Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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I don't know anything about Linux and the idea of installing it frightens me. Where do I start? (lemmy.world)

submitted 6 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I bought a laptop yesterday, it came pre-installed with Windows 11. I hate win 11 so I switched it down to Windows 10, but then started considering using Linux for total control over the laptop, but here's the thing: I keep seeing memes about how complicated or fucky wucky Linux is to install and run. I love the idea of open source software and an operating system without any of the bullshit that comes with Windows, but most of the open source stuff I have is on my android and fairly easy to install. Installing and using Linux just feels like it'll be a whole different beast that'll eat up most of my time and I'm kind of intimidated by it.

TL;DR Linux scawy, how does a barely computer literate scrub like me who's used nothing but windows since the dawn of their life get started with Linux?

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 6 months ago (2 children)

A little off topic but I'm kinda new to Linux myself, why do you dislike Gnome?

[–] [email protected] 6 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Gnome is like the Apple of Linux. It’s a bunch of “we know better than you do, so use it in the very specific way we want you to use it” devs.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago

I agree. It's very opinionated, which in Linuxland means they end up trying to force everyone else to do things they way that they want, instead of providing any sort of compatibility effort.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 months ago

I don't remember exactly, just something about being unable to get some crap off the screen. But it's a matter (in my case) of subjectively preferring the MATE UI. It's fine to try them all and see what you like best.