all of those people who have tried Linux, only to find that it was not meeting with their needs and now feels strongly that it is just a complete waste of time? Even worse, some of these folks take their 15 minutes of experience and attempt to paint a picture that desktop Linux is something that it is not? How big of a problem is this? Answer - big. Sadly, I have found that we still live in a world where the following beliefs remain common.
- Software compiled - Complete and utter nonsense. Any distro worth using, has its own software package system. Debian based distros such as Ubuntu, allows their users to EASY install software simply by clicking it from sources like GetDeb.net or add/remove in the distro itself.
- Lack of drivers for hardware - Again, not true. Actually, despite many people refusing to realize this, today’s desktop Linux distros using modern kernels have better hardware support than the “other guys” out of the box. This is not saying that it is going to run the latest gaming pad designed for Windows, rather that most peripherals will indeed, work just fine in Linux these days. I say this as I use a LOT of peripherals myself.
- Linux is too difficult for most people - I would counter that in saying without Windows IT help or Mac Geniuses, setting up any computer is too hard for most people. Managed right, Linux is actually painfully simple to use. The key, is the guy maintaining the distro for the end user….sort of like the PC repair guy.
Users are welcome to hate the themes, desktop environments and even the software. All of that is a legitimate complaint based on aesthetics or legacy needs. But the above data is a fact. I live with all three items each and everyday. I see the proof of them all of the time.