... but it helps.
this post was submitted on 25 Dec 2025
99 points (91.6% liked)
Linux
10789 readers
983 users here now
A community for everything relating to the GNU/Linux operating system (except the memes!)
Also, check out:
Original icon base courtesy of lewing@isc.tamu.edu and The GIMP
founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
Some people want to deworm slowly.
Free and open software
Not locked to a certain platform of development
Normies just realize this
The only downside of Linux is that it isn't supported by some proprietary software people might need.
If you already use open source software, what's the point in running Windows?
That its a familiar operating system that people know how to use and dont need to learn how to install, and doesn't come with new challenges to figure out or the occasional issue they won't know how to resolve
For those of us who have been using linux for ages and had the technical ability to make the switch its easy to forget how daunting that can be for an average end user who just wants their computer to work when they need it to and ignore any of the finer details
I think there's value in speaking to folks who might have an interest in Foss but are intimidated to take the leap to linux outright, and remind folks they can always try new programs within the familiar environment of their existing os :)
I used plenty of open source software before I switched, sometimes, VLC is just the best program in it's class. Also makes the jump easier when you already mostly use FOSS, and makes the windows user want to switch more. Baby steps can be good for sure.
I feel this kind of messaging is infinitely more effective in reaching new people than all the linux stuff aimed at people who made the switch comfortably 30+ years ago from a position of a fair bit of technical competence
Thanks for posting this for anyone who might have been overwhelmed at the prospect of installing a new OS altogether, but was interested and wanted to find ways to dip their toes in the water or take baby steps :)
You gotta take it slow sometimes ;)
Its always nice seeing your posts around sunshine, if you celebrate it I hope you have a lovely Christmas. If you don't, or celebrate something else, I hope your day is lovely all the same ❤️
Caption
Tap for spoiler
Headline reaction: Oh, I wonder if this is about using a desktop BSD?
After reading: It's about an app repo for Windows and many of the apps you can get on Windows.
How much can one trust this Ninite thing? Sounds like the thing I want for work for easier Windows client management.
I've used Ninite for years on fresh installs for programs if I'm not doing enterprise stuff - all you do is pick which programs you want, it spits out an installer, and then you run it and it loads everything up, no sweat.
Ninite was a lifesaver each time I did a windows fresh install, until recently, but I think everyone knows what happened. My point is I never ran into any problems with Ninite and it saved me a lot of time back in the day.
edit: typo
until recently, but I think everyone knows what happened
What? I don't, what happened? Did Ninite become sketchy?
Although it took me a long time to switch to linux as my daily driver I did move most all of my applications to open source way back in the aughts. portable apps was super helpful in enabling this and actually the biggest thing that would be helpful to me in linux is something similar as it makes getting a new system up and running a breeze. appman with appimages is pretty close but it needs a nice gui and to default with using local home and config folders. there is a gui project but their library is not as well done as appman. I need to hit them up suggesting they use appman as their software manager and just concern themselves with the gui part as appman has pretty much solved that part. I sorta wish appimage had defaulted to local directories as without them you might as well use something more like flatpak.
That seems to be a bit misinformed. There are some pieces of software that work on Linux, but just stick with FOSS, even if you download it yourself off of the internet (from the official sites too).
Lol what