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this post was submitted on 20 Oct 2025
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Linux
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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There will always be newbie-oriented distros as well as ones for experienced/professional users. It's alright if the former will go towards simplification, as long as we have plenty more keeping the tinkering spirit.
Besides, each and every distro has a powerful tool that can help you do everything: the terminal. No one limits you there, and unlike in Windows, terminal is heavily and commonly used.
And back in the day we had CMD that was pretty powerful. Things are great now but if Linux sees a huge flock of new users, and they become the status quo then we could be in trouble.
Worst case scenario: widows goes tits-up and everybody flocks to Linux. Solid ground for a potential commerical swing to happen.
Terminal is the only thing that is pretty much universal in all distributions. It is too essential to lose relevance. Besides, even when giving advice to new users, you can either list settings for each specific DE and possibly distribution, or you can just give a terminal command.
All I'm saying is don't get comfortable and complacent in what we have now. A sudden flood of funding can do wonders to enshitify something good.