privacy

Yeah, accessibility on Linux (depending on the distro) is a varied experience. For those with visual or hearing issues, there are distros that are far friendlier to those users. It can also be tricky to troubleshoot if you don't have a certain baseline of knowledge or know where to look. I have the ability to quickly find information that helps me troubleshoot any issues which have cropped up; still an average user, however, who can follow instructions fairly well.

The image of Linux and its distros seems like a daunting one; public perception has been warped to believe Linux is purely for programmers or high skill level nerds. Another issue that Linux suffers from is installation, since PCs that have Windows installed by default are so ubiquitous, and it seems like a complex task. There is also the issue of UEFI that is turned on by default in BIOS, which will prevent another OS from being installed (unless one knows how to get into BIOS and turn it off first). That's becoming less of an issue with PC sellers who install Linux by default and offer tech support for purchases made from them! They sell hardware configurations known to work with Linux, leading to fewer issues. They even have custom distros that they actively develop and contribute their code upstream to Linux as well. Software support is mostly better, but it isn't fully there yet to the point I could recommend Linux to any of my friends who aren't skilled technically. The Steam Deck made Linux Gaming better by existing, but the availability of games is still lacking in comparison to Windows. Windows being the default means more Game Devs target that OS over Linux.

It can be a nightmare; I know my return to Linux wasn't a walk in the park as I learned early on certain changes made Ubuntu feel daunting. However, I was able to overcome it through a combination of Canonical patching broken code and implementing solutions sourced from the Ubuntu Community at large. Unfortunately, the out of box experience varies too much for most people to actively use. Linux is not like Windows, which is mostly stable and can be installed on most machines that meet its requirements. Until distros can reach that level of polish through reverse engineering and forming partnerships with hardware companies who create firmware; the barriers to entry will remain numerous.