What any open source project lacks? Proper quality control.
voiderest on
I some what disagree with the idea that different distros is a fragmentation problem. Another way to think about all the different distros and approaches is just different choices and options. For new users it can be confusing to have different distros do things differently but plenty of existing Linux users want the options.
A common things keeping people away from Linux right now is incompatible with certain proprietary software or anti-cheat. Both of those categories is more or less a choice from the owners of the particular software just not wanting to support Linux. There can be issues with technical know how or willingness to learn but there are a lot of fairly Linux friendly distros. Even some niche builders that will ship laptops or desktops with Linux. That would involve selecting parts with good compatibility or writing drivers for selected parts. A lot of pre-builts can work just fine with Linux but most people don’t know how to install an OS let alone Linux.
ifupred on
I would argue nothing. They keep going at their pace. Windows will self destruct going after profit from every angle. This should be stable, open and accessible option for everyone.
Kriznick on
What they need to challenge windows is a GUI option for 80% more things. A casual user never and should never NEED to use the command line. That is its biggest hurdle from a successful distro becoming a top contender
lKrauzer on
Just like Windows did to win most people over, what Linux needs is hardware with Linux pre-installed, such as desktops and laptops, the Steam Deck is proof of this.
Porkins_2 on
Since 95% of people are technologically incurious to a fault, a Linux fork is going to need to make something that is essentially a Windows clone. People don’t want to have to use the terminal, which I somewhat understand, but it doesn’t take *that much* research or tooling around to get things just how you like them.
FWIW, I was a total Luddite in ~2010, but I was also poor. I bought a laptop off eBay that didn’t have an OS, so I needed something that was free. Installed Ubuntu, spent an entire day learning about it, and really haven’t looked back. It’s my daily driver on my laptop and PC.
**However**, I do have a small Windows partition for gaming and gaming alone. Steam has done a great job with compatibility work, but there are some things where Windows is essentially required.
Small-Juggernaut-557 on
The Linux distros all need to work together and come out with a super Linux, destroy windows then fracture out into custom Linux projects with great ideas. One can only dream. Divided Linux will never take over in my opinion.
guyver_dio on
What it really needs is a huge push from likely several large companies to include linux on OEMs, pay app developers to natively support linux and run a huge marketing campaign to artificially drive up users until its self sustaining.
It doesnt matter what else you do with linux, majority of users are just fine with windows and youre not going to shift them unless you force them onto linux or microsoft makes windows completely unusable.
killerrin on
On the gaming side of things, we really need Valve to hurry up and release an Official Standalone Steam OS.
Once that happens, you’re going to get a lot of PC Gamers switching over, almost overnight.
accountforrealppl on
I would LOVE to switch to Linux. The issue is compatibility.
I use my PC for gaming, Microsoft Excel, and web browsing. Web browsing is fine on Linux, but gaming and Excel are both big issues that just make it more trouble than it’s worth
Euphoric-Usual-5169 on
Linux needs more applications. I run Linux but I often run into l apps that only run on windows or Mac. Stuff like photo editors, CAD and others. I can work around with a VM but for most people this is way too complex.
Josysclei on
I just want to click next on things and it works. The moment I have to open a command line and search online to configure some simple shit, you lost me.
PompeiiSketches on
Every application to work on it by default. IDK, maybe use some windows emulation software that automatically hosts the non-supported software on Linux in a way that the user doesn’t notice.
People don’t want to tinker with their computer after work. That’s it. I don’t want to tinker with my computer and I work in IT. I just want to sit down when I get home from work and use it for whatever I use it for.
TheLocalMan on
This is really simple. It will never challenge windows because it doesn’t have a corporation with billions of dollars to throw at it in the office space. 99.9% of users do not care about or even understand what an operating system is. It will never take a noticeable amount of market share. There is no relevant OEM computer manufacturer that will ever make it the default operating system. It will never make a dent. Don’t worry though, this is the year of Linux gaming.
OhK4Foo7 on
Linux already won. It’s in your phone, your search engines, your toaster.
Golandia on
100% searchable gui for all settings and settings that are well explained and make sense and can be reverted. Seriously I never went to touch any x11 config ever and if I do and mess up save me.
100% compatibility with windows apps (Office is a massive driver, Adobe, etc) games are getting there with Steam.
Real drivers for hardware that actually work.
Sudden-Ad-1217 on
Need alert…. Arch and Fedora need to merge.
anbeasley on
Enterprise tools to manage the operating system.
ElWishmstr on
Easy of use. I know Linux desktop interfaces came a long way, but some stuff windows is just plug and play. For example, to use hardware acceleration in Blender, on Windows is ready to use on the get go. On Linux (Ubuntu), I couldn’t make it work, even if I use the recommended drivers (AMD ones, not Mesa)
Berkyjay on
Plug and play. Shit just needs to work, be it a peripheral or a piece of software. I’ve been using computers since the 80’s and I’m not afraid of the command line. But when I recently tried to switch to a Linux Desktop from Win10, it was an enlightening experience.
I built a new machine and had it side by side with my windows machine trying to replicate everything I liked about Windows. But it was so damn frustrating. I can deal with Linux in my work. There’s a reason to use it in a server environment. But I don’t want to think about my normal home desktop.
idemockle on
Better printer support. If I can easily print from my phone, windows, or mac to a wifi printer that I haven’t previously used, I should be able to do the same from desktop Linux but it’s a nightmare every time.
xdrift0rx on
If steam can build one that has game studio support and increases FPS/gaming performance over windows you will absolutely see the gamer market move over. I feel like driver support, and ease of use is what’s lacking.
I used to be a power user and after a career change my machine opens chrome, and steam for games…and many other gamers are the same way. Open the launcher and their game. That would move a looooot of people off windows.
r3sp1t3 on
so many people think there must exist a linux distro to rule all distros that can fully capture all the windows users who refuse to learn how to use a computer
now this doesnt mean people arent trying, options exist for those willing to search, but again that requires someone to have even an ounce of the prerequisite curiosity and desire for a better computing experience that can’t be just forced onto the general population
a linux perfect for the average windows user will likely no longer be an os the average existing linux user even wants
the first thing to go would be the ability to control, tweak, and even demolish your system exactly as you tell it to, and users who understand and can capitalize on this capability dont want to lose that
now there’s certainly room for complaints for those people who’d love to jump into the oss environment but also want things to just work 100% of the time (not that this is even a guarantee with windows), but you can’t both have an ecosystem of a bunch of people working on things for free in their free time and get fully polished everything
the whole ethos imo is people doing cool stuff for themselves and each other, and if you want something done you either donate to the right folks or hack it together yourself
i also constantly see people complain about the cli like its some sort of arcane interface but its honestly more approachable than powershell, and definitely more approachable and safer than mucking about in registry files and potentially shady software compared to extensive linux documentation and package managers for vetted software.
to add to the last point, usually the reason people even have to dive into windows internals is to get it to *stop* doing something where linux fiddling is to figure out if you can get it to something you want.
SouthRiver1234 on
Linux mint is super easy to use
CaptainObvious110 on
Thank you for these folks. This is what I wish people would through their efforts towards and not just making some hot new distro that gets some people behind it but then fizzles out.
Let’s focus on stuff that’s going to be around for the long term.
1. Battery life
2. Bluetooth
teddycatto on
Support for touch screen, tablet and smartphone…
doolpicate on
The price of RAM is challenging Windows 11.
viziroth on
this article is right, most users use windows or mac os simply because it’s either what already came on their computer or they need to use a specific software and it only runs natively on that OS.
people don’t want to jump trough hoops to install a new OS if they’re not techy, and people don’t want to jank up their workflow if they don’t have to.
We either need software folks to build for Linux or make Linux truly universal in its support of software built for operating systems. We need Walmart and best buy selling computers with Linux preinstalled, direct to consumer companies alone won’t do it, grandma isn’t going to shop at a boutique builder.
I_Hate_RedditSoMuch on
These threads of people who don’t really understand what Linux even *is* armchair-programmer telling everyone what it needs are hilarious. Oh, it needs to be more like Windows? Distros are confusing? The command line should be optional? Very good, I’ll let the CEO of Linux know right away.
Error_404_403 on
If i were a Linux developer, seeing what is said here, I’d do three things:
1. Elimination of any need for a command line. Wizards, AI, whatever — no typing letters for OS to work.
2. Full support—via a shell or whatever other transparent way—of MS Office (not “Office-like” products).
3. Windows-like support for drivers, to include special ones for 90% of games out there.
And that’s it.
NebulaPoison on
Lmao @ people who say “even my grandma is able to use Linux”. Working IT I’ve seen how incompetent many are with technology and that’s with a GUI, the terminal is essential for Linux, it’ll never become mainstream.
VayuAir on
All answers above are wrong.
The right answer: Apps people use and pre-installed OS.
This is coming from a Linux user.
MobiusOne_ISAF on
Fewer distros, frankly no more than two mainstream ones.
The single worst thing about trying to get people to use Linux is the endless bickering about distros and the resulting fragmentation of guides and expectations. Everyone doing their own nonsense means you can’t build norms and standards that Windows and Mac OS depend on.
This is the whole reason I refuse to budge from my “Just use Ubuntu” hot take, the more you have to explain the less likely people will try it.
33 Comments
What any open source project lacks? Proper quality control.
I some what disagree with the idea that different distros is a fragmentation problem. Another way to think about all the different distros and approaches is just different choices and options. For new users it can be confusing to have different distros do things differently but plenty of existing Linux users want the options.
A common things keeping people away from Linux right now is incompatible with certain proprietary software or anti-cheat. Both of those categories is more or less a choice from the owners of the particular software just not wanting to support Linux. There can be issues with technical know how or willingness to learn but there are a lot of fairly Linux friendly distros. Even some niche builders that will ship laptops or desktops with Linux. That would involve selecting parts with good compatibility or writing drivers for selected parts. A lot of pre-builts can work just fine with Linux but most people don’t know how to install an OS let alone Linux.
I would argue nothing. They keep going at their pace. Windows will self destruct going after profit from every angle. This should be stable, open and accessible option for everyone.
What they need to challenge windows is a GUI option for 80% more things. A casual user never and should never NEED to use the command line. That is its biggest hurdle from a successful distro becoming a top contender
Just like Windows did to win most people over, what Linux needs is hardware with Linux pre-installed, such as desktops and laptops, the Steam Deck is proof of this.
Since 95% of people are technologically incurious to a fault, a Linux fork is going to need to make something that is essentially a Windows clone. People don’t want to have to use the terminal, which I somewhat understand, but it doesn’t take *that much* research or tooling around to get things just how you like them.
FWIW, I was a total Luddite in ~2010, but I was also poor. I bought a laptop off eBay that didn’t have an OS, so I needed something that was free. Installed Ubuntu, spent an entire day learning about it, and really haven’t looked back. It’s my daily driver on my laptop and PC.
**However**, I do have a small Windows partition for gaming and gaming alone. Steam has done a great job with compatibility work, but there are some things where Windows is essentially required.
The Linux distros all need to work together and come out with a super Linux, destroy windows then fracture out into custom Linux projects with great ideas. One can only dream. Divided Linux will never take over in my opinion.
What it really needs is a huge push from likely several large companies to include linux on OEMs, pay app developers to natively support linux and run a huge marketing campaign to artificially drive up users until its self sustaining.
It doesnt matter what else you do with linux, majority of users are just fine with windows and youre not going to shift them unless you force them onto linux or microsoft makes windows completely unusable.
On the gaming side of things, we really need Valve to hurry up and release an Official Standalone Steam OS.
Once that happens, you’re going to get a lot of PC Gamers switching over, almost overnight.
I would LOVE to switch to Linux. The issue is compatibility.
I use my PC for gaming, Microsoft Excel, and web browsing. Web browsing is fine on Linux, but gaming and Excel are both big issues that just make it more trouble than it’s worth
Linux needs more applications. I run Linux but I often run into l apps that only run on windows or Mac. Stuff like photo editors, CAD and others. I can work around with a VM but for most people this is way too complex.
I just want to click next on things and it works. The moment I have to open a command line and search online to configure some simple shit, you lost me.
Every application to work on it by default. IDK, maybe use some windows emulation software that automatically hosts the non-supported software on Linux in a way that the user doesn’t notice.
People don’t want to tinker with their computer after work. That’s it. I don’t want to tinker with my computer and I work in IT. I just want to sit down when I get home from work and use it for whatever I use it for.
This is really simple. It will never challenge windows because it doesn’t have a corporation with billions of dollars to throw at it in the office space. 99.9% of users do not care about or even understand what an operating system is. It will never take a noticeable amount of market share. There is no relevant OEM computer manufacturer that will ever make it the default operating system. It will never make a dent. Don’t worry though, this is the year of Linux gaming.
Linux already won. It’s in your phone, your search engines, your toaster.
100% searchable gui for all settings and settings that are well explained and make sense and can be reverted. Seriously I never went to touch any x11 config ever and if I do and mess up save me.
100% compatibility with windows apps (Office is a massive driver, Adobe, etc) games are getting there with Steam.
Real drivers for hardware that actually work.
Need alert…. Arch and Fedora need to merge.
Enterprise tools to manage the operating system.
Easy of use. I know Linux desktop interfaces came a long way, but some stuff windows is just plug and play. For example, to use hardware acceleration in Blender, on Windows is ready to use on the get go. On Linux (Ubuntu), I couldn’t make it work, even if I use the recommended drivers (AMD ones, not Mesa)
Plug and play. Shit just needs to work, be it a peripheral or a piece of software. I’ve been using computers since the 80’s and I’m not afraid of the command line. But when I recently tried to switch to a Linux Desktop from Win10, it was an enlightening experience.
I built a new machine and had it side by side with my windows machine trying to replicate everything I liked about Windows. But it was so damn frustrating. I can deal with Linux in my work. There’s a reason to use it in a server environment. But I don’t want to think about my normal home desktop.
Better printer support. If I can easily print from my phone, windows, or mac to a wifi printer that I haven’t previously used, I should be able to do the same from desktop Linux but it’s a nightmare every time.
If steam can build one that has game studio support and increases FPS/gaming performance over windows you will absolutely see the gamer market move over. I feel like driver support, and ease of use is what’s lacking.
I used to be a power user and after a career change my machine opens chrome, and steam for games…and many other gamers are the same way. Open the launcher and their game. That would move a looooot of people off windows.
so many people think there must exist a linux distro to rule all distros that can fully capture all the windows users who refuse to learn how to use a computer
now this doesnt mean people arent trying, options exist for those willing to search, but again that requires someone to have even an ounce of the prerequisite curiosity and desire for a better computing experience that can’t be just forced onto the general population
a linux perfect for the average windows user will likely no longer be an os the average existing linux user even wants
the first thing to go would be the ability to control, tweak, and even demolish your system exactly as you tell it to, and users who understand and can capitalize on this capability dont want to lose that
now there’s certainly room for complaints for those people who’d love to jump into the oss environment but also want things to just work 100% of the time (not that this is even a guarantee with windows), but you can’t both have an ecosystem of a bunch of people working on things for free in their free time and get fully polished everything
the whole ethos imo is people doing cool stuff for themselves and each other, and if you want something done you either donate to the right folks or hack it together yourself
i also constantly see people complain about the cli like its some sort of arcane interface but its honestly more approachable than powershell, and definitely more approachable and safer than mucking about in registry files and potentially shady software compared to extensive linux documentation and package managers for vetted software.
to add to the last point, usually the reason people even have to dive into windows internals is to get it to *stop* doing something where linux fiddling is to figure out if you can get it to something you want.
Linux mint is super easy to use
Thank you for these folks. This is what I wish people would through their efforts towards and not just making some hot new distro that gets some people behind it but then fizzles out.
Let’s focus on stuff that’s going to be around for the long term.
1. Battery life
2. Bluetooth
Support for touch screen, tablet and smartphone…
The price of RAM is challenging Windows 11.
this article is right, most users use windows or mac os simply because it’s either what already came on their computer or they need to use a specific software and it only runs natively on that OS.
people don’t want to jump trough hoops to install a new OS if they’re not techy, and people don’t want to jank up their workflow if they don’t have to.
We either need software folks to build for Linux or make Linux truly universal in its support of software built for operating systems. We need Walmart and best buy selling computers with Linux preinstalled, direct to consumer companies alone won’t do it, grandma isn’t going to shop at a boutique builder.
These threads of people who don’t really understand what Linux even *is* armchair-programmer telling everyone what it needs are hilarious. Oh, it needs to be more like Windows? Distros are confusing? The command line should be optional? Very good, I’ll let the CEO of Linux know right away.
If i were a Linux developer, seeing what is said here, I’d do three things:
1. Elimination of any need for a command line. Wizards, AI, whatever — no typing letters for OS to work.
2. Full support—via a shell or whatever other transparent way—of MS Office (not “Office-like” products).
3. Windows-like support for drivers, to include special ones for 90% of games out there.
And that’s it.
Lmao @ people who say “even my grandma is able to use Linux”. Working IT I’ve seen how incompetent many are with technology and that’s with a GUI, the terminal is essential for Linux, it’ll never become mainstream.
All answers above are wrong.
The right answer: Apps people use and pre-installed OS.
This is coming from a Linux user.
Fewer distros, frankly no more than two mainstream ones.
The single worst thing about trying to get people to use Linux is the endless bickering about distros and the resulting fragmentation of guides and expectations. Everyone doing their own nonsense means you can’t build norms and standards that Windows and Mac OS depend on.
This is the whole reason I refuse to budge from my “Just use Ubuntu” hot take, the more you have to explain the less likely people will try it.