this post was submitted on 04 Feb 2024
3 points (100.0% liked)

Linux

47233 readers
777 users here now

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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.

Rules

Related Communities

Community icon by Alpár-Etele Méder, licensed under CC BY 3.0

founded 5 years ago
MODERATORS
 

Linux needs to grow. Stop telling people it's 'tech-y' or acting like you're more advanced for using it, you are scaring away people. Linux Mint can be used by a senile person perfectly.

Explain shortly the benefits, 'faster, more secure, easier to use, main choices of professionals and free'. Ask questions that let you know if they need to dual boot, 'do you use Adobe, anti-cheat games, or Microsoft Office', 'how new is your computer', 'do you use a Mac'.

And most importantly, offer to help them install.

They don't understand the concept of distros, just suggest Linux Mint LTS Cinnamon unless they're curious.

That's it, spread Linux to as many people as possible. The larger the marketshare, the better support we ALL get. We can fight enshittification. Take the time to spread it but don't force it on anyone.

AND STOP SCARING PEOPLE AWAY. Linux has no advertising money, it's up to us.

Offer family members or friends your help or copy and paste the below

how to install linux: 1) copy down your windows product key 2) backup your files to a harddrive 3) install the linux mint cinnamon iso from the linux mint website 4) use etcher (download from its website) to put the iso on a usb flash drive 5) go into bios 6) boot from the usb 7) erase the storage and install 8) press update all in the update manager 9) celebrate. it takes 15 minutes.

edit: LET ME RE-STATE, DO NOT FORCE IT ON ANYONE.

and if someone is at the level of ignorance (not in a derogatory fashion) that they dont know what a file even is genuinely dont bother unless theyre your parents cause youll be tech support for their 'how do i install the internet' questions.

top 16 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] Holzkohlen@feddit.de 0 points 7 months ago (1 children)

No. Mint is fine for my dad who uses a browser and an email program and nothing else. I'm not gonna recommend it to people who do a lot more with their machines. I can tell them I use Linux and they can ask me anything if they are ever curious about making the switch, but that is it. If they don't make the conscious decision to use Linux, then they won't stick with it anyways.

[–] pbjamm@beehaw.org 0 points 7 months ago (1 children)

I am genuinely curious what "more with their machines" actions you found Mint to be lacking in?

[–] abby@feddit.de 0 points 7 months ago

proprietary software that won't run under wine

[–] abby@feddit.de 0 points 7 months ago

no one in my family or friend group is tech literate enough to follow most of those steps, let alone deal with all the tiny troubleshooting they're in for at every step.

[–] guywithoutaname@lemm.ee 0 points 7 months ago (1 children)

But please don't give unsolicited advice about Linux. No one wants that.

[–] Diplomjodler@feddit.de 0 points 7 months ago

Do you have a few minutes to talk about our Lord and Saviour, Linus Torvalds?

[–] const_void@lemmy.ml 0 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Why does it need to grow? Seems fine the way it is now.

[–] Diplomjodler@feddit.de 0 points 7 months ago (1 children)

It needs to grow because monopolies are bad. Linux is the only thing that stands between us and being totally controlled by the tech giants. If you run Windows on your computer, it's not your computer.

[–] Genghis@monero.town 0 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Why is a windows computer not my computer? makes no sense

[–] Diplomjodler@feddit.de 0 points 7 months ago
  • Telemetry
  • Ads
  • Forced updates
  • Installing and Uninstalling stuff without user consent
  • Planned obsolesence
  • Trying of licenses to hardware

Just off the top of my head. The enshittification of Windows and the disenfranchisement of users has been going on for decades and it won't stop any time soon.

[–] mvirts@lemmy.world 0 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Build an automatic Linux mint installer that can handle most typical configurations and migrate data and apps from windows (with wine)

Get some oldish windows exploits together.

Build a worm that replaced vulnerable windows systems with mint

???

Profit (3 free meals a day and TV for the rest of your life)

[–] Bene7rddso@feddit.de 0 points 7 months ago

Install a theme that looks like the Windows version it replaced

[–] redxef@feddit.de 0 points 7 months ago

If someone comes to me I'm more than happy to answer questions and help, but I won't bring it up. People don't like being told that their tool of choice is "bad" "not optimal" or anything like that. Even if it's only their choice because they grew up with it or don't want to learn anything new. And they still need to learn if it's more than browsing the web.

Also I really don't want to be the one they come running to once something doesn't work the way they expected - or not at all. I don't have the time nor the inclination to be tech support for my family and half of my friends.

[–] Pantherina@feddit.de 0 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Trying to do that

github.com/trytomakeyouprivate

[–] jackpot@lemmy.ml 0 points 7 months ago (1 children)

what youre missing here is a windows application that scans a users apps and puts them into a markdown and then auto-installs all of them once back on linux (or adds a checkbox for which you want re-installed).

[–] Pantherina@feddit.de 0 points 7 months ago

You wouldnt use markdown, more like json