Linux

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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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what are pros and cons of linux? (programming.dev)

submitted 6 hours ago by steam@programming.dev to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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and what if any do you miss from windows?

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[–] folekaule@lemmy.world 7 points 3 hours ago

I can't think of a single thing I miss. I use Windows for work and it's a relief every evening when I can switch to my Linux desktop.

Linux Cons:

there is always some minor thing that doesn't work quite right, or it takes a lot of searching to find a fix. However this is true on Windows too
on a fast moving distro things can randomly break here and there, but usually are fixed fast
some games and apps won't work. Usually when they're trying to do something invasive. Be prepared to find an alternative (or dual boot)
some hardware doesn't work because the vendor doesn't provide drivers and no open source version exists. If they are actively blocking foss versions, they're a good candidate for the never buy list
no Copilot (/s)
if you want things to "just work" and you don't care about personalizing anything and you don't care about your privacy, you may happier on Windows or Mac because you can just take it to a shop and have them fix it. There are just more resources for an OS that commands 80% of the desktop market

Linux Pros:

my computer is mine and I can control everything
I can customize things much more than on Windows
I can upgrade when I'm ready and opt out of any shenanigans
Everything I care about works. I switched to open source for photo editing. There was a learning curve, though
software development, even with Microsoft tools (!), is just much nicer on Linux. You don't need WSL when it's already your OS

Workarounds:

I choose to not buy unsupported hardware
I choose to not buy unsupported software and games
I put vendors hostile to freedom on my never buy list (e.g. Adobe)
I have access to a Windows PC if I need it. But I have not needed it in the last year or so I've been full time on Linux

Not saying going full time Linux was necessarily easy (I gave up Adobe Lightroom and I can't play some AAA games) but I have no regrets. It was actually easier than I had feared.

It's like diet and exercise: it's not easy to change but you'll feel a lot better in the end.