Fraggle

There has been a shift happening in Linux distrobutions.

It used to feel like an invitation to explore. You installed it knowing you would read logs, edit configs, break things, and actually learn how your system worked. Now many distributions boot into polished desktops, curated app stores, and seamless updates. It is impressive, it is accessible and it is good for adoption. But it also creates distance between the user and the machine.

The real question is not whether polish is good or bad. It is whether we are still encouraged to look underneath. Linux was never just about freedom to run code. It was about understanding it. If everything becomes convenient and opaque, we risk losing the culture that made it powerful in the first place.

#Linux #OpenSource #FOSSCulture #Tinkering #Abstraction

Mar 3 at 5:38pmWeb
Show threadRaineer  ðŸ¦†Mar 3

@fraggle I think it helps to make linux more approachable to people who don't want the knowledge of all the underneath

not to sound exactly like the meme, but that's why there is Arch   You can learn exactly as much as you like about your underlying system, and you can customize it into any other distro you want

Show threadFraggleMar 4
@raineer My point is that Linux, FOSS and the culture is supposed to encourage deeper exploration and learning. Approach-ability doesn't have to equal non-incentive to explore.
Show threadI Quit SmokingMar 3
@fraggle Linux was and still is about freedom imho. Most Linux users aren't even aware of they're using Linux. Whether its interacting with a server, utilizing a kiosk, using an android phone / car, or indirectly using it via (iirc) most 5G modems. These use cases are possible thanks to the copyleft license.
Most people don't have deep knowledge about their devices, and that's how it should be. Digital technologies are mostly solutions, and good solutions shouldn't require expertise.
Show threadFraggleMar 4

@iquitsmoking Maybe I should have stated that I am speaking strictly about desktop Linux. Not IoT devices, internet backbone/hosting systems, modems, mobile devices, etc.

Linux does not require expertise to begin using, but I believe any distro, regardless of how user-friendly it is should encourage said user to look deeper, learn more and gain a better understanding of their system.

Not a single person starts with deep knowledge of anything, but they can be inspired to seek that knowledge.

Show threadb1_66erMar 3

@fraggle I'd say it is an invitation into your garden of linux

some people will peak through your houses windows and then ask if they can go have a look at the pictures in the living room

some will just sit on the porch and be happy looking at the flowers and drink the lemonade you gave them

some will look at the house and ask questions about the air conditioner and the air ducts and then you show them the attic and the glorious behind the scenes of your house

some will even start showing you their houses stuff and we both learn from each other

as long as we're having a blast together and no one burns the bbq I'm fine