Stop making Linux distributions, make applications instead
Stop making Linux distributions, make applications instead
There is a discussion on Hacker News, but feel free to comment here as well.
I'd generally agree.
We have enough distros, most of which are just spins of others.
We really need more polish for existing apps and new apps. Things like waydroid as an example for instance are making an impact
The good news though is that things are getting a lot better.
While we are at it: A well designed UI is nothing bad.
Like what
This is the thing, I think desktop Linux has everything I need and the edges cases I can script. I find most tools much more useful to use on the cli. Web stuff is usually provided via a browser and some sort of application running within the browser.
The only thing Id prefer a UI for is image/video editing, and while the tools for Linux for these usually aren't as pretty, they are usually more functional.
If I can't change some software when I need too, this annoys me, which is why I use Linux. Slick apps with pretty UI and really well defined UX while nice, are normally very restrictive by design...
Most people who don't care about the level of functionality and customisation I'm thinking of, normally don't venture beyond the web anyway, so having mint and an up to date browser is likely a nicer experience for them than other OSes.
Or they're using a phone, which to be fair does currently need work with Linux...
+1 90% of apps people use are web browsers or native apps that still require internet to function. Fighting the good fight is gonna take a lot more than a few bored devs taking on a desktop Linux side project or two. Unfortunately accomplishing and keeping up with the scope, utility, and usability that freedom violating proprietary applications provide requires the resources and hierarchy of a large organization. We need well funded non profit organizations and government sponsored free software more than we need a few weekend GitHub contributors pushing PRs to their 56 star library. (As much as I, a developer, love and appreciate those 56 star libraries)
i have to say, i am enjoying the flatpak model.. eeeasy peasy for us converts.