this post was submitted on 14 Oct 2025
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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I hosted an endof10.org event at my local public library. Advertised like crazy, posting flyers around town, posting online, etc. I had over 30 USB installers ready to go with Debian 13. I was worried that I was advertising too much and wouldn't have room for everyone.
Only 2 people showed up, and neither were prepared to go through with an install. In a town with well over 70k people and a major university, I expected more.
Now I'm thinking an event like this would only be viable in a major metropolitan area.
In my circle of friends and family, I only knew of one person who was faced with the Windows 10 dilemma, and he chose to purchase new hardware (granted he's nearly 80 years old).
The crazy thing is that Windows 11 may feel more foreign than Linux Mint would have. It depends what he uses his computer for. My guess is the web and maybe printing.
Yeah nobody in real life really cares about this. Anyone techie enough has already replaced their system and runs Win11, or has already switched to Linux themselves.
Anyone not techie enough doesn't care and will continue using Win10 (or just follow the Windows nagging and buy a new PC from Best Buy).
Yeah....and I think there's also a chunk of the non-techie population who are getting by with just their phones now.
Unfortunately the average person doesn't care about this stuff. Good on you for putting on the time and effort though.
Why Debian? Why not Mint?
No offense, but this question is what is holding many people back that would otherwise be on the fence or ready to go.
If there were just Mac / Windows / Linux, it would be an easy sell.
But we have Mac / Windows / two million Linux flavors.
It does not matter which one you pick, it is bound to cause questions or issues. And once you've chosen a Linux flavor, someone asks you why you chose that desktop and not foobar9000 instead which everyone knows runs much better on your Linux flavor anyway.
I honestly think that Linux' biggest enemy is Linux. Sure, choice is good, but this is too much. Way too much.
While I agree with you, my question implied that Debian might not be the right choice for beginners. It's not that easy to use compared to Mint that comes with many quality of life features which makes it the perfect introduction to Linux.
All the important software is there, you have all the necessary codecs to play the most popular media files, you have an easy to use software store with a friendly interface, and you don't have any complicated concepts like immutable or atomic OS.