Technology

Ironically, the laptops that do come with Linux are always the shittiest stuff like that Lenovo distro.

Agreed. We are in an age where tech is spoonfed to people with slick UIs and automated installs. Linux needs that--some kind of easy onramp to get people comfortable and familiar with it--in order to have a chance of getting broad acceptance. It's not particularly accessible even for people with a small amount of tech knowledge and skill.

I tried to set up mint on an old laptop recently and immediately hit a roadblock before I could even get an install going. I did some research and found some options to troubleshoot it but gave up because the guidance I found online was a bit more complex than I felt comfortable acting on.

I really want to try out Linux, but if someone like me (with some technology knowledge and comfort) still gets this easily tripped up on installing it, I can't imagine the average person taking the leap successfully.

For gaming and home use I think Windows will slowly die off. But I see precious few enterprise customers who are willing to consider Linux desktops for anyone other than sysadmins or programmers. Some will allow Macs for general users but I've never seen one that allows Linux.

Do you mind sharing your "script" or bullet points how you tell people about the Recall thing?

"Everyone wants to save the world, but no one can agree on how..."

The linux problem in a nutshell

I think there is a strategy in what you are pointing out.

For the general public, its not that we should advocate for the use of software, but for the use of a package of hardware+software.

People dont say they want iOS or MacOS or even Windows. They say they want an iPad, Macbook or ASUS Strix Laptop. The software is not a primary consideration for them.

The Steam Deck is the prime example. Its about making the package attractive.

If we can do things like have Bazzite make a deal with Steam for "Steam Machine" accreditation, that can be packaged and marketed to be sold by the hardware vendors. Probably starting with the gaming system integrators.

We need a similar brand and package for general purpose users, but I dont know what the set of hooks would be to make it marketable. Maybe its right to repair, maybe 10 years of software support. Maybe a 10 year warranty. Something the community still needs to figure out. Linux Mint is probably one of the most suitable for this package.

Autodesk.

Pretty sure at least half of Adobe’s users are on macOS.

So, what is the solved problem supposed to be? The link doesn't really tell me anything except that it about a customisable titlebar or something.

That's a weird thing to present as an absolute truth. As someone who has exstensively used both Windows (3.1, 95, 98, ME, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 and 11) and macOS (from 2011-2022), and now using KDE Plasma on my daily driver laptop, GNOME at work and Cinnamon for my living room machine: all three Linux DE are superior experiences.

Surely there are people who would prefer Windows and macOS over them, but it is highly subjective.