The Late Night Linux FamilyShould we try to convert Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) users into "proper" native desktop Linux users? If so, how?
(Please note that your replies may be read out and discussed on an episode of Late Night Linux)
NiceMicro@LateNightLinux I have a feeling, that most WSL users are using WSL because they are working on a computer that is not theirs but their employer's, and their employer wants them to use Windows.
I don't think that many people on WSL could move to the desktop Linux.
realist@nicemicro @LateNightLinux that was my exact use case in the past.
stdevel@LateNightLinux I think everybody should use that tool that matches their requriements best.
If you need to stick to Windows and just want to have a proper shell for running some applications, WSL should be fine, right? Seems easier to handle than Cygwin back then in the old days.
If you need to stick to Windows and just want to have a proper shell for running some applications, WSL should be fine, right? Seems easier to handle than Cygwin back then in the old days.
dodothedev🦤💻If they use it, they enjoy it and like it then yes. If they only have it for one thing in the background but otherwise don't use it, they probably wouldn't convert.
Patrick Wu 
@LateNightLinux could try, but that would be hard. Although I am one of them that got converted, I already have been dual booting Linux and have an old laptop running Linux already at the time. Most people use WSL because there are things that only runs in Linux and it is hard for them to step out of the comfort zone.
But if trying to convert, I think just make sure they are not using way too niche software or playing games that cannot run on Linux; Running lightweight WM or DE on WSL could be a great introduction to WSL people, with xfce and KDE a good starting point (although not sure KDE is able to run on WSL right now, literally no longer use Windows except testing with WSL)
Minami-o le sabreur@LateNightLinux Oh, it never occurred to me that WSL users could be anything else than Linux users already!
I mean, I only understand WSL as a poweruser tool, and in my views, no poweruser would first try the ersatz (in that it has limitations, is not easy to set up, etc.), and then only the “real thing” - but I understand this might just be me and my ways…
To get back to the question, I’ve long stopped trying to convert anyone, so I personally wouldn’t go any further than mentioning once or twice that it could make sense to try the “real thing”.
I mean, I only understand WSL as a poweruser tool, and in my views, no poweruser would first try the ersatz (in that it has limitations, is not easy to set up, etc.), and then only the “real thing” - but I understand this might just be me and my ways…
To get back to the question, I’ve long stopped trying to convert anyone, so I personally wouldn’t go any further than mentioning once or twice that it could make sense to try the “real thing”.
Justin 🇻🇦@LateNightLinux WSL -> trying out distros in VMs > dual booting > using Linux full time
Patrick@LateNightLinux No. I don’t think #WSL users need people trying to convince them to ditch #Windows.
WSL is great, and if they use it loads they’re likely to move on their own to #Linux desktop.
But if they only need it a little, then people being an annoying purist about Linux won’t make them switch and might even sour them on WSL.
Mike Stone@LateNightLinux For work, I'm pretty much stuck with Windows, but I use WSL HEAVILY. If you're using WSL, you're not in the "normie" category of user. We just need to point out Linux has gotten so easy to use since I started with it back in the 90s there's very little a WSL user can't do with a standard desktop Linux install. Cloud apps like Office 365 and native apps mean virtually all bases are covered, except annoying ads built in and crazy LLMs telling us lies masquerading as facts.
@LateNightLinux Whether we SHOULD try to convert them is a little bit more nuanced. People like their tools, and they like what's comfortable to them. I think it's a bad idea to put pressure on people to switch. You push and they're going to push back. The best way to get someone to switch is just give them a taste of FOMO. If they see your computer running smoothly, easily, and without ads or crazy AI tools mucking up your workflow, that could be all it takes to get them to consider switching.
Flynn Mandrake@LateNightLinux
Not possible. Completely different use case
Not possible. Completely different use case