Why is Linux so frustrating for some people?

leninmummy@lemmy.ml to Linux@lemmy.ml – 355 points –

Don't get me wrong. I love Linux and FOSS. I have been using and installing distros on my own since I was 12. Now that I'm working in tech-related positions, after the Reddit migration happened, etc. I recovered my interest in all the Linux environment. I use Ubuntu as my main operating system in my Desktop, but I always end up feeling very limited. There's always software I can't use properly (and not just Windows stuff), some stuff badly configured with weird error messages... last time I was not able to even use the apt command. Sometimes I lack time and energy for troubleshooting and sometimes I just fail at it.

I usually end up in need of redoing a fresh install until it breaks up again. Maybe Linux is not good for beginners working full time? Maybe we should do something like that Cisco course that teaches you the basic commands?

578

You are viewing a single comment

Using it since I was 12

People have been using X since that age so anything different is going to be jarring. Just the smallest roadblocks can put people off of stuff. Why bother learning something new when the old thing works?

Why bother learning something new when the old thing works?

When I was younger, I would have read this and agreed: people are resistent to change, and that holds us back.

Now, I read this and agree: why do we worry so much about having the newest and shiniest when what we have still works? Seems like a waste of time and resources

Because learning is a good thing.

Sure, but people don't just randomly decide to learn something unless they want to learn it or they think it is useful. I can't drive a manual transmission car. Car enthusiasts may explain to me while they're blue in the face why they're better but unless I actually want to do it I want do it even though "learning" is a good thing inherently. That's how folks who don't understand Linux view it. The goodness of "learning" is not enough to get them to want to do it.

Not wanting to learn is just boring and lazy.

There's a difference between not wanting to learn anything and not wanting to learn a new operating system.

That’s a very boomer like attitude. Learn or get left behind.

Go learn why they don't want to learn some incredibly niche OS then.

Niche, huh? Linux dang near runs the world. Not being a primary gaming platform does not make it niche.