this post was submitted on 16 Oct 2023
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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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Compatibility with old hardware and hardware support in general is fairly good and traditionally Linux has been a lightweight solution to re-use hardware that otherwise might end up as e-waste. This doesn't mean it supports everything nor does it mean continuing to buy random windows hardware and hope is a reasonable strategy nor is it a failure of the overall ecosystem if the hardware you yourself purchased isn't supported.
For instance when I discovered linux back in 2003 I tried Linux on my existing hardware it happily worked. Since I liked how it worked so my next computer was purchased with Linux in mind. If that machine hadn't worked well but I liked how the software worked I would have done the same thing.
Since people with working computers don't bitch much forums are full of people at Linux Computer 1 bitching about how it doesn't work as if not supporting that singular machine as if continuing to use Linux would require them to continually purchase random hardware based on what was on sale at walmart that week and rolling the dice
It's funny you mention printers. Printers that are a "deal" usually aren't. More often than not they are of poor quality with ridiculous printing costs. 80 dollars now 800 dollars of the next 5 years before it breaks down.
Instead for a few dollars more I got a laser with great per unit costs good reliability and I ensured compatibility through the magical and technical art of googling the model number and the word Linux. It took longer to remove the packaging than configuration and it works great but then it wasn't like I picked it out by 1 factor I had several parameters to satisfy so I narrowed down the entire range of options in 15 minutes of research for a device I'll probably be using for 10 years.
Laser/double sided printing/reasonable speed/scanner/linux support/affordable toner/ ethernet support/good resolution/price range.
Good hardware support doesn't mean every cheap piece of shit you find in the reject pile in walmart will work perfectly because the support of free labor to build that support isn't infinite. F
Lastly making memes with photoshop doesn't make one an "advanced" user and most "advanced" usage doesn't require photoshop specifically.
If you're too fucking stupid to know who the actual users of Photoshop are and why moving to Linux doesn't work for them, brother, you can fuck off.
yes the point is that this is constantly brought up as if Photoshop was a staple of everyday computer use that was a vital missing piece of making Linux "ready for the desktop" instead of a professional tool by its nature primarily used by a minority. Of course if you are an artist and use windows/mac software to make money you probably shouldn't bother with Linux but random bob kid who uses pirated photoshop to make memes can probably learn to make memes with gimp considering one can copy crop and put text on images fairly easy.