Linux isn’t just for experts. Some Linux flavors are specifically designed for average users.
  • LetThereBeR0ck@lemmy.worldEnglish
    27·
    10 months ago

    Before you can even entertain the arguments in this article, don’t you first need to address the barrier to entry of installing an operating system in the first place? This isn’t even a hurdle specific to Linux, I don’t really think the average user has the technical know-how to install any operating system onto a computer.

    • rustyricotta@lemmy.mlEnglish
      3·
      10 months ago

      Yeah, it makes me think back to the CD days. I think just having a Windows install CD already premade for you made the process at least semi approachable.

      Last month when I was installing an OS (it was proxmox, not exactly beginner friendly, I know) the first boot disk creator I used “worked” but ended up failing in the install. The second one worked though.

      All in all, creating your own install disk is nice and flexible, but it really is a barrier for the average user.

  • smileyhead@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
    176·
    10 months ago

    I think that Linux is the worst for middle-tier tech people.

    For elderies, kids or someone that just visit social media, listen to music on Spotify and edit photos from vacations this it is perfect. They might learn where the app store is, how to open up menu and that’s all.

    For tech saavy, programmers, engineers I… don’t really get how you can use Windows at all until you are forced by your environment. Going from Windows to Linux to do work is just like going from ChromeOS to MacOS.

    But the worst would be the midtier, a friend who does a joke in “ohshit.exe” style, but don’t know what is an executable. That has multiple free games from Epic Store he never plays but must be installed and work. That have bought Photoshop and “original” MS Office licence years ago for outdated version but keep it, because “original”. And that has some amateur audio eqippment that even if Linux have build-in drivers for, would complain the .exe installer from that “download for free” website does not work.

    • Adanisi@lemmy.zipEnglish
      133·
      10 months ago

      A good way to fix this, I guess, would be teaching children to use GNU/Linux alongside or in place of Windows when they’re learning how to use computers in digital literacy classes.

      Because this isn’t an OS problem, it’s a familiarity problem.

      • smileyhead@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
        5·
        10 months ago

        Agree, a lot of Windows weirdness is taken as like it’s like computers work overall. An example I give is when program freeze everyone knows Ctrl+Alt+Del to get the task manager. On Linux mostly there is Ctrl+Alt+ESC and click on the window to kill it.

      • Moobythegoldensock@lemm.eeEnglish
        5·
        10 months ago

        For generations, parents have been giving kids their old cars or buying a used beater so they can learn to drive.

        We need to get a generation of parents giving kids their old laptops or buying a cheap one off eBay with a light linux distro to extend its life.

    • hagelslager@feddit.nlEnglish
      4·
      10 months ago

      And are there even industry standard equivalent programs available for graphic designers on Linux?

      Most FOSS alternatives tend to be a significant step back for folks used to their closed source industry counterparts like for example Adobe. The available video editing software is either a step back or closed source (DaVinci Resolve).

      It’s probably the proverbial chicken-and-egg situation.

    • Toes♀@ani.socialEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      That’s a wonderful example. My average tech friend was an early adopter of SteamOS and called me a lot about wine.

      • L_Acacia@lemmy.oneEnglish
        5·
        10 months ago

        I put zorin on my parent’s computer 2 years ago, while its a great distro, their windows app support is just marketing, its an out of date wine version with an unmaintained launcher. Worse than tinkering with wine yourself.

  • Dariusmiles2123@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    91·
    10 months ago

    Linux is clearly great and can even be used by non techie elder people, but only if you can stick around in case they encounter any difficulty. Why? Because they can ask anyone to get some help on windows, but most people would be scared to even approach something they don’t know, so they wouldn’t help these old people on Linux.

    Is it a shame? Yes, but that’s the reality.

    I guess that if you put an elder on a prepared Linux computer with nothing more to setup, the elder would be perfectly fine using it. But if they want to add a program or anything, that’s when they gonna need your help and presence.

    • Adanisi@lemmy.zipEnglish
      03·
      10 months ago

      With something like a software center? I doubt it, unless they can’t use an app store on their phone either.

      Elderly people aren’t (usually) stupid.

  • Eggyhead@kbin.social
    4·
    10 months ago

    Since getting a steam deck, I legitimately wish I knew way more about Linux than I do now. The thing is basically a grown up toy in many ways more than just video games.

    If anyone has recommendations to resources I could use to better familiarize myself with accomplishing basic tasks with (arch) Linux, I’d appreciate it.