Why Linux is not ready for the desktop (2024)

"What's worse, you can just as easily run them under Windows' WSL. So what's the point of having Linux installed on your computer in the first place?". To me it doesn't matter if I am running an application in a slightly less efficient manner. The reason I run the app on linux is because i want control over my computer. You will never get that with Microsoft and Apple.

The fact that everything I want works well and the UI/UX is decades ahead is just a bonus.

Re: Why Linux is not ready for the desktop (2024)

#5

Post by happymellon » Sun, Jul 05, 2026, 3:54 PM UTC

This is absolute nonsense that highlights a complete ignorance of Linux, and classifying a certain strategy by most modern distros as a fundamental flaw that would prevent anything from ever being cross compatible.

I have plenty of 3rd party applications that weren't provided as part of my distro, didn't require recompiling, and have worked fine over generations of Linux.

I've also had Android games purchased as part of a Humble Bundle that now don't run on modern Android, so the logic is completely backwards.

I didn't get much further than the second paragraph before I just walked away. It was painful reading.

Re: Why Linux is not ready for the desktop (2024)

#6

Post by itvision » Tue, Jul 07, 2026, 12:11 PM UTC

happymellon wrote: post #5

This is absolute nonsense that highlights a complete ignorance of Linux, and classifying a certain strategy by most modern distros as a fundamental flaw that would prevent anything from ever being cross compatible. I have plenty of 3rd party applications that weren't provided as part of my distro, didn't require recompiling, and have worked fine over generations of Linux. I've also had Android games purchased as part…

What's "absolute nonsense" in that? The author here.

Been running Linux exclusively for close to three decades now.

> I have plenty of 3rd party applications that weren't provided as part of my distro, didn't require recompiling, and have worked fine over generations of Linux.

Ah, exceptions once again. So dear to the heart of a Linux fan.

> I've also had Android games purchased as part of a Humble Bundle that now don't run on modern Android, so the logic is completely backwards.

How is this relevant at all?

> I didn't get much further than the second paragraph before I just walked away. It was painful reading.

I thought so. "Didn't read but object"

Re: Why Linux is not ready for the desktop (2024)

#7

Post by itvision » Tue, Jul 07, 2026, 12:14 PM UTC

Kim_Bruning wrote: post #2

2024... It's a parody site, right?

What's "parody" in there?

This article is well researched and I can vouch for every sentence in there.

Re: Why Linux is not ready for the desktop (2024)

#8

Post by itvision » Tue, Jul 07, 2026, 12:15 PM UTC

MrDrMcCoy wrote: post #3

So many bad takes and misunderstandings of the issues, all reinforced by an AI telling these fools what they want to hear.

I authored the entire piece without using AI.

The article has been maintained since 2009 actually.

What AI could write it 17 years ago? Please enlighten me.

What's "bad takes"?

Re: Why Linux is not ready for the desktop (2024)

#9

Post by itvision » Tue, Jul 07, 2026, 12:17 PM UTC

Fizz43 wrote: post #4

"What's worse, you can just as easily run them under Windows' WSL. So what's the point of having Linux installed on your computer in the first place?". To me it doesn't matter if I am running an application in a slightly less efficient manner. The reason I run the app on linux is because i want control over my computer. You will never get that with Microsoft and Apple. The fact that everything I want works well and t…

> The reason I run the app on linux is because i want control over my computer.

The article is not about "control" but usability and applicability to the average Joe.

> You will never get that with Microsoft and Apple.

And 99.99% people don't need that. What they need is being able to run their favorite applications - the reason why Linux sucks.

> The fact that everything I want works well and the UI/UX is decades ahead is just a bonus.

Anecdotal evidence and IMO. Nothing new.