Linux offers users too many options and that is its biggest weakness

Let’s get this out of the way: Linux doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. Any discussion of Linux’s lack of success refers strictly to the desktop operating system market. By all other metrics, Linux is king of the hill. When it comes to servers, scientific supercomputers, billions of phones, and other embedded systems, Linux is the operating system of choice.

It’s about the mission to become a true alternative to Microsoft Windows and macOS. It only matters if you think that goal is important. I think it’s important because we desperately need an option that isn’t closed off like macOS or cluttered and AI-infected like Windows. I have written before that If Linux is going to prosper, some distributions have to die.. This was not a popular opinion to say the least, but I think it was also misunderstood. The variety of options that Linux brings to the table is its greatest technical strength, but it is also a large part of its inability to penetrate the mainstream.

Linux’s biggest selling point is also its biggest problem

The more the better?

You have to look at this from the perspective of the people who need to adopt or switch to Linux to have a significant interest in desktop computing. That means taking off our computer geek hats and looking at a computer like the average person does. The type of person who is not interested in a computer for its own sake, but only cares about it as a means to achieve something else. How to buy a vintage record player on Facebook Marketplace.

The operating system only matters to the extent that it makes it easier or harder for them to do what they want to do. If they want to play video games, then a Mac or Linux installation is probably not an option. yes you can I play on both operating systems (my Mac runs Baldur’s Gate 3 like a champ) but they present much more friction than Windows.

When it comes to tolerance for fiddling to run a game, Windows users rank only slightly above console gamers. Who can blame them? The goal is to play, not spend all day modifying text files and downloading patches for a compatibility layer.

Think about your own relationship with Linux. Is Linux useful software that allows you to do the things you need, or is your hobby playing with Linux itself?

Most computer users don’t want to make decisions about the operating system.

I just want to send emails!

Credit:

Lucas Gouveia / How-To Geek

I think it’s easy to underestimate how little friction it takes for the average person to tune out, move on, or lose interest. For someone to overcome friction, they need motivation. People who design computer interfaces (or surveys) are well aware of this. It’s part of the science behind dark patterns. Something as simple as framing something as opt-in or opt-out can influence compliance.

An opt-out framework eliminates just a little bit of friction, making it more likely that someone will simply stick with the decision you made, even when it’s a serious decision like becoming an organ donor! If the box is already checked, you may not feel motivated enough to uncheck it.

This may not have a huge impact on an individual level, but when we’re talking about population-level numbers (like millions and millions of computer users), then a little friction goes a long way.

Fragmentation creates real friction

So how much friction does the average person face if they want to switch to Linux? Well, there you have the first example: they have to want to switch to Linux. Microsoft has been doing a great job creating this desire by ruining its own operating system, but the impact remains minimal among the “regulars.”

Assuming our average user wants to use Linux, the next friction comes from being tech-savvy enough to install a new operating system on a computer, something most computer users don’t have or have experience with. If they get past this hurdle, they’ll have to go through the nightmare of choosing a distribution.

If you think choice paralysis is bad when trying to choose what to watch on Netflix, that’s nothing compared to choosing a Linux distribution. Even if you only look at popular or “beginner” distributions (Which I don’t think is a real thing.), there are dozens.

The “Windows versus Linux” debate is a waste of time – here’s a better approach

It’s not Windows versus Linux, it’s Windows and Linux.

Remember that this person just wants a working computer. They don’t want to try six different distributions, but they’re probably also terrified of choosing the “wrong” one.

Going to the Internet and the Linux expert community is not very helpful. I’ve read your comments on my articles, you guys can’t even decide things between yourselves, let alone give compelling advice to someone who just wants to prevent their Windows 10 PC from becoming e-waste prematurely.

No, you can tout user choice and that “git gud” attitude toward Linux all you want, that’s not going to move the needle. ever. Again, if you don’t think Linux is the OS for everyone and just want to stick with just your Terminal, that’s fine.

If you do If we want Linux to become a mainstream operating system for everyday computer users, then we need a distribution (like Zorin, Ubuntu, Mint, etc.) that steps up and becomes mainstream. We need computer OEMs to offer those distributions as an option on their computers, that are compatible and work without problems. The only option anyone should have is to click on “Windows” or “Linux” and if an option shaves $100 off the price of the computer, even better.