Beginner friendly???
Not sure how to explain this to Linux users that post on Lemmy but we’re not the regular pc user and have a very different view on beginner friendly lol
I tried explaining to some of my non-technical friends what a "Linux distribution" is. Most don't quite understand what I mean by "operating system". I think we're in a bit of a bubble here.
Heck yeah. I usually have to explain what an OS is in the first place too. I usually use android versus iOS as an example. I feel kinda fortunate sometimes that my wife’s hobbies don’t line up with my own most of the time because it does keep my brain in check from falling into those bubbles. She appreciates having free tech support on hand of course lol
You need to KISS your explanation. Don't talk about OS's or even distros. Avoid the technical stuff, save that for later as they ask about it. Instead just tell them it looks different, but in the end works the same. And it does it without the hassle, bloat or cost of Microsoft.
This entire thread talking about how a distro is better than the next because you "only" have to update keyrings to update so even basic users should get it.
Yeah, one of the biggest reasons people won't try Linux isn't necessarily because it is difficult, but because it would require learning anything at all. Never underestimate how much effort a person is willing to make to avoid making an effort.
I recently swapped to Linux Mint and it really was not harder than Windows, and I know functionally nothing on how anything Linux related actually works.
And there is little to nothing to fear. The big bad terminal and command line isn't needed for day to day use anymore. It's been years since the last time I needed to compile anything. And if I ever do need to do that again, something is definitely wrong.
For daily use, you don't need the command line. Only in fairly rare instances do you need to resort to it when things go wrong. And those commands are a mere google away. So don't let the that big bad scary terminal stand in your way. It's not the stumbling block you think it is.
Then it's a habit not a fear. I also am comfortable with the cli since I started with Linux back at RedHat 5 and Mandrake 6. It was learn it or die in those days. But as time has passed, I find myself using it less and less because I don't really need it everyday. But while I might need to google a specific command because I forgot it, I still remember it's possible and handy.
Oh I’m not saying that it’s hard for us here. Most people don’t know that Mac and Windows are different if they aren’t in a tech position let alone know that Linux exists at all.
I’m talking about the general person on the street, it’s hard to remember that we don’t always fit into that group.