Comment by quickco | Hacker News Reader

Comment by quickco | Hacker News Reader

I run Linux on a few dozen servers currently and have been using it for at least 20 years.

However, I can’t imagine running it as my primary desktop OS.

Reading these posts about the hassle and battles it takes to get a desktop linux OS running sounds like madness to me.

And the end result is usually not entirely stable, and often involves many tradeoffs like trackpads not working correctly or trying to print causing WIFI to drop.

A good operating should Get Out Of The Way, so you can work, build, create, explore, play.

Honest question: do you run Linux OS primarily because it is the best OS for you, or do you run it more because you identify with the philosophy and ethos of open source software? (Both options are completely fine.)

> And the end result is usually not entirely stable, and often involves many tradeoffs like trackpads not working correctly or trying to print causing WIFI to drop.

So have you actually tried desktop Linux, or are you working from 20-year-old stereotypes?

> A good operating should Get Out Of The Way, so you can work, build, create, explore, play.

That rules out Windows, and MacOS is 50/50 depending on whether you stay 100% on the happy path and nothing goes wrong; what are you using?

Seriously. If you aren't on 100% Apple hardware it gets annoying quickly. Things like scroll wheel acceleration, which gives you the option of scrolling a quarter line or 10 lines at at time. No problem, you can just turn it off, right? Nope, that option was removed a few major releases ago and now you need third-party accessibility software.

I agree. I think some people use Linux to avoid paying Windows license fees or Apple's premium. There are tools only developed for Linux, but the opposite is also true for Windows and macOS. I've found most macOS apps follow Apple's core philosophy to be simple, aesthetically appealing, and easy to use. Can't say that for Linux packages (and to some extent, even Windows apps suck).

I view Linux mostly as an environment where you're free to do whatever you want, even shoot yourself in the foot. But I'd never recommend that to average Joe, for reasons such as the fact that this article exists.

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