I'm worried. What shall become of our favorite operating system? I honestly don't know, but it sure feel like it's not going to be good, not in the desktop space. If you feel like reading a bit more, take a look at my most recent OCS-Mag article. http://www.ocsmag.com/2016/07/13/linux-2017-the-road-to-hell/ Cheers, Mrk
Thanks Mrk for your Linux insights. You are definitely a force in spreading, improving & enjoying Linux.
The only real way to get consistency across the desktop nowadays is to use KDE/plasma. At least there applications have options in the same place, the same general layout, the same menus (where possible), the same type of settings dialogs, the same popup dialogs, icons are similar throughout, etc etc. I say this myself using Openbox and a number of XFCE components. I like where plasma is going but just have never been a fan of using it on Arch. And when it comes to consistency across distros, that will never happen. Every distro has its own way and I think its almost a matter of pride at this point. I like how Arch's packages are laid out, ease to compile with makepkg, etc. I also like Debian's approach with unattended-upgrades (on stable for security updates), synaptic package manager, massive repos, etc. As long as we can get consistency in some areas (for example, vulcan support), some consistent technologies (steam), and can provide an application development consistency for proprietary vendors (flatpak?)- we will be set. The biggest problem is the idea that lingers of Linux being hard to use, and of making people aware why embracing it is a good idea (see how quick microsoft changed its spying crap if tomorrow 40% of the population decided to use Linux).
Agreed. GNOME ***** up everybody when they update, specially in the icon area. I was using MATE, but I had to completely drop it if I wanted to continue using Arch, because the themes and icons are all screwed up.
Hope the situation improves.I dont particularly wish to use another operating system and windows is certainly never an option again.
Mrk has a new desktop to review - Budgie - it seems to be a new shell running atop GNOME. Just like Cinnamon was a fork of GNOME Shell and evolved into a desktop in its own right.
The new Solus OS uses it as its default desktop. Mrk did do an initial review of it and didn't like it but its been massively improved and is a very nice interface running atop GNOME 3. Btw, its now unofficial Ubuntu flavor in Ubuntu Budgie Remix. Now you can run it in Ubuntu. My impression is that its like Elementary Operating System in borrowing the famous Plank but the latter is a different desktop environment, not GNOME 3.
I tried it in the past, the early versions were buggy. Well, we will see what gives. The problem isn't this or that desktop - it's the random changes and regressions in EVERY desktop. Mrk
There's Lubuntu, Xubuntu, Kubuntu, Ubuntu GNOME, Ubuntu MATE and the soon to be ported Bubuntu. More than enough desktop environments for every taste and need, including of course Ubuntu itself with Unity.
That was an interesting article and there is some heated discussion afterward. So then, is Linux a viable and stable alternative for those who would like to move away from Windows? I guess it varies from user-to-user since everyone's needs are different. I am trying to learn to work with it, I would rather have a solid no-frills OS that generally works across the board, that something cutting-edge that may be prone to break. Trouble is, I am adept with Windows, but once I install Linux, I have to do google searches to learn how to perform just the most basic tasks after install. (How to create a "my computer" icon on the desktop for example), nevermind the more advanced config process. While i'm here I may as well ask a question too: is there anything like Classic Shell for Linux? In Windows i'm used to seeing just what I want to on the start menu, with Linux the start menu is cluttered with things I don't need/care to see, i'm used to having control over this thanks
Mint Cinnamon is very much like a traditional Windows style UI. MATE is also similar. Both are very easy to use and get along with.
How do you mean? Meaning I should know it's obvious how to do it, or I should know it's not possible on Linux? I've got a few distros in vms I work with once or twice a month a little, but I wind up hopping back to windows because I can get down to using the computer rather than learning how to make it run. I got used to seeing only what I want on the start menu under Windows, so it catches my eye that I see all these elements on the Linux start menu that I don't want or need
For crying out loud, in Cinnamon, you can download the CinnXP theme, apply it and forget you're running Linux.
Menus -and everything else- under Linux are so configurable you won't need any third party apps. That's not learning Linux, that's wasting time once or twice a month. Then just stay with Windows.
I don't think you can ever forget you're running Linux. I could never understand the idea that a Windows like theme can make a distro more user friendly.