This is an unpopular opinion every time I bring it up. Usability and consistency sucks in Linux. There are just so many basic things that will frustrate users coming from Windows. I can’t even get my laptop (Framework 13) to sleep properly. Then there are is still a ton where you have to use the command line to get it done. A user shouldn’t have to go into the command line to get their fingerprint reader to work because the GUI doesn’t work properly.
The only thing that actually makes Linux practical for average users these days is that most everything is now web based by default so most users only interact with a couple programs for most of their day.
The Linux community really needs to get some UX experts in their projects and actually make an effort to improve usability rather than just doing it the way they like to do it.
ilmagico@lemmy.world 5 months ago
If linux came preinstalled by default and vendor supported, regular people would use linux as well. Usability is actually pretty good these days, arguably higher than Windows since you don’t have to deal with this BS.
Yes, you can buy Dell laptops with Ubuntu preinstalled and supported, maybe Lenovos, not sure, but it’s not the default, available only on custom builds online and on business (expensive) laptops, so most regular people don’t bother.
BumpingFuglies@lemmy.zip 5 months ago
The Steam Deck is the best thing to happen to Linux since… Linux. It’s the first time average tech illiterate folks have gotten a taste of Linux on their own systems, and it’s driven the development of compatibility tools (Proton) to a hitherto-unheard-of degree.
It convinced me to switch to Linux.
yuriy@lemmy.world 5 months ago
I feel bad for anyone with no linux experience who bought a steam deck. There’s a good amount of weirdness with the UI sometimes, and modifying desktop mode controls can lead to it ignoring inputs until steam launches on occasion.
I know these issues stem from this being a brand new device with a brand new form factor, using whacky proprietary track pads and shit. But someone who’s only used windows might attribute them to linux and be left with a bad taste.
It’s good that the Ally exists so we can have a windows handheld to compare against.
dvdnet62@feddit.nl 5 months ago
Before SteamDeck comes. I am between KDE, Gnome and Xfce. But, after I bought a Steam Deck. I am now totally KDe Plasma users on my desktop and steam deck
evranch@lemmy.ca 5 months ago
KDE used to be the feature complete, heavy, memory intensive DE. But now we aren’t running Linux on abandoned laptops but on modern hardware. The average PC is so powerful that it’s completely irrelevant. All in on KDE/Plasma as well
someguy3@lemmy.ca 5 months ago
This. People buy hardware and use whatever comes with it.
Jackthelad@lemmy.world 5 months ago
The only reason I don’t switch to Linux is because of all the nerds on here telling everyone to switch to Linux.
But seriously, I use my laptop for work and I’ve used Windows for years and know how it works. I don’t want to switch to a completely new OS that I don’t have a clue how to use, especially when I need it for work. I also don’t know whether the software I use will work on it either.
If there’s an easy tutorial and a way of knowing whether everything I need will work, I might consider trying it.
ilmagico@lemmy.world 5 months ago
haha lol yeah we do get a bit annoying here … For me it’s the opposite though, I use linux for work, and I’ve used it for so long I almost forgot what Windows looks like.
FaceDeer@fedia.io 5 months ago
It's silly how people react to this, a feature that can be turned off with a simple setting toggle, by recommending that people should instead install a whole new operating system and tech stack. If opening the preferences menu and clicking a toggle is too complicated or too much of a hassle then installing Linux isn't going to be better.
BombOmOm@lemmy.world 5 months ago
It’s not just one thing. It’s been a barrage of crap for years and years. That pile of hay gets awfuly heavy as you make it taller.
They still haven’t fixed the Settings/Control Panel stuff. That has been in the works for what, over a decade now? A core feature just…allowed to rot.
mihnt@lemmy.ca 5 months ago
It isn’t about flipping a switch, it about how many times I’ve had to flip that fucking switch because a company keeps changing how I have my PC setup because they want more money.