"linux evangelism" is a good thing

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libadwaita ΘΔ (she/they) 14 hours ago

"linux evangelism" is a good thing

Windows is not a good desktop operating system, and has been steadily getting worse since OS-level DRM was added in Windows XP.

Many people (yes, even the average person) could potentially benefit from switching operating systems. Yet whenever someone mentions GNU/Linux, you hear the same plethora of responses:

FUD overplaying how hard GNU/Linux is, usually mentioning the terminal like its some scary beast to be avoided at all costs.
"Why do you people have such a superiority complex"
"I just want my computer to work" (It doesn't "just work" on Windows)
"Installing a web browser on linux" type memes

So many people would rather spread and believe misconceptions and shut down the entire possibility of them switching over rather than trying it for themselves. Many people that otherwise would have switched are eating decades-old FUD that even for the time severely overblown GNU/Linux's issues. Yes, you will have to learn a new operating system and that won't be easy, but if you've learned how to use Android/iOS and Windows, you probably have what it takes to learn an easier GNU/Linux distro such as Fedora.

Once you do, you absolutely should everyone and everything around you about it, and help them switch over if it's applicable to their needs. Do it before the Microsoft Windows doomer mind virus takes over their brain and show them how awesome GNU/Linux can be. Some people might not want to throw away their 10-15 year old computer just because it can't officially run Windows 11, and in that case you know what to do.

There's nothing wrong with telling people about a tool that might be superior for their needs, don't let people shame you into thinking that it's wrong to do so.

Last edited by libadwaita ΘΔ (she/they); 14 hours ago

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Showing 1-15 of 21 comments

Tio Feel 14 hours ago

I love Manjaro Linux because it's free, works really well and let me do whatever I want with my system.
I'm not even a programmer or anything like that.

-OrLoK- Слава Україн 13 hours ago

Theres nothing wrong with letting folk know about X or Y, but theyre also free to disagree or ignore your advice.

パエトーン (Belle) 13 hours ago

It is not. Let people try it on their own.
Evangelism will just make Linux the annoying preachy vegans of operating systems.

I started using linux because I got fed up with windows after upgrading to windows 8 from 7.
Not because someone told me to.

The biggest barriers to linux for normal consumers are the exact features that users of linux like
-Stricter permissions
-Using the command line
-Package managers
-FOSS software
-Consistent file system
-Extreme customization options

That's not for everyone. Most people want their windows install wizards and executable files, their SaaS subscriptions, their cloud services, their dependence on UI elements, their insecure permissions system where they can very easily install malicious things, their closed source proprietary bloat, their simple very hard to modify (toddler-proof) settings.

Last edited by パエトーン (Belle); 13 hours ago

Midori 13 hours ago

The fact that you think you're "helping" people by preaching an OS that most likely can't run all of the software and games they need while not mentioning this massive compromise most Windows users must face makes it annoying and careless.

The most annoying part about Linux evangelists is that they cope all of the downsides out of existence, only to cry and make a virtual protest when a game adds easyanticheat or something

Last edited by Midori; 13 hours ago

bAd a!m 13 hours ago

I'm using dual boot on most of my laptops and I've been using linux since 2009 for certain things.

However, even with all that time, I still don't like it, and windows feels better for media and games.

Also, the issue with linux Vs windows is that when you BUY a pc, windows comes preinstalled for the majority and linux requires a bit of tech skills to install.

Imagine if your phone came with windows mobile instead of android. Is android better? Yes. Would it be dominant if it wasn't already preinstalled? No.

Most people don't wanna bother with installing OPERATING SYSTEMS on their devices.

trash can't 13 hours ago

I have a job dude I can't learn a new os from scratch because some degen told me it's "superior desktahp experience" with zero gain otherwise

bAd a!m 13 hours ago

Originally posted by trash can:
I have a job dude I can't learn a new os from scratch because some degen told me it's "superior desktahp experience" with zero gain otherwise

Yes and this is valid pretty much both for people who work or people who retired already.

Only the young ones are really in a position to explore 2, 3, 4, 5 operating systems, once you get into life, you'd rather go to a bbq than install linux on your 3rd laptop.

Siluva 13 hours ago

Originally posted by trash can:
I have a job dude I can't learn a new os from scratch because some degen told me it's "superior desktahp experience" with zero gain otherwise

Yeah pretty much this, Linux has its perk but last time I wanted to install something on my Linux laptop it took me several hours, had to go trough lines of commands and figure out why it was failing because I had error messages that indicate absolutely nothing.
While I just had to launch a setup.exe on Windows and been settled in a minute, and I guenuinely hate Windows.

Last edited by Siluva; 13 hours ago

peon 13 hours ago

Some of these younger generations can barely work something like wordpad.

Asking them to use linux is just to much.

Using linux when you dont really know what your doing is actually a security risk lmao. I hate windows too, its makes me irked that they want you to tie a email account to your pc. No privacy there either.

But lets not pretend linux is king of os's.

Last edited by peon; 13 hours ago

Lixire 13 hours ago

I don't mind suggesting Linux to people but again.. only as a possible suggestion if they actually need it + show actual interest and let them know what would work and what wouldn't.
and possibly even steer them away from it if they are using certain hardware like older NVIDIA GPUs i.e GTX 10 series and older

You overestimate the knowledge of most computer users.
Most people just buy a PC with the current version of Windows at the time of purchase (if there is an upgrade available then be upgraded to the next release) and use the machine until it doesn't meet their own personal requirements or if the hardware physically dies without paying attention to the OS itself.

If anything, that demographic will feel relief once the support ends cause "no more updates and random restarts!" as they don't know anything about security

#10

パエトーン (Belle) 13 hours ago

Originally posted by Lixire:
Most people just buy a PC with the current version of Windows at the time of purchase (if there is an upgrade available then be upgraded to the next release) and use the machine until it doesn't meet their own personal requirements or if the hardware physically dies without paying attention to the OS itself.

/thread
Most consumers aren't interested in what goes on under the hood. They just want something like a smart TV they can intuitively use without getting technical.
Downplaying the overhead required to use linux will only frustrate people

#11