Why There will never be the "Year of Linux"

[MoMentum]

Thoughts and observations from a new user of Linux (just loaded up Unbuntu Cinnamon on a Dell Latitude). I have been a Windows users since inception (started with DOS using a 5 1/4" floppy in an IBM PC). I finally made the switch to avoid Windows 11. But, if my experience is like others, Linux will never attract Windows users because of one major issue - loading new programs.

Every new Linux user will need to load up a program or two to keep familiarity or to run specific tasks. But telling a new Linux user to "Just enter a few lines of code into the terminal. No big deal." is missing the elephant in the room. Windows users know that all they need to do is click on 'Install" and the operating system does the rest. Not so with Linux.

I just installed the Tor browser. And it was a frustrating challenge. After three different websites, each telling me different lines to run in the terminal or not explaining how to do what they said to do, I finally succeeded by trial and error (none of the three sites gave correct info for my install - I had to make it up by trying different lines of code over and over). Any Windows user who gets past the operating system installation (which is another story), they will shut down from frustration and return to Windows. Windows users (who are 99% of new users) expect to just "Install'" a program - like they are used to.

I often see "There are lots of programs that come with your Linux install that replace and work just as well as those on Windows." True, but that belies the issue. Most users will have a legacy program or two or three they can't live without. We need installing these programs to be a piece of cake. We (yes, I am including myself since I so want Linux to win and bury Microsoft) can't expect users to be here just because of desire. We have to be one step easier, one step better and stand above that competition.

I am not being critical of Linux in general. I have been a major critic of Windows ever since I watched them hold back development to just keep barely one step ahead of the Mac OS to keep market share and they intentionally wiped out my favorite word processor (WordPerfect) and they shut down new or competitive tech and they, . . well, the list is endless.

I actually tried to switch to Linux back in the 2018/2019 era. One of the many "Year of Linux" time frames. I had to abandon it back then because a major program I used was not ported over. Thus, my expectations were high this time, since I had faced a lot of hurdles back then. And this time. Well, the same hurdles are still there. Loading new programs is just not ready for prime time.

Until this can happen, Linux will remain a side note to the behemoth. I know Linux is mostly volunteer driven. But if the enthusiasm is there, why can't we figure out how to achieve a simple "Install" for new software. All the other parts are in place - great interface, ease of use (once running), speed, compatibility and on. But don't expect the big transition to Linux if there is no easy way to install new programs. And, for hecks sake, can't we get all these web sites, who enthusiastically want to tell you how to load a program, to all say the same thing and say in correctly?!

OK, rant over.

 

[MzQ1NjExN2]

Thoughts and observations from a new user of Linux (just loaded up Unbuntu Cinnamon on a Dell Latitude). I have been a Windows users since inception (started with DOS using a 5 1/4" floppy in an IBM PC). I finally made the switch to avoid Windows 11. But, if my experience is like others, Linux will never attract Windows users because of one major issue - loading new programs.

Every new Linux user will need to load up a program or two to keep familiarity or to run specific tasks. But telling a new Linux user to "Just enter a few lines of code into the terminal. No big deal." is missing the elephant in the room. Windows users know that all they need to do is click on 'Install" and the operating system does the rest. Not so with Linux.

The terminal is superior once you get used to it. The Windows user needs to change and get used to Linux not the other way around. Also there are plenty of Linux distros that are available where you can get by fine using GUI only.

I just installed the Tor browser. And it was a frustrating challenge. After three different websites, each telling me different lines to run in the terminal or not explaining how to do what they said to do, I finally succeeded by trial and error (none of the three sites gave correct info for my install - I had to make it up by trying different lines of code over and over).

The first place to have looked is the official website:

Installing

Tor Browser is available for Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux. This section explains the system requirements and installation steps for each platform.

support.torproject.org

And, for hecks sake, can't we get all these web sites, who enthusiastically want to tell you how to load a program, to all say the same thing and say in correctly?!

There are often more than one way to do things and also things get outdated quickly due to updates/upgrades/new versions. I do a search with my results limited to past year or so if I need to.

 

[MzQ1NjExN2]

I haven't personally used the following distro but I've read good things about it. Maybe give the following a try.

"Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution designed especially for newcomers to Linux. It has a Windows-like graphical user interface and many programs similar to those found in Windows. Zorin OS also comes with an application that lets users run many Windows programs. The distribution's ultimate goal is to provide a Linux alternative to Windows and let Windows users enjoy all the features of Linux without complications."

DistroWatch.com: Zorin OS

News and feature lists of Linux and BSD distributions.

distrowatch.com

 

[The Duck]

The problem with most new to Linux user's is most new to Linux user's fail to learn the basic Linux how to knowledge to have a good first Linux experience.

New to Linux user's expect a drop in replacement and are unwilling to learn a new OS plain and simple.

Have a read.
An old article but spot on.

Linux is NOT Windows

 

[kc1di]

Linux Is not Windows and hopefully never will be. New user need to learn Linux just like they originally had to learn Windows.
This page is a good start.

https://labex.io/linuxjourney

With Linux you have many more choices don't let that overwhelm you. Most major Distros have live usb versions give as many as you like a try see what fits your fancy. But don't expect them to be like Windows.

 

[MikeWalsh]

@MoMentum :-

Welcome to Linux.org.

Um; heh. Tor, huh? Right, right...

Y'know, all unknowingly, you've picked the one browser that, even today, is STILL something of a PITA to install.....although it's not as bad as it used to be!

Every other major browser; Chrome, Chromium, Iron, Opera, Vivaldi, Slimjet, Firefox (and the various forks) - even M$ 'Edge', if you're mad enough! - provides a downloadable .deb or .rpm package. These are the functional equivalent of a Windows .exe file.....you click on it, it installs, you find the item in the main menu, and you launch it. Easy-peasy.

Most major distros will have many of these in their GUI 'Software Center' (or equivalent). Select, click to install, run it. Simples. And the same goes for most other types of software you could want, though do be aware that many Windows apps are not directly usable in Linux. However, 99% of them will have a perfectly usable 'native' equivalent.....different name, somewhat different workflow, but the 'learning curve' really isn't that steep at all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~​

The terminal will always be the most powerful way of 'talking' directly to your system, but it's perfectly possible to never go anywhere near it, if that isn't your "thang". Almost everything has a GUI method of running it these days. Use of the terminal is entirely optional, and can be as involved or as 'light' as you wish to make it.

Linux has come on a LONG way, even in the 12 years since I first took the plunge. Most stuff just 'works' nowadays, and is no harder to use than it would be on t'other side of the fence.

But as the old saw would have it, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Most folks are happy in their comfort zone, and usually see no need - or reason - to step outside it...

(shrug...)

Really, it's your decision at the end of the day. Nobody can make it FOR you.


Mike.

 

[jawild]

Thoughts and observations from a new user of Linux (just loaded up Unbuntu Cinnamon on a Dell Latitude). I have been a Windows users since inception (started with DOS using a 5 1/4" floppy in an IBM PC). I finally made the switch to avoid Windows 11. But, if my experience is like others, Linux will never attract Windows users because of one major issue - loading new programs.

For reference, I first installed Windows 95 from a dozen or more 3.5" floppies, which I think I still have lying around somewhere. I switched to Windows 11 before I knew the depth and breadth of its intrusiveness. I spent a lot of time figuring out how to minimize its spying and stop its constant prompts to use Copilot, OneDrive, et. al. I installed Mint on a duel boot configuration but hardly ever boot to Windows anymore.

Every new Linux user will need to load up a program or two to keep familiarity or to run specific tasks. But telling a new Linux user to "Just enter a few lines of code into the terminal. No big deal." is missing the elephant in the room. Windows users know that all they need to do is click on 'Install" and the operating system does the rest. Not so with Linux.

The obvious one here is MS Office. There are several compatible Linux apps. My favorite is OnlyOffice which nearly perfectly mimics the look and feel of Office.

From my experience, the necessity to install an app via the terminal is the exception rather than the rule. Mint's software Manager is loaded with apps to download with a couple of mouse clicks. Downloading an app from a site results in a *.deb file which also installs by clicking on it.

I run the Proton suite of apps, some of which do not have a Linux version (Proton Drive, for example.) Their VPN does not have a GUI, which was an adjustment for me, but again, that is the exception. Most mainstream users probably don't even use a VPN, let alone know what it is.

I actually tried to switch to Linux back in the 2018/2019 era. One of the many "Year of Linux" time frames. I had to abandon it back then because a major program I used was not ported over. Thus, my expectations were high this time, since I had faced a lot of hurdles back then. And this time. Well, the same hurdles are still there. Loading new programs is just not ready for prime time.

Maybe loading some new programs is not ready for prime time, but most apps are easily, seamlessly installed. I'm curious, what specific program is giving you trouble? Is it a niche product? I don't know a lot about this, but there are some games with cheat codes that don't run in Linux, but AFAIK, Steam runs most games in Linux.

Until this can happen, Linux will remain a side note to the behemoth. I know Linux is mostly volunteer driven. But if the enthusiasm is there, why can't we figure out how to achieve a simple "Install" for new software. All the other parts are in place - great interface, ease of use (once running), speed, compatibility and on. But don't expect the big transition to Linux if there is no easy way to install new programs.

If this is your biggest beef against Linux, I think you're in the minority. Granted, not every program has a Linux version, but I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't have an online version, e.g. TurboTax.

For what it's worth, I agree there won't be a "Year of Linux." It will be a gradual migration. As businesses realize having their proprietary data on MS servers, they will dump MS and embrace Linux. Users in those companies won't have to worry about installations, IT will configure their boxes for them. As they get used to seeing Linux all day at work, they'll want to use it at home. That is if phones don't replace PCs altogether.

 

[The Duck]

The day Linux becomes the home user base desktop is the day Linux will be just another polluted desktop OS like the rest.

Leave Linux be.
Linux is fine the way it is.

 

[Condobloke]

Another ticked off ex windows user.

How dare Linux be different !! ?

LOL

 

[Terminal Velocity]

I think Linux is doing well considering how difficult it is to beat the vast selection of apps that are available for Windows. Apps are going with subscription and becoming more and more browser based something that will help Linux to have more apps available in the future. The year of Linux is still far.

As for the difficulty in installation this is just you not having an understanding yet, I bet you are not proficient in Windows either

 

[KGIII]

The 'Year of Linux' has come and gone, long ago. It's the 'Year of Linux on the Desktop' that has issues. Linux runs pretty much anything and everything, from your phone to spacecraft to supercomputers.

As for Tor, you don't really install it like normal. You download the compressed file, decompress it, set the executable bit on the 'install' (which will only 'install' it in that directory). and then run the executable. After that, you just open the folder and click on the icon.

 

[Brickwizard]

As for Tor, you don't really install it like normal. You download the compressed file,

if your running Mint then it's in the software manager as Tor Browser Launcher

 

[MzQ1NjExN2]

As for the difficulty in installation this is just you not having an understanding yet, I bet you are not proficient in Windows either

I thought I was proficient with computers until I got comfortable with Linux. Now I realize I knew nothing and still do when considering how vast Linux is (probably same could be said about any OS). :O)

 

[MikeWalsh]

The 'Year of Linux' has come and gone, long ago. It's the 'Year of Linux on the Desktop' that has issues. Linux runs pretty much anything and everything, from your phone to spacecraft to supercomputers.

As for Tor, you don't really install it like normal. You download the compressed file, decompress it, set the executable bit on the 'install' (which will only 'install' it in that directory). and then run the executable. After that, you just open the folder and click on the icon.

Yah; Tor has always been a wee bit "different" in most respects.....almost as though to emphasize that it's not quite a 'normal', everyday browser.

I've used it on occasion in the past, but I'd never use it on a daily basis. It definitely HAS its uses - for instance, anybody that is unfortunate enough to be living under an oppressive regime - though many have said - and I tend to agree - that the harder you try to conceal / obfuscate your intentions, the more attention you end up drawing to yourself....

The most effective way to hide is right under people's noses.....in 'plain sight'. That's a known fact.

But we're getting off-topic now.

(shrug...)


Mike.

 

[Brickwizard]

I thought I was proficient with computers until I got comfortable with Linux

Many of us have been playing with/learning/using various Linux distributions for over 20 years and will still be learning until we are pushing up the daisies

 

[Condobloke]

@MoMentum, I have jus reread your rant, and now understand the points you are trying to make.

may I ask, why did you start with installing tor browser? ...talk about giving up work to carry bricks !

The major part of coming to grips with linux, is knowing where to look, and what to do with what you find.

In other words, mindset is key.

As a 14 year user of Linux, my approach is this. ....and sticking to Tor for our example. I run Linux Mint 22.3 (Cinnamon)

Mint has a Software Manager. That is the first place I look. Not on the 'net. The 'net (as you already know) is full of 'problems' that come in all shapes and sizes and contradicting info etc etc

In Mints software manager, I type in Tor browser ...and get the following result.

That will do the job. It installs as a flatpak.....which means that all dependencies will come with the download.

A handful of clicks and it is installed and ready to go.

(I dont use tor browser....been there, done that, not for me)

There a more than a few Windows apps/programs that do not have a suitable alternative in Linux

That much is obvious. What you can do about it is the conundrum.

Install a Virtual Machine on your drive...using windows ? as the OS, and run your 'irreplaceable' apps/programs inside that virtual machine.
Something else to get used to?....Yes. Nobody ever said there would be no bumps in the road. Attainable, Yes.

Back to the point. Installing 'new' programs.

Terminal : The first advice I read re terminal was "if you do not understand precisely what a terminal command is going to do....leave it alone. The possibilities of completely unravelling your install are real"

That applies especially to random bits of code from the internet. If you don't know the source and trust that source....leave it alone. Experience is a great teacher. Reinstalling your OS a few times through necessity is a hell of a teacher.

Mindset: There is the behemoth. Windows itself is fine. It is the 'mindset' that emanates from it that is the problem. It is not for everybody. Nor is Linux. They are two very different creatures. A great number of people find it somewhat disturbing to discover that Linux OS's run the world. Not Windows.

I can rant on for longer than most, but I wont.

Tell us what programs you are having trouble with, and you will find the friendly folk here more than willing to share their approach .
We are a friendly talkative bunch, and you will get enough opinions (all differing in some tiny way) to make you think.

Welcome to the thinkers OS's

 

[Condobloke]

btw. I use Linux Mint simply because it has the lions share of available support.

It is not a 'beginners' distro. Linux is Linux, regardless.

Mint has simply been fortunate enough to attract more users than most others, and the support base has grown from that.

End of rant. Truly, I will stop now.

 

[GatorsFan]

I just installed the Tor browser. And it was a frustrating challenge.

You do not have to install Tor Browser it runs by itself so there is nothing to install - just extract the contents from the tarball open the tor browser folder and run the "start-tor-browser.desktop file to execute it - you can also move that folder to where you want it in my case I moved it to /home/user/tor-browser - also it will update itself

 

[KGIII]

if your running Mint then it's in the software manager as Tor Browser Launcher

Yes, I know. Don't do it that way. If you do it that way, you have to wait for the updates to get moved into the repository, leaving you vulnerable until the updates are made. If you do it the way I mentioned, you'll get update notifications when you open the application, and it'll do the process more or less automatically.

 

[dos2unix]

My cents here, if there ever was a "Year of Linux".. I would likely jump ship.

I use it because it not mainstream. As soon as it becomes bigger than Apple or M$, it becomes a bigger target.
I'm not really talking about Viruses and Malware here (that applies also).. but corportations and politics get involved when you get big enough and evryone starts using you. Someone buys it, it becomes commercialized, and it's no longer free.

Honestly, why would anyone want this?