experience. Poor driver support meant the inevitable command-line -only user interface was painful for a newbie like me. Comments from colleagues such as, "there's no point in choosing Linux unless you're prepared to learn command line" didn't help either. They couldn't accept that it could ever be a true windows replacement. Fast forward to today though and the excellent "out of the box" experience of many distros makes it entirely possible.
A note regarding the layer-based Video editor: many people don't know but Blender has a Video editor mode. Its extremely powerful but as all things Blender to do more than the basics, you will run into a learning curve that I would rather describe as a cliff. But, try giving it a spin, maybe I'm just missing the specific braincells to use it well.
I think all of these are great points. I suppose the only rub I felt was over FOSS but it is a difficult problem to articulate. I think if FOSS isn’t a key point to Linux than the mission fails - industry will pick a distro or two to support and we’ll have one or two options that feel like Windows but are more Unix like, which does sound like a slightly better dystopia. But I agree that we shouldn’t be upset if someone uses proprietary blob or even if a distro points you to, or even downloads that blob for you directly. I think it ties back to tolerating other users decisions, even if that decision is coming from a distro maintainer - they’re a user too after all.
I have tried numerous times to get used to Linux (various distributions). Each time I've gone back to Windows. Linux is not as easy as some make it out to be. Working so much on the command line for simple things makes many appreciate the ease of installing programs in windows. To me, for now, Linux is unnecessarily complicated and doesn't offer as much as Windows does.
Well, that depends on the distro. I mostly use PCLinuxOS with KDE, and in five years or so I don't think I've ever visited the command line. (I don't use it for everyday, but it does most of the heavy online stuff.) I use Mint occasionally and offhand I don't even know where the CL is on that one. Fedora, tho, I've found is much easier updated through the console, but I've had the same commands in the buffer for 3 or 4 years and it's just up-arrow, wait, yes, but I think Discover stalls on my very slow internet. However, good point in that Windows it's pretty much the same across the board, while the linux desktops vary (that's more important than which distro). KDE in its default setup has a software "store" (Discover) that should be familiar to current Windows users. I don't know what the rest do nowadays.
Linux Mint has been incredible! Been using almost a year! If I could text from it like I can in MacOs I could be exclusive to Linux! It has truly became very usable now!
Thank you Christoffer, this video was great! I think I have seen most of yours videos! You feel like my soal brother, I have been promoting Linux for rougly 30 years. Your dry nerdy computer humor is so great. Let’s continue with our Linux mission, you gave me some great thought! And by the way, I am from Linus home country, Finland!
I agree and resonate with this. I've switched to Linux and it's great. I but new hardware and have it on and still maintain old equipment because Linux is just so versatile
Vanilla Arch users must feel personally attacked by those first two points. Also valid point on the FOSS crusade. I've been mainly using FOSS outside gaming for a decade now. But there's nothing inherently wrong with commercial software as a concept. A lot of software is expensive and time consuming to develop, and I have no issues rewarding someone for good quality work. Valve alone has improved Linux substantially with the aim of turning it into a viable platform for commercial gaming. The main issues are when companies start incorporating blatantly anti-consumer things like intrusive DRM and spyware. I've started using Ubuntu again. I quite like how their implementation of GNOME. Just wish there was an option to auto-mount internal drives without having to edit a text file, because the "mount at system startup" in the GUI does absolutely nothing. That's dumb.
I love Linux Mint. It revitalized my 2012 Mac Mini and removed the need for me to get a new computer since I don't have to upgrade to W11, and can't update to a new version of MacOS. The mini runs beautifully with Mint, does everything I need. Best of all, Mint with Cinnamon desktop is so clean and easy to use, very reminicsent of Win2k, a clean desktop without all the cruft and bloat.
I'm one of those people leaving comments telling people to be cautious before diving right in. A lot of the more zealous Linux users will yell and scream from the rooftops that everyone should go install Mint right now and that everyone can use it. Claiming you could install it on your grandmother's computer and she wouldn't even notice, it's become that smooth, but that's just not the case yet. The day I can go at least a month without my DE crashing, buy new hardware or peripherals without checking for compatibility and use every advertised feature of my graphics card is the day I'll join in the chorus. I won't advertise a product that won't work for the people I'm advertising too, especially not with false promises, at that point I'm proselytizing them more than trying to expand the userbase of my OS. Instead I donate in the hope that one day maybe it will be able to be a general use operating system for the average person, although I'll be honest, I highly doubt that will ever happen. We're too tribalistic with the fragmentation. As you mentioned, once you finally listen to one of these people and install Linux you really just become a part of the feud. Now you're using the wrong distro, if you change, then you're using the wrong DE, when you move over to the right one you're told you shouldn't be using a DE, use a WM and so on and so forth. I hope the community will eventually grow up and work towards making Linux good for everyone instead of whatever they're doing now.
Chris thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you for leading this charge. T'is time that we all evangelize Linux whilst being professional about it. You are spot on with your manifesto. We do need less distros out there so that we more focus our efforts to make the truly best Linux. Again, Chris thx for leading the charge.
I agree with you except for on the driver part. Proprietary or out-of-tree drivers have caused me a lot of unnecessary issues over the years. I recommend choosing hardware with free drivers whenever possible. Voting with my wallet is part of that too.
I also agree and support the manifesto, Kudos for the initiative ... I started using Linux in the early 2000's due to my work as a Network Admin, after that I moved to another direction and lost contact with Linux and the community. After 20 years I came back, after using WSL2 for a while I have installed Ubuntu in a SSD but still have Windows in a dual boot. But besides some improvements during this period, like performance, Ubuntu runs some applications way faster than Windows, it feels so snappy ... On the other hand, lots of the problems that existed 20 years ago still exists till this day, such as: Driver issues. Usability issues. Stability, like random freezes and unpredictable weird behaviors. Lack of support from a lot of mainstream or profissional applications. Unnecessary amount of distros, power of choice is good till a certain point, after that, if the new user can't decide which one to use, he or she will just walk away. Another point related to distros, instead of joining forces and help to improve of fix the things they don't like in a particular distro, they go and create a new one, that will basically suffer from the same problems. And the worst off all, the "User distro Community", after all those years, still talking to everyone from that well know Ivory Tower. But besides all of that, I will try to do my part, and help where and when possible.
After being part of the steam deck group, which is linux based, I've came to the conclusion that the biggest hurdle to overcome is the fact that most people seem to not want to learn. I've explained things hundreds of times to people and yet there are more and more people everyday asking the same exact questions or complaining that it's not easier to do. Between google, YT, and FB searches these people should've been able to find the answer in just a few minutes but they don't even take the time to do that. They'd rather just sit back and let others tell them how to fix it or just sit there and complain left and right about how hard it is.
better the devil you know. People have been using Windows for a long time, I think a lot of it is the fear of the unknown, and also a lot of the bad misconceptions about Linux that put people off before they even try.
I feel the same way. I was a teen in the 90s and the internet was only in it's infancy. Learning anything meant going to the library or buying hefty manuals to learn from. Maybe you got lucky and knew someone who could teach you. The computers we had in school were also very basic and generally we only learnt basic desktop publishing. Nowadays there's a plethora of information on the internet with so many different learning styles supported and yet people, as you say, don't want to learn - they just either want someone else to do it for them or they pay someone else to do it for them. And because of never learning, they have So. Many. More. Problems. and become ever more demanding. It drives me nuts how many times I have to try and teach someone the same thing over and over because they don't listen the first time and just think it's OK to use my mental labour to explain the same thing to them every time it comes up. Folks don't seem to understand that part of using certain things is LEARNING how to use them. You can't drive a car by getting someone in the passenger seat to explain every manoeuvre as you're driving - you have to LEARN how to drive which gives you the ongoing skills you need to continue driving.
To your point about being a gatekeeper, I am starting to think of Linux as a good alternative to modern Windows challenges for non-technical users. For example I often help my father with his computer problems and he tends to be stumped finding his files in the era of cloud drives and he struggles to navigate post ribbon MS Office. In many ways I feel it would be easier to switch him to something like Mint with Libre than it is to teach him how to use modern interfaces and features in Windows.
Get a chrome book and call it a day. The only issue I've ever had was paying a medical bill online. The Chrome book was sending me to a completely different link and the link knew nothing about me. I called the associated phone #. The woman said "Try a different computer". I tried a Windows PC. Paid the bill in seconds. My gut say it was not the chromebook but the billing company. Maybe their software thought it was a Android phone. Obviously, she didn't know why, but was told what to say. Other than that, for meat and potato PC uses, a Chromebook can do most things, most people want to do. The ribbon in Office has nothing to do with Windows. It has to do with Office. If one can use LibreOffice on a Linux and a Windows PC and he still has issues, then HE IS THE ISSUE. Or going back to Chrome, use the Google suite. I haven't used Office outside of work in over 10 years. Save everything in an older format of Windows files like DOC instead of DOCX. The older formats at this point have the bugs worked out.
@@SnakePlissken25 ... if it's a valid option for a given use case that isn't the one that was already being considered for the role, if only by default, it is an 'alternative' to that thing by definition. That's kind of what 'alternative' means. A thing that can be chosen instead. If Linux was Not an alternative it would be because Either it was already the default assumption (in which case, why is this conversation happening to begin with?) or it's not a valid option (in which case, again, why is this conversation happening to begin with?).
Perfect video. Well done. Respect. It is what i say to people, but so much better put. I agree 100% with every word you said. I only realised linux was a thing five years ago, but completely love it. It feels like your OS is on your side as opposed to arguing with you. I shall be linking this for people. Again. Thanks.
Thanks Chris for this video! I'm not a developer or have a strong basics in OSes, I'm rather an enthusiast who first time tried Linux like 15-16 years ago. And from the very beginning I fell in love with it - its flexibility and possibilities are the key to its success. However.. it's also its nightmare. If we want to see Linux growing then we shouldn't see a list of hundreds of distros to choose. It's frustrating when one thing works on one distro but on another it doesn't. And yes - I know that there are workarounds or ways to implement those functionalities on almost every distro, but.. I'm really tired of spending hundreds of hours searching for a solution on how to make it work.. Maybe I'm lazy or maybe I'm not smart enough but truly - such tiny things make me get back to Windows over and over again. I tried to find a good source of knowledge, but again.. Every youtuber, every site, every forum etc., makes each and every thing in a different way - that is a power of flexibility and it's great! But still - I do not have any basics and I do not have a place where to start because every place.. makes things differently.. Finally, when it comes to the graphical interface - indeed I do not need to use the terminal, but when I go deeper - it's almost impossible to not use it.. And I don't want to use it as I don't like it. I'm a child of windows and GUI, not text.. This makes me feel like I'm missing out on a lot of Linux because it's easier/faster/better to use the terminal... I really wish to switch to Linux - I'm trying periodically but always there are some nuances that make me get back to Windows. I hope that one day I'll just forget that I'm on Linux because it'll simply work out of the box :)
I do think the community is getting better about answering questions and welcoming more newer users into the world of Linux, the Linux forums have gotten better. It's nice to see so many new users or veterans posting videos on what works for them on youtube, there use to be a shortage of Linux information on youtube in my opinion. It's real nice to see users stepping up and providing entry level knowledge to newer users via this platform. I'm a Debian user, Cheers, Happy Holidays.
I think more clarification on the different distros would be helpful to the new user. Most people turn on their computer in order to use a particular program or programs (apps) and probably have no interest in the OS they are using. However, I am glad that more is appearing on UA-cam and has helped me get into Linux.
Even using a word like "distro" or "flavour" is a nonsense to non users, it means nothing until they learn...use Version and straight away that means something to a ton more people and theyre more likely to go to the next stage...
New users use OSes as a platform to do tasks and run software. The minute differences between different package managers, software philosophies and all that FLOSS junk is irrelevant to them. They just want to know how to make their stuff work.
I've used Windows for decades and pretty much know what to expect (most of the time). I've also used MacOS for work and while, at the start, is very different to use, it is consistent and easy to get used to. I've also used Linux for years, and I have also found that the lack of mega-widespread adoption is in large part due to "option paralysis". With all the possible distros, desktop environments, available terminals and command line parameters per application, people shy away from it. No matter which desktop environment I choose, they all still just feel 1990's clunky. Another confusing thing is the file system organization. Unless you read about how things work in there, where things are/should be stored etc., (and remember it) new users have no clue what to make of it vs. Windows or MacOS, especially if for some reason you have to go find and modify config files.
MacOS and Linux have the same hierarchical Unix based file system. Windows file system is byzantinian and frequently requires using run to find hidden files. In linux and macos a simple cd command or pushing the left arrow in your file browser enough times will easily take you to the root where you can find all of the system and config files.
Thank you for this video. I advocate exactly the same points for years, although without any impact or very litle. It is very important that someone like you produce a brilliant testimony like this one.
I moved to Linux mint a few years ago and for my personal PC I don’t think I will ever go back to Windows, but I have to use widows on my work laptop. I think there is one important point here and that is I would not say I am proficient in Linux and every day is a learning day and I really enjoy playing around with the system. It’s important that those who are proficient have some patience and understanding for those of us that are on the learning journey and when writing instructions for running applications etc be a little more descriptive for those of us that need a little of of extra information. This would go a long way to helping new users grow to love Linux. Thanks for the video really excellent content. All the very best for 2024
Perfect video. You spelled out exactly what i have been thinking on this topic for years.. Less elitism, less extremism/Stallmannism, more pragmatism and tolerance.
Trying to use as much FOSS as possible and advocating for it, is actually a very good thing to do. Just don't go on the extremes (like "FOSS or die") :))
I prefer Mint but similar to you I have to back to Windows for some applications like Photoshop, Unity, and MS Office to some extent (the online version breaks some formatting on Word in ways different from the something like LibreOffice). I use Mint when I have to use Android Studio as the emulator works far better under Linux with KVM instead of on Windows. It also works better when I deal with running multiple VMs due to the less overhead introduced by the OS itself. As far as recommending it to other people I don't tend to as I know what people around me need to do on their computer and any Linux distro wouldn't work for them as majority of the applications they depend on are Windows only (or Windows & Mac). Hopefully the Linux desktop continues to get better and get more major applications as that's a way I can see it getting more into the mainstream. Anyways this has gone long that's it for me. Happy Holidays to you Chris.
long time ubuntu server user here, I think greater clarity on what solution works on what hardware (in general) with what distro was the biggest challenge for me when I was first picking linux up, nowadays I just find linux a lot simpler to configure to do exactly what I want and nothing else, which is superb because it only takes a fraction of the hardware requirements to do the same thing on windows and its less of a headache needing to deal with the heavy overhead that windows comes with. Though this isnt a congruent comparison, I would compare using linux to driving a manual car as opposed to windows being an automatic, not everyone wishes to learn to drive a manual even though its more efficient
One majjor hurdle in Linux was Netflix streaming, which is now a thing of the past. Switched to Linux as main OS back in 2006, ditched dual boot windows once i could stream netflix to TV via chromecast.
I haven't been on the message boards in long while, which is likely evident by the fact that i mention message boards instead of Facebook/Twitter/whatever folks are using to gain info about learning Linux nowadays. I have to say I'm disappointed to hear that these same issues are still a 'thing' that is discouraging new Linux users. Each issue has been a problem for far too long now. I am glad to see that folks like you, Chris (that is, someone who is adept at explaining complex concepts🙂) is still working to un-muddy the waters of what Linux is, and why it's a very good 'computing tool'. Cheers, and thanks for another great video.👍
Yup, I'm one of those gatekeepers. I get along with Linux distros well enough for my own purposes, but it's because I'm willing to put up with quirky problems that many end users can't be bothered with. The worst thing is when you talk someone into trying it out and inadvertently become their de facto tech consultant when something inevitably doesn't work the way it's supposed to and it's time to open the terminal. I think of Linux distros as best suited to those who like computers enough to want to know how to tinker with them. Many Windows users and the vast majority of Apple users do not fit that description.
If your expertise advertises you as the IT expert, then you get called for Linux, Windows, Apple, and all varieties of devices. Best to keep a low profile.
@@johncrunk8038 Couldn't agree more. I learned a good line from my dad that has come in handy on several occasions too: "I'm a mechanic, not a driving instructor."
I have a lot of respect for linux and people that can make it work in a classy way, as long as I don't have to use it. I tried Linux Mint 20 on an old desktop... worked great, but for wifi support, I had to install a dongle. The intructions to update / install the driver were simple and straight forward. I know this because I had to do it EVERY TIME I REBOOTED THE COMPUTER. Got very old after a month. Nope... no Linux for me.
WI-FI support remains a problem with Linux. Frankly, I'm surprised you got the dongle to work at all. My workaround was to buy a WI-FI bridge that has an ethernet port. My Mint computer thinks it is using a wired connection. But you are right -- this shouldn't be an issue anyone should have to deal with in 2023.
When I'm ready to retire an old machine, I'll install a user-friendly Linux distro and give the machine to someone. Even an extremely low-spec machine will be useful to someone. Friends with small children are thrilled to have a machine that the kids can use (I install a bunch of games). There are a lot of people who only use a computer to send and receive email; they'll get plenty of use out of one of my old machines.
It must be a regional thing. 'cause 'round here, I can't do what you've done. NO ONE wants a computer. I had a older couple tell me they're done with the digital age and they just did give the last computer that I had gave them to the thrift store. Everyone just wants their cell phone to have the unlimited data plan and that's the end of story.
You make some great points! I am a windows guy and these are the reasons why I have not switched. 1. I HATE to type. 2. Everything that you want to do must include a password. 3. Commands are very difficult. Get rid of the | -- {caps sensitive} blah blah commands. 4. Everything is hard. Android is easy and it is Linux. Let’s just make Android mouse based. ;) 5. Windows is easy to install software. Even Mac is difficult with a lot of software versions made for different OS versions. Linux is even worse. 6. Docker has made things easier. But running multiple software’s in Linux is terrible. Seems like they want one installation with one software. 7. I HATE to type. 8. Software’s don't have GUIs or they need to be installed separately. Windows is far from perfect. But it is way easier for day to day life.
Great video Christopher, as my first OS was Bell Labs UNIX 5 Release 4, LINUX was my favorite distro after open source SOLARIS. Got a good laugh at your appeal to puter geeks/nerds to be tolerant of other people 's choices. Even when UNIX professionals got together, we ridiculed each other for our choices of text editors (EMACS vs VI) all the while knowing how goofy we were being. Somewhat like comic book nerds arguing if the Hulk could defeat Superman. Maybe that was an American male recreation. Loved this video!
Amen! Has anybody compiled a public list of "missing" Linux applications? That would prod commercial application vendors to offer Linux versions, and inspire Open Source enthusiasts looking for a project to tackle. (The O-S projects might frighten the commercial vendors into creating the Linux version, just to protect their market.)
I say this with ... ambivalence. Things like adobe etc... these days you rent the software.. I mean, you can’t even buy it. ( I have this piece of software, if I want the latest version it’s a sub... I have a windows version of it I bought and own, still does what I want it to do so i wine it. Just throwing this idea out there, it won’t work for everything but if it’s a simple enough application, one could try wining it... or... a horrible idea and may be terribly inefficient or buggy, especially if calling GPUs... having tons of ram and using VM’s)
Been running Linux as my primary OS for ~15yrs now and love it. With Steam Proton I can even play all my games. To me the thing that shows how ready it is for everyone is the fact that I moved my parents over 6 years ago and they've had far fewer issues than when on Windows.
Very well said Chris! My biggest complaint with Linux is the 30 year old reliance on the command line! No Windows or Mac user is ever going to leave the simplicity and efficiency of the GUI to go back to fiddling around with archaic command line input. I'm 62 and remember the days of DOS, it was not fun but there was no GUI yet. Windows and Mac changed all that and neither has looked back. Yes, the command line is still there, in the deep background, but you RARELY need to use it. Linux users seem to LOVE the command line. Using nano or vi to edit config files, all the sudo apt-get stuff to install software, heck, I cant even update my PiHole without SSHing to the command prompt and typing pihole-up! Come on, how about a button in the application?? Also, good luck installing something like OpenVPN on a Linux system without the command line. I would LOVE to see Linux become more widely adopted, I've tried to switch to it many times over the years, but become rapidly frustrated by things that are easy on Windows or Mac being needlessly complicated in Linux. Yes, of course, I could just suck it up and learn all the commands, but WHY? I can't count how many really good YT videos explaining how to do something in Linux, include the phrase "I will post all the commands in the description so you can just copy and paste them at the command prompt", who wants to do this? Anyway, I'm sorry for the rant. I really enjoy your content, thank you very much for all your knowledge and help over the years. I wish you Happy Holidays, and a fantastic new year! eric
I originally learned programming on computers that didn't even come with any command line, and for many years I was a die hard Unix hater. In some ways I still am, but. . . Mac OS X was the first OS that hid its Unix underpinnings from me so well that I could accept it. Mint Cinnamon today, for the most part, does the same. And yes, sometimes I am annoyed by a handful of Linux folks who are super attached to the command line and think everything should still be done like 1980.
One of the reasons I like Linux is the ease of popping up a terminal window and using a very standard command line interface. You rarely need it, unless doing rather serious system administration or development stuff, but it is great to have it. The combination of the CLI with the GUI is great.
@@giusdbg I understand that Linux has two parts, so do Windows and MacOS. The difference is that, in the latter two, the command line is very rarely used or needed, having been replaced by a GUI, but it is still there, in the deep background. This is simply not the case in Linux, which relies much more heavily on archaic commands. I like Linux, I would love to only use Linux. I do not hate Linux at all. I'm not sure why you say I want to "ignore the reality of what Linux is". I fully accept the reality of what Linux is, it has never been a problem for me, nor has it been a problem for the 96% of computer users who have chosen to use another OS. I took the point of Christopher's manifesto to be the promotion of Linux. I agree very strongly with him. I want Linux to be more widely adopted, but for some reason it has been stuck in the sub 5% range for 30 years. I was merely giving my humble opinion on why this may be the case. I would be interested to hear your opinions on Linux's complete lack of wider adoption.
@@giusdbg You are neither listening to nor understanding what I'm saying. I'm guessing English is not your native language. Comparisons with "Windows and co" are not wrong, they are completely valid given that any further adoption of Linux must come from former Win/Mac users. Most of the comments here are from folks who have made, or are making, the transition to Linux. You will see that almost all of them make comparisons to Win/Mac. Also, you did not give your opinion regarding Linux's low adoption rate, so I wont bother to ask again. You are a very poor ambassador for Linux IMO. You should watch Christopher's excellent video again, with subtitles if necessary. If Linux is still the same in thirty years (I'd be interested to know what the rest of the Linux community thinks of this!) then, I would guess, after 60 years of existence it will still be claiming 3.6% of the OS market! Also, after reading a comment from @gimcrack555 I will be installing MX Linux on one of my Raspberry Pis and giving it an optimistic test drive!
Honestly, concur. I also grew up with DOS, BBC and ACORN computers with a command line/typographical interface so I'm not scared of it - but if someone I support who has a PC needs a programme I can send them a link for the download and if nesc talk them through "clicnk ok, click accept". The process for even the most Desktop based variants of Linux (i'm using Ubuntu and Raspberry Pi OS) still involves far too much use of the command line for the average user (none of us commenting here being average users). We are enthusiasts and I haven't seen a distro yet I would entirely happily suggest to anyone without command line knowledge.
Linux Mint user here.
One way that Linux users can help Linux community is creating a database of what works and what does not work with LInux, so that people who want to adopt Linux know exactly what they are getting into. We have sites like the openprinting which gives some details on whether a printer will work with Linux or not. However, its database is heavily outdated.
But what about by a gaming mouse? Or a graphics tablet? We also need to promote manufacturers and software companies that play well with Linux. Give them a freaking award of something like that.
Edit: Using a live environment to test if Linux will work with you hardware is a good idea, if you already have the hardware. But, it won't help you for things that you are planning to buy.
Yes, it’s all these devices that are still popular but only within a certain subset of users we really need to get companies to get interested in providing not just device drivers but proper applications as well (you allude to graphics tablets and design).
And better GPU drivers open or closed.
That a list is needed is why Linux languishes
I like Mint, made an old laptop usable again.
@@nerfherder4284 yes, indeed, Windows 7 was... probably ok memory-wise but Windows 10, 11? They run like molasses on anything 4gigs or less. It’s crazy.
@@treyriver5676 Troll detected, opinion discarded.
I like this channel cuz the dude just _looks_ like a guy who knows computers.
He really _does,_ but he also _looks like he does._
For me, Mint is my goto when updating old PCs. People are always amazed at how much faster the system runs, and it is easy to adapt to.
I typically use Ubuntu MATE, as the default ubuntu gnome desktop is heavy on graphics and feels more like it was made for tablets than a keyboard and mouse. I loved Unity when I started on 16.04 LTS, and eventually migrated to Ubuntu MATE when they switched to Gnome for 17.10. I've tried most of the other ones including the new Cinnamon version but I still prefer mate as its much less graphically demanding so it runs well on my Celeron based HP Stream.
I use mint and any accessory I buy I make sure Linux is supported and most things then work with no problems.
I also run Mint on my main Linux desktop. It's easy for the grandkids to use - they are mostly Windows/ ChromeOS users. I would also install Mint for anyone who wants to repurpose an old laptop (assuming they have 4 GB of memory.)
For even older PCs, I use Linux Lite with XFCE de. It works flawlessly. I managed to run Linux Lite on a Core2Duo PC from 2007 with only 2GB of RAM without problem as a secondary PC that I used for watching Movies, TV shows and UA-cam without many problems up until last year. On more modern PCs I just use Linux Mint, since that's the distro I'm most familiar with and have been using it one form or another for 5 years now.
I've used Linux Mint since 2008 ... I'm in a happy rut! (Used windows from v. 1.03 in 1987 until release of Vista, which caused me to look to Linux!)
Big thing is people use the OS that came with the device, which is why the Steam Deck has been a big push for Linux adoption.
True.
For a while there Dell was offering free linux installs rather than paying for Windows. But most people don't even know what it is. Having all kinds of distros doesn't help either.
People know vaguely of Steam OS, but even most most don't know of Linux.
If steam OS was shit they would immediately install windows on it. Currently Steam OS is superior for a handheld gaming device.
@@shApYT superior on the Steam Deck.
Perhaps it will also be great on other handhelds once Valve actually officially themselves makes it available. Where other distros imitating Steam OS 3 have limitations like not utilizing gamescope as much and running big picture mode isn't entirely the same as running game mode even though the UI is more or less the same.
@@IRefuseToUseThisStupidFeature those computers are also more for enterprise constumers and not regular consumers.
There are also distros that sell their own computers but it won't be as cheap as the big manufacturers.
(For some reason I don't see your comment outside of notification)
I am a writer that uses Linux Mint to write my books. I'm not super tech savvy but I do enjoy installing an OS and running the few things that I enjoy. Mainly that's music apps and LibreOffice. I don't connect to the internet with my working machine. Also I have donated to the Linux Mint folks and encourage others to do so for their favorite distros. Thank you Chris for this heartfelt video.
Happy Holidays Chris,
I'll never be able to repay what you've shared with me so I won't try.
My goals are:
enjoy, learn, and grow from the content you've published.
share who you are, what you're about and where others may find you.
to share with you tokens of my appreciation.
- Happy Times and Places
Thanks greatly for your support, most appreciated. Sorry I've only just read this -- as you know as a channel member, life for me is different just now.
I WANTED to use Linux for years, but every time I installed it I found that online Linux knowledge bases were dominated by advanced computer users who refuse to acknowledge simple GUI based answers already existed. I don't want to type lines of code when a menu with tick boxes and sliders can do the same thing much more intuitively. I went back to windows twice because I could not get the firewall and network working. There was not enough documentation for stuff I needed to get working, and the "help" forums were just telling me over and over again that Linux was not for me. I now have a network of Mint boxes, but most of my terminal inputs are just cut and paste jobs from websites rather than truly knowing what I am doing.
People like me want to just use their computers, not spend forever tinkering with them.
Amen! There are so many Linux "gurus" who tell people that they should avoid distros like Mint because they are not "powerful enough." By which they mean they are easy to use right out of the box and do not require endless fiddling with obscure settings (usually using the command line) in order to gain basic functionality. But if people adopt an easy distro like Mint, there won't be any need for the "gurus." And they don't like that idea.
My experience _exactly_
Totally agree The trouble with most Linux distros is you get sidetracked into running Linux instead of the Apps you want to get stuff done. I have yet to find ANYTHING compelling that Linux offers. The few usable Apps are not at the level I want and are as distracting as Linux itself. Virtually everything becomes a substitute that you wouldn't ordinarily choose except you have no choice. Why would you deliberately choose *No-Choice* ?
For me Linux is a considerable time waster.
The obsession with running on older hardware doesn't make sense. Just run the OS that does manage the hardware, the incompatibilities with more recent Apps are just the same or less than the incompatibilities with running Linux, which precludes most valuable commercial Apps.
And older hardware is older hardware, Linux is not going to help with slowness or dated features, it may even make it worse due to missing drivers. New cheap hardware is not as limited as old cheap hardware. Where is the gain? You are hunting for a bargain that you are unlikely get.and is just more money down the drain.
Like buying a really old cheap car ends up negating the savings with expensive repairs, upgrades and lost time.
tell those sad peasants only field workers should have to take thier hand of the mouse.
"Obsession with running old hardware" and at the same time you talk about choice. Maybe the other 8bi people on earth aren't like you and have your life with access to the same things and same views, values? Just maybe.
I started using Linux full-time during the pandemic and it largly meets all of my requirements. There are a few applications that are Windows or Mac based that I use on occasion, but Linux is far better now than it was 10 years ago when I first tried it. While I do think your point of FOSS vs closed-source software is valid, I prefer FOSS because closed-source software can hide all manor of nefarious mechanisms for telemetry and data collection. In fact, this was my primary reason for moving to Linux. I have no qualm paying for software, I just don't want it spying on me.
The data collection can only go away once we agree to pay for software. Though I doubt the big companies would want to give it up now.
The is just my opinion, But i think big companies make more money from our data then they would selling the software
@@mopeybloke absolutely not, that's very naive. The Microsofts and Googles of the world have all realised they make a hell of a lot of money off the telemetry, the cat is out of the bag and won't go back in just because we start paying for it again. In fact if the pendulum were to swing back in favour of one-time payments again, these companies wouldn't change a thing, they'd just welcome the additional income
@@mopeybloke data collection is crazy high on paid software wdym?! Adobe, Windows, Office 365 are all paid products.
@@mopeybloke You have that completely backward. The data collection only goes away when you have control over your systems and the software that runs on it. That means at best open source software and at worst closed source software that isn't leaky or that contains DRM.
Every OS I use on every computer and device I have is open source. On desktop, the only closed source software I use is foobar2000 and DRM-free games, run via Wine. The only closed source software on my phone are my bank apps, and I have even considered dumping those and just managing my finances through my banks' respective web sites. The end result is that I have total control and the ability to harden my systems for maximum security/privacy. Not one byte of data leaves any of my systems without my explicit say so.
Hey Christopher, it's so nice to hear an unscripted, editorial video from you. This was great - please do more.
The difficulty of advocating for Linux and/or FOSS is that elementary schools don’t want to teach pupils something that won’t get them a job, and employers don’t want to switch to something for which graduates have not been trained. Complete change would have to happen at both ends. However, college students might be a good target audience. They’re at an ideal age to learn something new, and they’re about to learn that, once out of school, they have to pay full retail for commercial software. They can also learn that Linux and FOSS can produce output compatible with commercial software.
An excellent point.
@@ExplainingComputers This was how apple got into the market, by offering cheap packages to educational bodies,
me taking a virtualization class for my it program made me want to give linux another shot. i had tried a bit during the pandemic during hs but at the time the games compat list was way lower due to the lack of the eac and battleye proton layers. really felt like nothing worked, and it was a pain to always restart if a friend wanted to play one of the many games that didnt work at the time. now theres a single game for me.
i guess another annoying aspect is that due to being a student i need to use office 365 for certain collaborative projects and for email, and so im stuck with the crappy web client cuz sso doesnt work in mail apps or smthing. thats just the experience ig and im sure ill continue to have this issue but its workable
When you buy a new PC : it comes with a Microsoft operating system, as long as this version is supported by Microsoft (windows update, drivers) then all is ok for the user. Things get complicated when the PC gets old and when a new windows version comes, it is then the key moment for promoting linux as an alternative, it can avoid planned obsolescence and it can help to save money (no license to pay, no new PC to buy).
One would have to be a fool to dump Windows on a prebuilt box that already has Windows installed. "Build your own". For me? Sure. For "Them"? No, I'm not going to be their IT Hardware and software person. Been there, done that, won't do it again. PC builds are leaps and bounds easier to slap together these days. If someone wants to, that's up to them.
I dunno, Microsoft's business model has changed. I don't feel like I properly control my own PC.
I'd have to work to take control of updates & virus scans & fight to keep the my choice of browser etc. I've found my PC updating itself in the middle of the night and failing because it can't negotiate my multiboot loader or NVME driver patch. I've had Outlook impose an update on me in the middle of picking info from hundreds of emails@@dlewis9760
@@dlewis9760 I think his larger point was what about someone still on Win7/8.x. Windows 10 users will face this issue soon. Windoze 11 has much higher end requirements in order to be supported. Same thing happened with MacOS. I have an old Mac Pro from my son. He was basically throwing it away since it could not run the current MacOS at the time. Forcing him to buy a new one. I replaced the slow spinning rust disk with a used SSD I had and have been running Linux on it ever since. Currently running hyprland w/ Arch like a beast. It will never been a gaming powerhouse, but as a machine to do basic things it's great. I also used it to test out other OS's and WM before settling on Hyprland.
"One would have to be a fool to dump Windows on a prebuilt box that already has Windows installed." @@dlewis9760 Just isn't true. Windows machines designed for XP etc just won't work properly today. A low-profile linux install can bring these machines back to life, giving them a use-case.
@@dlewis9760Your first sentence makes zero sense. I think you intended to say installing *Linux* on a prebuilt system that already has Windows installed. Which is utter nonsense and doesn't address the original comment, which was specifically talking about when the installed Windows version is (deliberately and massively prematurely) obsolete and unsupported by Micro$oft. In those cases, Linux can make an old computer practically new and massively extend its useful life.
As for being tech support, you clearly haven't actually filled that role with both Linux and Windows, or you would know that Linux requires FAR less tech support than Windows. Aside from Micro$oft constantly changing and moving things for no good reason, Linux is far more stable and keeps itself up to date far better. Since I installed Ubuntu MATE on my 84-year-old friend's computer 8 years ago, there have been zero tech-support requests related to the OS, and I can count on one hand the number of help sessions of any kind. It's just so much better there's no comparison whatsoever. And if it were on Windows it would be unbearably slow by now. It's been so long since he got a new computer that I don't even remember the hardware, but there is no way that box would still be a daily driver if it weren't on Linux.
As a 25+ year Linux user, I really appreciate the effort you put into this.
As a UA-cam Content Creator, I wonder if you would grant the use of your manifesto to others in the Linux Community at large to help spread the word. I found your Manifesto to be in line with much of what I've been thinking about when it comes to Linux in the past few years.
Thanks for the work you do. Happy holidays.
Thanks for this, and most certainly -- please feel free to use the manifesto as you wish.
Many thanks for all the work ⚒ very well done!
After having watched many of the Channel's videos, I keep liking that retro computing sound in the intro. In the very, very long run..., though, it would be super cool 😎 if eventually developments w/Linux sound-editor 🔊 and the soundfile could get edited producing a 'Rhythm-and-Bass' version of the intro. Just a funky suggestion for the NewYear2024! Happy New yr2024!
Should such sound developments take place, it would be a soundscape enhancement to the production (i.e. the "N.E.X.T. Intro Remix" version to unfold into test and production, having the intro-sound to become edited, say in an external 👽 studio, beside the main content creation). Then, basically the audience could find that enhancement as a sign 🤘 that this channel keeps rocking at all raving levels, w/its content. Though it's just fine as such when the content gets such 🆕 content that just makes the listener intrigued.
And, Yes. I've also spread the word by advertising the Channel to the closest geeks I know (who are my true friends in another space & time). Thanks for the manifestation, Christopher 🎷 🙏
In big part thanks to your educating videos I switched my PC to Linux, a still competent 6th gen i7. I've also helped family members migrate their old unsupported apple stuff to Linux, and they are amazed by how well their old gear works again. We're all enthusiastic promoters of Linux now.
Similarly, I have a 7th gen i7 which currently runs Windows, with the option to boot into Linux. When support for Windows 10 ends I'd like to move completely to Linux but need a couple of (currently) Windows only apps, so a decision will have to be made. I also have 2nd and 3rd generation i5 computers that are Linux only, and which run perfectly.
Likewise, I've switched a few friends to Linux. They're all what I'd call "average computer users" who just want to get online, access Facebook, amazon, email, etc, and all of them love how "fuss free" Linux is compared to Windows.
Which version of LINUX?
@@bamahama707 I use Linux Mint for two reasons;
1. It does everything I need it do.
2. I believe it to be among the best Linux distros for those new to Linux so it's what I've installed on computers belonging to friends, hence I need to be very familiar with it if technical support is needed. Happily, it "just works" for them and (touch wood) none of them have had the slightest problem. 😊
I am totally floored by the performance of my old Dell Latitude E6420 i7-based laptop with Debian 12. It absolutely flies when used with an SSD and the default desktop environment.
I'm still running (Gentoo) Linux perfectly happily as daily drivers on Core 2 Duo Lenovo Thinkpad T60's and T61's from 2007 - a 2GHz Core 2 Duo with 4GB RAM and a "lite" desktop like XFCE will play UA-cam videos and let you browse the Internet perfectly happily.
As a hybrid user between Linux and Windows, I can only fully agree with all the points of the manifesto you propose. From my point of view, respect and tolerance between regular linux users and towards new users is something fundamental to make Linux more known and attractive to a wider audience. Promoting the platform in a didactic way and always from an open and respectful mentality can be a powerful tool for further growth.
I also join the last point of the manifesto, in which you advocate helping developers within the possibilities that each user has. The ideal is through financial donations, but I also think it can be useful to help other users through forums, social networks or comments in videos like this one.
Thank you very much for your content, from which I always learn something. I wish you a Merry Christmas from Spain 🙂
Some valid points there... as a FreeBSD user with a bigger mountain to climb, the manifesto is applicable even more so 🙂
Thanks Chris, take care and see you next time!
Thanks for your support, most appreciated. :) And I get the impression that the FreeBSD community gets less hostile?
@@ExplainingComputers No hostility on this side of the Unix-Like fence... Not even against Windows users..... 🙂
I advocate for Linux when I feel I'm talking to someone who could be persuaded to try it, or whom expresses interest in it. Having switched to Linux myself as recently as 2020, I know that changing your desktop OS isn't going to be as easy for everyone. When advocating for Linux, I try to be upfront about using it, while also attempting to explain the benefits of an OS that respects your privacy and can run better than Windows on older hardware.
I'm the same way. Though I've switched a few family members who just live in the web browser over to Linux just to save on spending my holidays fixing their computers.
Completely agree with your point about Linux being more private and can be even more private again, if a user wants that. I also advocate for Linux with people who are basically interested. But I also unashamedly advocate for Linux where I know the people well and I know that literally everything they do on their PC can be done just as well in Linux with none of the constraints of OSs like Windows.
Thrilled that yours is a rational, reasonable voice in the Linux community. It's tiring seeing so many "year of the Linux desktop" or "Linux on the desktop is doomed" clickbait videos.
You’re an icon, Chris! Love all your vids but this manifesto in particular is 10s across the board for me. What a great Christmas gift. 🎁🎉
This video is one of your finest moments. Advocating for tolerance, diversity and pragmatism in a manifesto is rare and refreshing! - I appreciate it very much, when I hear evangelism while avoiding fundamentalism.
Thanks! :)
u're a very decent & charming person and u do an amazing job on this channel .THANKS 4 ALL THE VIDEOS @@ExplainingComputers
I agree wholeheartedly with this sentiment.
we needs more them black kangs in this here lunix space
...diversity?
Merry Christmas from New Zealand!
A Happy New Year!
Valve are doing great work with proton making Linux more viable for gamers, it feels like magic when it works. using KDE plasma on the steam deck was familiar enough to not be overwhelming as a new user and flatpacks gave me confidence to try stuff without the fear of wrecking the O.S
I am a fairly new Linux user and I must say it has taken awhile for me to find some encouragement. I found it through pop OS. I hope more people see your video and take it to heart. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Last September my laptop was heading to the trash as booting to windows was taking forever, and it would hang and crash from even a right click on the desktop. And let's not even bother talking about web browsing.
Puppy Linux and Manjaro XFCE to the rescue. Now I think I can still get a few more years of good use from my obsolete laptop. In short time I went from zero Linux knowledge to everyday user. It's saved me a lot of money.
I wholeheartedly pledge my allegiance to the Linux Manifesto!
I began using Slackware Linux back in '95' when you were expected to compile your own kernel and build your own desktop and applications. I have bought the developers a few pizzas along the way and have volunteered my time to help guide new users on community servers. Modern distros are less hobby oriented and well suited for our current media devices as Android has shown. The desktop era has largely given way to the laptop era and big software packages suffer a performance hit. Linux is best known for being light on the hardware, adaptable to anything digital and, has a large enough following that help is not too hard to find. However, the nature of the classic voluntary support team and their too frequent dissolution or change of venture puts the big software vendors at risk of premature product support loss and short lived sales potential. Addressing this long term shelf life problem has made some distros better than others.
Been using Linux Mint as primary O/S since release of Win10 and have been trying to convert people to Linux for many years. Biggest hurdles now are Windows only software and lack of hardware drivers. That said, driver support for Linux has improved so much that lately I am having as much or more problems finding Windows drivers.
Could you help me get started with Linux? Been always interested in it but don't have any guidance
Great topic! I have just been building PC's for seniors and putting linux on them. I've found when people who have never used PC's before start with Linux, they never know any difference! Mint is my go to !! This video is so very encouraging!! Merry Christmas Dr. Barnatt!!
I have found the exact same thing. You don't even need to consider if the DE is "like windows" .You can introduce them to Gnome and they learn it with no problems.
Same! I made a desktop PC for my father and a Media Player for my parent's TV, creating desktop launch items for what they actually wanted to do. Both boxes are ten year old HP Windows 7 era PC's. now running Mint on SSDs. So my elderly parents became Linux users in their late 80's!
You've stated seven logical points that makes sense, at least to me. Of course, I tend to general agree with you on most things' computer related for some reason. With that being said, I find it interesting that your basic End-User Linux Manifesto could be applied to other subjects rather easily, which suggests that you put quite a bit of thought into it. It is my hope that this video presentation gains a lot of interest among, not only your viewer base, but the computer tech UA-cam community in general. Looking forward to your next video!
Excellent presentation, Chris! In my profession career, I was forced to use Windows. But, now I'm retired and no longer have outside constraints. I made the decision to switch to Linux 2 years ago. The learning curve has been a little steep, but I'm getting there. My biggest problem is finding out what libraries I need to include in my programs to solve a problem. I do not have a resource to tell me what is available. So I struggle with things, but I am slowly progressing. And I'm not looking back.
Hi chris you've made so many excellent videos but in this one I cant help feeling you've let us see the real you and he's a passionate guy who cares about how people can benefit from Linux. Excellent video!
This video was certainly from-the-heart, single-take stuff. :)
@@ExplainingComputers it comes across fabulously. You can take that from a presentation skills trainer!
An awkward conversation to have with many linux diehards... and several times I wanted to shout at you "But this..." or "But that..." But in the end, I think you hit some very good points. Thank you!
Thanks for your support, most appreciated. :)
Been running Linux Mint for a while now after watching your videos on it, great operating system for daily use.
I started with Mint, after watching a video here on the channel. I was reluctant to use Linux at the beginning, because I wasn’t sure how it would work and all that. I’ve played with a few other distros just to see what’s out there and have always returned to Mint because if it’s ease of use. All of the points presented are all valid to improve the adoption of Linux. Having only 2 OS’s monopolizing the majority of computing constrains advancement and brings about the concerns of keeping society locked in to someone else’s ideas of correct ways to perform computing.
I started using Linux back in 2002 with Red Hat, which I purchased in a store. I liked it, but I switched to OpenSUSE in 2003 and liked it so much I stuck with it to this day. I do use Windows, but I immediately swap it out for SUSE by having swappable hard drive bays.
I definitely agree with the points of your manifesto. We need to maintain the options to step away from the Microsoft or Google ecosystems.
This is the first "EC" video I've seen. Recommended from the Linux Mint support IRC channel. Great format, it's like a community tv style channel program. Great rug too btw :P
Hey, welcome aboard! 😁
I've been a Linux user for 30 years and I will admit, I was one of "those users" that would give people a hard time for using non-free operating systems and applications but I moved on from that ridiculousness 20 years ago. I learned a long time ago that people will use what they need to use to get the job done. If that's Linux, then great! If it's Windows, Mac, BSD, then that's great, too! I heard about this UA-cam channel on the latest Late Night Linux podcast episode and I'm so glad they had you on, Chris. This is an excellent channel!
Thanks for watching. :)
What a beautiful needed video my Friend! You summed up all important issues. Linux is a breath of fresh air in this world dominated by windows and osx. The bigger picture that everybody should care about is that it's open-source, meaning that anyone could see the source code and even contribute. So, it's inherently built for the user, not against him.
People should not fear giving Linux a try. Linux is not as hard to install today as it was 25 years ago. I still have an old Red Hat Linux install book and it was a huge challenge back then. People just need to look for the right beginner distro.
The average person who would like to use Linux hit the wall when you say the word 'install'. It has to be either already on the device, or done for them. its not that they could not, it just that most people simply do not have the time or energy. The reason people like macs is that - indeed - 'they just work' (bloat and other issues aside).
@@nickcharles1284I know what you mean. I know of a lot of people that don't bother to update Windows or don't even know how to do it.
Congratulations on another year of high quality content.
Thanks. :)
@@ExplainingComputersPlease do a good nice video on using ZorinOS 17
How Linux for Seniors did 😅
I feel like the FOSS movement is noble, it inspires creativity, collaboration and transparency as opposed to a corporate proprietary culture governed by companies who are very well willing to sacrifice user experience for profit
Of course, proprietary software is completely reasonable and any form of extremism to remove everything proprietary is really unreasonable; we should accept the users right to install and use whatever software they want on their machines... however, there is definitely a overwhelming benefit to supporting and promoting free and open source software for the user aswell
That's just my thoughts anyways, excellent video!
Good work as usual, thanks!
Thanks for your support, most appreciated. :)
I'm totally on board with you Chris. I've bought the premium version of Zorin and donated $20 to KDE Neon. It's always very hard to promote anything as I'm sure you know. I'm always talking it up with friends and family. We can only hope for more users. Linux is in such a beautiful state these days. I love it. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas! :)
The Linux community needs to be a bit friendlier if they want to encourage people to join it. I haven't even bothered to try to ask a question on a forum for some time now. You either don't get an answer or get a downright nasty, snotty answer. I try hard to find answers on my own. I actually have a lot of difficulty asking for help and prefer to struggle through and try to come to a solution on my own. Apparently that's my learning style. So, if I ask a question and get a response like RTFM (read the friendly manual) the F in RTFM might as well be that word we don't use in polite company. Thank God for Raspberry Pi. That forum is so friendly and helpful. The retro gaming community is unbelievably welcoming and supportive too.
in my experience the friendliest Linux communities have been distros designed to run on old hardware. Once on a Puppy Linux forum I said how old my computer was. Someone send me old RAM, old modem and other parts designed for that computer! They even declined to pay for postage! @@kattz753
As being a user of Windows, Mac OS and Linux I can confirm Linux and in particularly Mint, my preferred distribution, has improved immensely. I will certainly try to get people to give Linux a try. Thanks for all your videos this year. Look forward to viewing more in 2024 and improve my knowledge further. Have a Happy and Peaceful Festive Season and New Year. Thanks again. Maurice from Malvern UK.
10-15 years ago I would try Linux every so often and quickly do something that would spectacularly break the system and give up on the idea for another 12 months. Now I'm glad to say I am using linux 80% of the time on my laptop and have not had a major problem in the past 18mths.. while I obviously got a bit more competent using the command line it is more down to driver support and the user experience improving enormously in the past few years.
I really enjoy your videos! They‘re so well structured and to the point. Many other creators tend to annoy me because of a number of reasons, none of which are the case on your channel.
Keep up the great work.
P.S.: Especially the point that linux users tend to be toxic towards other users with different taste is so accurate. 😄
No wonder that phrases like „I use Arch btw“ have reached meme-status.
Not sure if this is first time I've commented on this video, but this my favorite video that you have done so far!
I am really hoping that more people more to Linux.
As always, very informative and direct. Thank you for putting in the time and trouble to produce these videos.
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year.
Recently, I read an article regarding how there are going to be many thousands of unusable computers/laptops because of unsupported Windows OSs. But I'm fairly sure all of them with work perfectly fine with a good Linux distribution. Not only that but linux has been able to reliably access NTFS drives for almost 20 years whereas Windows probably still doesn't have native Linux format access. Always look forward to your well done presentations.
As of yesterday I can say that Windows still cannot understand the Ext4 format. This is annoying for me because I still have to dual boot for a Windows specific software (Izotope audio restoration suite). I can't use my drive's Ext4 partition while I'm dual booting.
On the flip side, I had to fix my fiancees Windows installation which wouldn't boot into a login session nor would any of its native diagnostic/repair tools work (Im starting to believe the Microsoft support site is cursed). I booted a Live Image of Linux Mint to create a backup of her files and did a full reinstall of Windows (her preference) on a fresh hard drive. Thank goodness for Linux!
@@kevinvoiceactor9694 Why don't you run Izotope in a windows vm? I run flstudio in a windows vm as well as rack2 and it works just fine.
@@kevinvoiceactor9694 Yeah, it is a bit annoying.
On the other hand, you can be pretty sure windows will not mess up your linux installation.
Unbfortunately fewer Linux distributions now support 32-bit x86 processors.
I can see the advantages of a 32 bit OS when it comes to limited ram but I believe that most computers have had 64 bit OS, capability for about 15 years at least.@@snarfusmaximus
Many brilliant points well made. I found my way back to Linux thanks to the Raspberry Pi OS and now use Mint, Ubuntu and Manjaro on the majority of my machines. I try to be an advocate and have a couple of friends who now use Linux as their daily driver. Merry Christmas and all the best for 2024.
Great video as usual. Each day, I find Windows more difficult to use. Here's a short list of issues I have with Windows. OneDrive moves personal files to MS servers by default, updates are always slow and often require restarting (same for install), the 6 tier security system make some operations impossible, aggressive promotion of other MS products, some removed bloatware eventually gets restored as part of an update, 3rd party software is needed to monitor all (not just some) of the system. Again, this is just a short list
Linux is my everyday OS of choice. Xubuntu and ZorinOS are my faves!
I'm writing this on my GMKtec Nukbox G1- 1TB NVMe SSD and 16 gigs of ram, which is dual booting Windows 11 and Xubuntu 22.04.2 LTS.
I am on Linux more than 98% of the time. Thank you for all you do!
Wow! I couldn't agree more!
I work with adobe software daily and would love to be able to use Linux instead of my hackintosh os.
I'm also so happy to hear that you use lightwave. I haven't used it in years. But it was a great piece of software.
Love your videos keep it up!
I have thrived on Linux on my PCs since 1997. Somehow survived. Music editing in Ardour, Pipewire, and Flight Sim with XPlane, Video editing with KDENLive, ffmpeg. Gaming with Steam. DTP with Scribus, coding with Jetbrains IDEs.
My kids have been using since they were 12 years old.
There are so many good options.
For office?
For home office apps, libreoffice is the package to use. If you need options, Google docs, sheets, etc. If the kids need to use office 365, they use the school accounts and work on the web. Do I need office? Ever since using Multiplan in the early 1980's, spreadsheets are easy to switch. Today, open, portable formats make it much easier. SpeedCalc, Lotus 1-2-3, over the decades. There is rarely a need for excel. Maybe some proprietary plug-in, like genetic algorithms...99.9999% don't need.
The "options" are options depending on what exactly you need from a software. I use libreffice for my "basic" needs and have had to use Google Docs for better compatibility a few times. There is also WPS Office which some people like.
@@PradeepKumar-ps4cs LibreOffice.
I'm looking to migrate from a win7 installation to linux for playing my old games now that steam moves to chromium at the end of the month. I'm running on an amd fx8350 processor so options are limited.
Do you play xplane through steam? Which distro do you use for xplane?
It would be quite useful to be shown (again), how to set up a linux system with a XP Window virtual machine, ready in the background. Have been following your channel for years now. Thank you for your contribution in this space!
Thanks!
Thanks for your support, most appreciated. :)
Thank you Chris for a well thought out and well presented idea! seperating FOSS from getting people to use linux is one of the best ideas i have heard recently. Unfortunately there is still a large proportion of linux users pushing the "you must use the command line to be a real linux user" agenda. I have been following the PYRA handheld linux computer for many years as well as the previous Pandora. They dont do themselves any favours with some of the more vocal forum users pushing FOSS and constantly moaning that "blobs" are required in drivers to get things to work.
i think that the use of a GUI should be perfectly acceptable instead of having to remember the syntax of commands in a terminal. Linux has to be easy for users to migrate to at least in the first distro users try.
Yes, I believe you’re correct sir.
If Adobe would offer a their software to Linux users, I think many people would be willing to pay for it. Sure some users would complain, but overall I believe Adobe could earn a LOT of money.
I certainly appreciate your passion for Linux. I switched to Linux 25 years ago as my primary OS.
I think, as you eluded to, the key to Linux adoption is via the applications. I don't think most people are tied to an OS, they're tied to applications.
I use GIMP for all of my raster image editing, Inkscape for all of my vector image editing, Kdenlive for Video Editing, Blender for 3D Modeling, LibreOffice for Office Documents, and the list goes on and on.
I've started producing video tutorials on using these opensource applications and I think educating users on opensource application alternatives is the key to Linux adoption on the desktop.
Keep up the great work on ExplainingComputers ;-)
Not all these linux apps are exactly great.
@@ynyslochtyn They seem to have worked very well for me over the past 25 years but everyone needs to find what works for them.
The reason I switched to Linux 25 years ago is, I was tired of my commercial OS and applications crashing all the time.
I'm not complaining mind you, I work in I.T. for over 20 years and made a good living supporting commercial operating systems and applications ;-)
Operating System and Applications are just tools so use the ones that work for you.
I'd like to offer a correction regarding the term FOSS: The word "Free" in the term "Free and Open-Source Software" does not mean the software is distributed free of charge, rather it means that the software respects the users' essential freedoms to run, study, modify, and share both exact and modified versions of software. Free (or libre) software is a very important philosophy that every GNU/Linux user should be familiar with as it is the reason why GNU/Linux exists in the first place. Also, distributing proprietary drivers for GNU/Linux is far from an ideal solution; instead, manufacturers should be pushed to do the right thing and make public the driver source-code under a free (libre) license. With all that said, I appreciate your effort to make a positive difference in other people's lives by making videos like this. Thank you.
Unfortunately the guy that hacked the copyright system to protect the users goes very much unacknowledged such as it happened in this video
@@StraussBR I agree. But as it wasn't the main topic of the video, the lack of mention is understandable. For this, a video on popular software licenses would be more suitable as it would put in context Dr. Stallman's work on the GNU Public License and aid people in understanding the idea behind software licensing and how it relates to users' freedom.
Thanks Chris. When I first tried Linux - maybe 15 years ago it wasn't an easy experience. Poor driver support meant the inevitable command-line -only user interface was painful for a newbie like me. Comments from colleagues such as, "there's no point in choosing Linux unless you're prepared to learn command line" didn't help either. They couldn't accept that it could ever be a true windows replacement. Fast forward to today though and the excellent "out of the box" experience of many distros makes it entirely possible.
this might be the best pro-linux advocating video I've ever seen. Very grounded, and positive.
A note regarding the layer-based Video editor: many people don't know but Blender has a Video editor mode. Its extremely powerful but as all things Blender to do more than the basics, you will run into a learning curve that I would rather describe as a cliff. But, try giving it a spin, maybe I'm just missing the specific braincells to use it well.
Kdenlive has come a long way, too. I use it mostly for my video editing.
I think all of these are great points. I suppose the only rub I felt was over FOSS but it is a difficult problem to articulate. I think if FOSS isn’t a key point to Linux than the mission fails - industry will pick a distro or two to support and we’ll have one or two options that feel like Windows but are more Unix like, which does sound like a slightly better dystopia. But I agree that we shouldn’t be upset if someone uses proprietary blob or even if a distro points you to, or even downloads that blob for you directly. I think it ties back to tolerating other users decisions, even if that decision is coming from a distro maintainer - they’re a user too after all.
I have tried numerous times to get used to Linux (various distributions). Each time I've gone back to Windows. Linux is not as easy as some make it out to be. Working so much on the command line for simple things makes many appreciate the ease of installing programs in windows. To me, for now, Linux is unnecessarily complicated and doesn't offer as much as Windows does.
Well, that depends on the distro. I mostly use PCLinuxOS with KDE, and in five years or so I don't think I've ever visited the command line. (I don't use it for everyday, but it does most of the heavy online stuff.) I use Mint occasionally and offhand I don't even know where the CL is on that one. Fedora, tho, I've found is much easier updated through the console, but I've had the same commands in the buffer for 3 or 4 years and it's just up-arrow, wait, yes, but I think Discover stalls on my very slow internet.
However, good point in that Windows it's pretty much the same across the board, while the linux desktops vary (that's more important than which distro). KDE in its default setup has a software "store" (Discover) that should be familiar to current Windows users. I don't know what the rest do nowadays.
Linux Mint has been incredible! Been using almost a year! If I could text from it like I can in MacOs I could be exclusive to Linux! It has truly became very usable now!
Thank you Christoffer, this video was great! I think I have seen most of yours videos! You feel like my soal brother, I have been promoting Linux for rougly 30 years. Your dry nerdy computer humor is so great. Let’s continue with our Linux mission, you gave me some great thought! And by the way, I am from Linus home country, Finland!
I agree and resonate with this. I've switched to Linux and it's great. I but new hardware and have it on and still maintain old equipment because Linux is just so versatile
Vanilla Arch users must feel personally attacked by those first two points. Also valid point on the FOSS crusade. I've been mainly using FOSS outside gaming for a decade now. But there's nothing inherently wrong with commercial software as a concept. A lot of software is expensive and time consuming to develop, and I have no issues rewarding someone for good quality work. Valve alone has improved Linux substantially with the aim of turning it into a viable platform for commercial gaming. The main issues are when companies start incorporating blatantly anti-consumer things like intrusive DRM and spyware. I've started using Ubuntu again. I quite like how their implementation of GNOME. Just wish there was an option to auto-mount internal drives without having to edit a text file, because the "mount at system startup" in the GUI does absolutely nothing. That's dumb.
I love Linux Mint. It revitalized my 2012 Mac Mini and removed the need for me to get a new computer since I don't have to upgrade to W11, and can't update to a new version of MacOS. The mini runs beautifully with Mint, does everything I need. Best of all, Mint with Cinnamon desktop is so clean and easy to use, very reminicsent of Win2k, a clean desktop without all the cruft and bloat.
I'm one of those people leaving comments telling people to be cautious before diving right in. A lot of the more zealous Linux users will yell and scream from the rooftops that everyone should go install Mint right now and that everyone can use it. Claiming you could install it on your grandmother's computer and she wouldn't even notice, it's become that smooth, but that's just not the case yet. The day I can go at least a month without my DE crashing, buy new hardware or peripherals without checking for compatibility and use every advertised feature of my graphics card is the day I'll join in the chorus. I won't advertise a product that won't work for the people I'm advertising too, especially not with false promises, at that point I'm proselytizing them more than trying to expand the userbase of my OS. Instead I donate in the hope that one day maybe it will be able to be a general use operating system for the average person, although I'll be honest, I highly doubt that will ever happen. We're too tribalistic with the fragmentation. As you mentioned, once you finally listen to one of these people and install Linux you really just become a part of the feud. Now you're using the wrong distro, if you change, then you're using the wrong DE, when you move over to the right one you're told you shouldn't be using a DE, use a WM and so on and so forth. I hope the community will eventually grow up and work towards making Linux good for everyone instead of whatever they're doing now.
Chris thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you for leading this charge. T'is time that we all evangelize Linux whilst being professional about it. You are spot on with your manifesto. We do need less distros out there so that we more focus our efforts to make the truly best Linux.
Again, Chris thx for leading the charge.
I agree with you except for on the driver part. Proprietary or out-of-tree drivers have caused me a lot of unnecessary issues over the years. I recommend choosing hardware with free drivers whenever possible. Voting with my wallet is part of that too.
I also agree and support the manifesto, Kudos for the initiative ...
I started using Linux in the early 2000's due to my work as a Network Admin, after that I moved to another direction and lost contact with Linux and the community.
After 20 years I came back, after using WSL2 for a while I have installed Ubuntu in a SSD but still have Windows in a dual boot.
But besides some improvements during this period, like performance, Ubuntu runs some applications way faster than Windows, it feels so snappy ...
On the other hand, lots of the problems that existed 20 years ago still exists till this day, such as:
Driver issues.
Usability issues.
Stability, like random freezes and unpredictable weird behaviors.
Lack of support from a lot of mainstream or profissional applications.
Unnecessary amount of distros, power of choice is good till a certain point, after that, if the new user can't decide which one to use, he or she will just walk away. Another point related to distros, instead of joining forces and help to improve of fix the things they don't like in a particular distro, they go and create a new one, that will basically suffer from the same problems.
And the worst off all, the "User distro Community", after all those years, still talking to everyone from that well know Ivory Tower.
But besides all of that, I will try to do my part, and help where and when possible.
I just use LSL - "Linux Subsystem for Linux" and get rid of the middle man abuser that is Microsoft completely.
After being part of the steam deck group, which is linux based, I've came to the conclusion that the biggest hurdle to overcome is the fact that most people seem to not want to learn. I've explained things hundreds of times to people and yet there are more and more people everyday asking the same exact questions or complaining that it's not easier to do. Between google, YT, and FB searches these people should've been able to find the answer in just a few minutes but they don't even take the time to do that. They'd rather just sit back and let others tell them how to fix it or just sit there and complain left and right about how hard it is.
How do i get signed kernel for nvidia 960m card drivers?
better the devil you know. People have been using Windows for a long time, I think a lot of it is the fear of the unknown, and also a lot of the bad misconceptions about Linux that put people off before they even try.
I feel the same way. I was a teen in the 90s and the internet was only in it's infancy. Learning anything meant going to the library or buying hefty manuals to learn from. Maybe you got lucky and knew someone who could teach you. The computers we had in school were also very basic and generally we only learnt basic desktop publishing. Nowadays there's a plethora of information on the internet with so many different learning styles supported and yet people, as you say, don't want to learn - they just either want someone else to do it for them or they pay someone else to do it for them. And because of never learning, they have So. Many. More. Problems. and become ever more demanding. It drives me nuts how many times I have to try and teach someone the same thing over and over because they don't listen the first time and just think it's OK to use my mental labour to explain the same thing to them every time it comes up. Folks don't seem to understand that part of using certain things is LEARNING how to use them. You can't drive a car by getting someone in the passenger seat to explain every manoeuvre as you're driving - you have to LEARN how to drive which gives you the ongoing skills you need to continue driving.
Linux user since 1995, using Redhat Linux. Have been using Mint since version 1.0.
Happy Xmas!
To your point about being a gatekeeper, I am starting to think of Linux as a good alternative to modern Windows challenges for non-technical users. For example I often help my father with his computer problems and he tends to be stumped finding his files in the era of cloud drives and he struggles to navigate post ribbon MS Office. In many ways I feel it would be easier to switch him to something like Mint with Libre than it is to teach him how to use modern interfaces and features in Windows.
Get a chrome book and call it a day. The only issue I've ever had was paying a medical bill online. The Chrome book was sending me to a completely different link and the link knew nothing about me. I called the associated phone #. The woman said "Try a different computer". I tried a Windows PC. Paid the bill in seconds. My gut say it was not the chromebook but the billing company. Maybe their software thought it was a Android phone. Obviously, she didn't know why, but was told what to say. Other than that, for meat and potato PC uses, a Chromebook can do most things, most people want to do.
The ribbon in Office has nothing to do with Windows. It has to do with Office. If one can use LibreOffice on a Linux and a Windows PC and he still has issues, then HE IS THE ISSUE. Or going back to Chrome, use the Google suite. I haven't used Office outside of work in over 10 years. Save everything in an older format of Windows files like DOC instead of DOCX. The older formats at this point have the bugs worked out.
Linux is not "an alternative to" anything, and it's not meant to be that. It is a family of OSs in its own right, with its advantages and drawbacks.
@@SnakePlissken25 ... if it's a valid option for a given use case that isn't the one that was already being considered for the role, if only by default, it is an 'alternative' to that thing by definition. That's kind of what 'alternative' means. A thing that can be chosen instead. If Linux was Not an alternative it would be because Either it was already the default assumption (in which case, why is this conversation happening to begin with?) or it's not a valid option (in which case, again, why is this conversation happening to begin with?).
@@laurencefraser "Default assumptions" are a subjective thing.
Perfect video. Well done. Respect. It is what i say to people, but so much better put. I agree 100% with every word you said. I only realised linux was a thing five years ago, but completely love it. It feels like your OS is on your side as opposed to arguing with you.
I shall be linking this for people. Again. Thanks.
Thanks Chris for this video!
I'm not a developer or have a strong basics in OSes, I'm rather an enthusiast who first time tried Linux like 15-16 years ago. And from the very beginning I fell in love with it - its flexibility and possibilities are the key to its success. However.. it's also its nightmare.
If we want to see Linux growing then we shouldn't see a list of hundreds of distros to choose. It's frustrating when one thing works on one distro but on another it doesn't. And yes - I know that there are workarounds or ways to implement those functionalities on almost every distro, but.. I'm really tired of spending hundreds of hours searching for a solution on how to make it work.. Maybe I'm lazy or maybe I'm not smart enough but truly - such tiny things make me get back to Windows over and over again.
I tried to find a good source of knowledge, but again.. Every youtuber, every site, every forum etc., makes each and every thing in a different way - that is a power of flexibility and it's great! But still - I do not have any basics and I do not have a place where to start because every place.. makes things differently..
Finally, when it comes to the graphical interface - indeed I do not need to use the terminal, but when I go deeper - it's almost impossible to not use it.. And I don't want to use it as I don't like it. I'm a child of windows and GUI, not text.. This makes me feel like I'm missing out on a lot of Linux because it's easier/faster/better to use the terminal...
I really wish to switch to Linux - I'm trying periodically but always there are some nuances that make me get back to Windows. I hope that one day I'll just forget that I'm on Linux because it'll simply work out of the box :)
I do think the community is getting better about answering questions and welcoming more newer users into the world of Linux, the Linux forums have gotten better. It's nice to see so many new users or veterans posting videos on what works for them on youtube, there use to be a shortage of Linux information on youtube in my opinion. It's real nice to see users stepping up and providing entry level knowledge to newer users via this platform. I'm a Debian user, Cheers, Happy Holidays.
A happy Christmas to you, Chris.
I think more clarification on the different distros would be helpful to the new user. Most people turn on their computer in order to use a particular program or programs (apps) and probably have no interest in the OS they are using. However, I am glad that more is appearing on UA-cam and has helped me get into Linux.
Even using a word like "distro" or "flavour" is a nonsense to non users, it means nothing until they learn...use Version and straight away that means something to a ton more people and theyre more likely to go to the next stage...
New users use OSes as a platform to do tasks and run software. The minute differences between different package managers, software philosophies and all that FLOSS junk is irrelevant to them. They just want to know how to make their stuff work.
As always, a voice of reason and balance
I've used Windows for decades and pretty much know what to expect (most of the time). I've also used MacOS for work and while, at the start, is very different to use, it is consistent and easy to get used to. I've also used Linux for years, and I have also found that the lack of mega-widespread adoption is in large part due to "option paralysis". With all the possible distros, desktop environments, available terminals and command line parameters per application, people shy away from it. No matter which desktop environment I choose, they all still just feel 1990's clunky.
Another confusing thing is the file system organization. Unless you read about how things work in there, where things are/should be stored etc., (and remember it) new users have no clue what to make of it vs. Windows or MacOS, especially if for some reason you have to go find and modify config files.
1990s clunky?? How? I'm using Fedora and I just hit the Super key and type the program I want to use and it works
MacOS and Linux have the same hierarchical Unix based file system. Windows file system is byzantinian and frequently requires using run to find hidden files. In linux and macos a simple cd command or pushing the left arrow in your file browser enough times will easily take you to the root where you can find all of the system and config files.
Thank you for this video. I advocate exactly the same points for years, although without any impact or very litle. It is very important that someone like you produce a brilliant testimony like this one.
I moved to Linux mint a few years ago and for my personal PC I don’t think I will ever go back to Windows, but I have to use widows on my work laptop. I think there is one important point here and that is I would not say I am proficient in Linux and every day is a learning day and I really enjoy playing around with the system. It’s important that those who are proficient have some patience and understanding for those of us that are on the learning journey and when writing instructions for running applications etc be a little more descriptive for those of us that need a little of of extra information. This would go a long way to helping new users grow to love Linux. Thanks for the video really excellent content. All the very best for 2024
Perfect video. You spelled out exactly what i have been thinking on this topic for years.. Less elitism, less extremism/Stallmannism, more pragmatism and tolerance.
Trying to use as much FOSS as possible and advocating for it, is actually a very good thing to do. Just don't go on the extremes (like "FOSS or die") :))
I prefer Mint but similar to you I have to back to Windows for some applications like Photoshop, Unity, and MS Office to some extent (the online version breaks some formatting on Word in ways different from the something like LibreOffice).
I use Mint when I have to use Android Studio as the emulator works far better under Linux with KVM instead of on Windows. It also works better when I deal with running multiple VMs due to the less overhead introduced by the OS itself.
As far as recommending it to other people I don't tend to as I know what people around me need to do on their computer and any Linux distro wouldn't work for them as majority of the applications they depend on are Windows only (or Windows & Mac).
Hopefully the Linux desktop continues to get better and get more major applications as that's a way I can see it getting more into the mainstream.
Anyways this has gone long that's it for me. Happy Holidays to you Chris.
long time ubuntu server user here,
I think greater clarity on what solution works on what hardware (in general) with what distro was the biggest challenge for me when I was first picking linux up, nowadays I just find linux a lot simpler to configure to do exactly what I want and nothing else, which is superb because it only takes a fraction of the hardware requirements to do the same thing on windows and its less of a headache needing to deal with the heavy overhead that windows comes with.
Though this isnt a congruent comparison, I would compare using linux to driving a manual car as opposed to windows being an automatic, not everyone wishes to learn to drive a manual even though its more efficient
One majjor hurdle in Linux was Netflix streaming, which is now a thing of the past. Switched to Linux as main OS back in 2006, ditched dual boot windows once i could stream netflix to TV via chromecast.
I haven't been on the message boards in long while, which is likely evident by the fact that i mention message boards instead of Facebook/Twitter/whatever folks are using to gain info about learning Linux nowadays. I have to say I'm disappointed to hear that these same issues are still a 'thing' that is discouraging new Linux users. Each issue has been a problem for far too long now. I am glad to see that folks like you, Chris (that is, someone who is adept at explaining complex concepts🙂) is still working to un-muddy the waters of what Linux is, and why it's a very good 'computing tool'. Cheers, and thanks for another great video.👍
Yup, I'm one of those gatekeepers. I get along with Linux distros well enough for my own purposes, but it's because I'm willing to put up with quirky problems that many end users can't be bothered with. The worst thing is when you talk someone into trying it out and inadvertently become their de facto tech consultant when something inevitably doesn't work the way it's supposed to and it's time to open the terminal. I think of Linux distros as best suited to those who like computers enough to want to know how to tinker with them. Many Windows users and the vast majority of Apple users do not fit that description.
If your expertise advertises you as the IT expert, then you get called for Linux, Windows, Apple, and all varieties of devices. Best to keep a low profile.
@@johncrunk8038 Couldn't agree more. I learned a good line from my dad that has come in handy on several occasions too: "I'm a mechanic, not a driving instructor."
I have a lot of respect for linux and people that can make it work in a classy way, as long as I don't have to use it. I tried Linux Mint 20 on an old desktop... worked great, but for wifi support, I had to install a dongle. The intructions to update / install the driver were simple and straight forward. I know this because I had to do it EVERY TIME I REBOOTED THE COMPUTER. Got very old after a month. Nope... no Linux for me.
WI-FI support remains a problem with Linux. Frankly, I'm surprised you got the dongle to work at all. My workaround was to buy a WI-FI bridge that has an ethernet port. My Mint computer thinks it is using a wired connection. But you are right -- this shouldn't be an issue anyone should have to deal with in 2023.
When I'm ready to retire an old machine, I'll install a user-friendly Linux distro and give the machine to someone. Even an extremely low-spec machine will be useful to someone. Friends with small children are thrilled to have a machine that the kids can use (I install a bunch of games). There are a lot of people who only use a computer to send and receive email; they'll get plenty of use out of one of my old machines.
It must be a regional thing. 'cause 'round here, I can't do what you've done. NO ONE wants a computer. I had a older couple tell me they're done with the digital age and they just did give the last computer that I had gave them to the thrift store. Everyone just wants their cell phone to have the unlimited data plan and that's the end of story.
That's a great way to minimize e-waste and help someone out. I hope you don't mind if I copy you!
You make some great points! I am a windows guy and these are the reasons why I have not switched.
1. I HATE to type.
2. Everything that you want to do must include a password.
3. Commands are very difficult. Get rid of the | -- {caps sensitive} blah blah commands.
4. Everything is hard. Android is easy and it is Linux. Let’s just make Android mouse based. ;)
5. Windows is easy to install software. Even Mac is difficult with a lot of software versions made for different OS versions. Linux is even worse.
6. Docker has made things easier. But running multiple software’s in Linux is terrible. Seems like they want one installation with one software.
7. I HATE to type.
8. Software’s don't have GUIs or they need to be installed separately.
Windows is far from perfect. But it is way easier for day to day life.
Your FOSS point is so very on point
No it's stupid, why even use linux then?
Great video Christopher, as my first OS was Bell Labs UNIX 5 Release 4, LINUX was my favorite distro after open source SOLARIS. Got a good laugh at your appeal to puter geeks/nerds to be tolerant of other people 's choices. Even when UNIX professionals got together, we ridiculed each other for our choices of text editors (EMACS vs VI) all the while knowing how goofy we were being. Somewhat like comic book nerds arguing if the Hulk could defeat Superman. Maybe that was an American male recreation. Loved this video!
I'll go with the "buy people a Steam Deck" option for driving adoption, I enjoy the thing and feel like it could bring back LAN parties.
Amen!
Has anybody compiled a public list of "missing" Linux applications? That would prod commercial application vendors to offer Linux versions, and inspire Open Source enthusiasts looking for a project to tackle. (The O-S projects might frighten the commercial vendors into creating the Linux version, just to protect their market.)
Vienna Symphony Library of virtual pianos.
I say this with ... ambivalence. Things like adobe etc... these days you rent the software.. I mean, you can’t even buy it.
( I have this piece of software, if I want the latest version it’s a sub... I have a windows version of it I bought and own, still does what I want it to do so i wine it. Just throwing this idea out there, it won’t work for everything but if it’s a simple enough application, one could try wining it... or... a horrible idea and may be terribly inefficient or buggy, especially if calling GPUs... having tons of ram and using VM’s)
There are some really, really good points and arguments made in this video. Thank you for this!
Been running Linux as my primary OS for ~15yrs now and love it. With Steam Proton I can even play all my games. To me the thing that shows how ready it is for everyone is the fact that I moved my parents over 6 years ago and they've had far fewer issues than when on Windows.
Very well said Chris! My biggest complaint with Linux is the 30 year old reliance on the command line! No Windows or Mac user is ever going to leave the simplicity and efficiency of the GUI to go back to fiddling around with archaic command line input. I'm 62 and remember the days of DOS, it was not fun but there was no GUI yet. Windows and Mac changed all that and neither has looked back. Yes, the command line is still there, in the deep background, but you RARELY need to use it. Linux users seem to LOVE the command line. Using nano or vi to edit config files, all the sudo apt-get stuff to install software, heck, I cant even update my PiHole without SSHing to the command prompt and typing pihole-up! Come on, how about a button in the application?? Also, good luck installing something like OpenVPN on a Linux system without the command line. I would LOVE to see Linux become more widely adopted, I've tried to switch to it many times over the years, but become rapidly frustrated by things that are easy on Windows or Mac being needlessly complicated in Linux. Yes, of course, I could just suck it up and learn all the commands, but WHY? I can't count how many really good YT videos explaining how to do something in Linux, include the phrase "I will post all the commands in the description so you can just copy and paste them at the command prompt", who wants to do this? Anyway, I'm sorry for the rant. I really enjoy your content, thank you very much for all your knowledge and help over the years. I wish you Happy Holidays, and a fantastic new year!
eric
I originally learned programming on computers that didn't even come with any command line, and for many years I was a die hard Unix hater. In some ways I still am, but. . . Mac OS X was the first OS that hid its Unix underpinnings from me so well that I could accept it. Mint Cinnamon today, for the most part, does the same. And yes, sometimes I am annoyed by a handful of Linux folks who are super attached to the command line and think everything should still be done like 1980.
One of the reasons I like Linux is the ease of popping up a terminal window and using a very standard command line interface. You rarely need it, unless doing rather serious system administration or development stuff, but it is great to have it. The combination of the CLI with the GUI is great.
@@giusdbg I understand that Linux has two parts, so do Windows and MacOS. The difference is that, in the latter two, the command line is very rarely used or needed, having been replaced by a GUI, but it is still there, in the deep background. This is simply not the case in Linux, which relies much more heavily on archaic commands. I like Linux, I would love to only use Linux. I do not hate Linux at all. I'm not sure why you say I want to "ignore the reality of what Linux is". I fully accept the reality of what Linux is, it has never been a problem for me, nor has it been a problem for the 96% of computer users who have chosen to use another OS. I took the point of Christopher's manifesto to be the promotion of Linux. I agree very strongly with him. I want Linux to be more widely adopted, but for some reason it has been stuck in the sub 5% range for 30 years. I was merely giving my humble opinion on why this may be the case. I would be interested to hear your opinions on Linux's complete lack of wider adoption.
@@giusdbg You are neither listening to nor understanding what I'm saying. I'm guessing English is not your native language. Comparisons with "Windows and co" are not wrong, they are completely valid given that any further adoption of Linux must come from former Win/Mac users. Most of the comments here are from folks who have made, or are making, the transition to Linux. You will see that almost all of them make comparisons to Win/Mac. Also, you did not give your opinion regarding Linux's low adoption rate, so I wont bother to ask again. You are a very poor ambassador for Linux IMO. You should watch Christopher's excellent video again, with subtitles if necessary. If Linux is still the same in thirty years (I'd be interested to know what the rest of the Linux community thinks of this!) then, I would guess, after 60 years of existence it will still be claiming 3.6% of the OS market! Also, after reading a comment from @gimcrack555 I will be installing MX Linux on one of my Raspberry Pis and giving it an optimistic test drive!
Honestly, concur.
I also grew up with DOS, BBC and ACORN computers with a command line/typographical interface so I'm not scared of it - but if someone I support who has a PC needs a programme I can send them a link for the download and if nesc talk them through "clicnk ok, click accept".
The process for even the most Desktop based variants of Linux (i'm using Ubuntu and Raspberry Pi OS) still involves far too much use of the command line for the average user (none of us commenting here being average users). We are enthusiasts and I haven't seen a distro yet I would entirely happily suggest to anyone without command line knowledge.