this post was submitted on 06 Apr 2024
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Linux Gaming

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5 reasons why desktop Linux is finally growing in popularity (www.zdnet.com)
submitted 7 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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[–] onlinepersona 18 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (3 children)

I wish installing linux for non-technical people using windows were as easy as downloading an .exe and walking through an installation wizard. Something that gave very very simple instructions, backed up their stuff, rebooted to install linux with the chosen settings, and restored their backup into linux.

IMO if it were that simple or as simple as double clicking an .exe and hitting Install Linux (with default settings) that did all of the above with a default distro set by the installer, more people would be willing to install linux.

And non of that Gnome shit. Drop them into a distro with a DE configured to look like windows (probably KDE or Cinnamon).

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[–] [email protected] 12 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Non tech savvy people don't install windows or macos either. Everything comes pre-installed with the machine you buy.

If you make it to the point where you kinda know what Rufus and an iso file are, Pop! OS and Mint are easier to install than Windows.

I suppose a program could be made that partitions your OS drive and installs a distro on the second partition with a dual boot selection screen on next boot, but if you're at the point where you're curious enough about Linux to try it, you've probably learned enough to use Rufus and an iso file.

The answer is system integrators need to pre install and actively support one of the more friendly distros (like Valve with SteamOS on the deck) or it'll never catch on.

Simple users don't care what OS you present them with, as long as it's already there and it's easy to use.

[–] onlinepersona 0 points 7 months ago

I think you're assuming too little and assuming too much of average users at the same time. Either you don't deal with them or have forgotten what it was like to be one.

  1. normal users install software. OS to a user is just software. let it be installable like MPV, VLC, GIMP, Regex cleaners, games, ...
  2. just because you know what linux is doesn't mean you understand Rufus, the BIOS, partitioning, ISOs vs EXE, etc.

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 7 months ago

I think the best we can do is "easier to install than Windows." Which it currently is, barring the fact most devices ship with Windows pre-installed. If you're a PC or gaming enthusiast and you've built your own computer from spare parts, installing Linux is a similar though more streamlined process than Windows.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 7 months ago

I think Fedora Media Writer kind of hits those boxes, and the Fedora installation (with the Blivet partitioner) is fairly easy.

My problem, however, and Brodie on YouTube can attest to this, is the language. Open source projects have a problem with communication, messaging and signalling.

It should be the priority of design and the UX to properly communicate actions, events, consequences, etc. It's also about accessibility, as bad messaging can be confusing and off-putting.