I’ve been using Linux since 1997 and have only had it fail me on one rare occasion. Considering how long I’ve been using it, that’s an impressive run. Imagine that you’ve managed to work with an operating system for almost 30 years and have had minor issues a few times and only one major problem.
This is a victory, no matter how you look at it.
No viruses, no malware and no forced updates that cause failures in the operating system.
However, during those first few years it wasn’t exactly easy. Since I installed Linux over Windows on my first PC, I had no choice but to learn the ins and outs of the operating system. Caldera Open Linux 1.0 and Red Hat Linux 5.2 weren’t exactly user-friendly.
Today is not yesterday
Today’s Linux is not the Linux of yesterday. Now, the platform is incredibly easy to use. You no longer have to need to use the command line. There is no need to compile your own kernel, write bash scripts, work with regular expressions, or install your own firmware.
It’s so simple now.
Considering this, why aren’t more people using Linux on the desktop?
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To give you an idea of the figures, last year… Linux overtook MacOS as the second most used operating system for games. If we add Linux to that Achieving a 4% market share worldwide in March 2024, and, well, the numbers may be something to celebrate, but there’s really not much to say. Hurrah! on.
Still…hooray!
My theory
Here’s the thing: Over the past few years, I’ve developed a theory about why Linux hasn’t conquered the desktop yet. All indications are that it should have. It’s free, it’s extraordinarily stable, secure, and easy to use, and it’s fun. Plus, most desktop use cases these days are centered around the web browser. That alone debunks the idea that a lack of apps is the problem that keeps so many people from using Linux.
So what’s the problem? Open source community, cover your ears (or eyes).
The problem is the lack of a representative version of Linux.
Listen to me.
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When someone asks me how to get started with Linux, they don’t need to hear an endless list of distributions to choose from. I don’t want to have to say something like, “You can try Ubuntu, Linux Mint, elementary OS, Zorin OS, or Ubuntu Budgie.” While that’s true, it can be overwhelming for someone who’s never seen the operating system in action.
Every Linux user has an opinion on which distribution is best suited for new users. Unfortunately, such a variety of opinions does not help the cause. About a decade ago, that very question led me to an idea that I believe would greatly benefit Linux.
Consider this: an “official” Linux distribution.
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Think about it. If there is a distribution that becomes the official one, a few things could happen.
First, there would be less confusion for new users. If someone wants to try Linux, they’ll turn to Official Linux (or whatever it’s called). That version of Linux would be easy to use, stable, receive TLS-level updates, and be geared toward (you guessed it) new users.
Second, companies that want to adapt their software or make their hardware available for Linux wouldn’t have to make it work with hundreds of distributions (or even just a few). They’d only have to work with a single version of Linux. That could mean even more software and hardware would be available for Linux.
Another added benefit would be that more companies would be willing to use Linux as their desktop operating system.
The Great Warning
The question is: which distribution should I use? Ubuntu? Linux Mintelementary operating system? Zorin operating system? Fedora?
This is where things get complicated. If you ask an Ubuntu user, of course, they will tell you that… official Linux distribution It should be Ubuntu. The same applies to all distributions and all users.
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To avoid this, I would suggest basing the official Linux distribution in Debian but with some tails from other distributions, such as:
- Standard users added to sudo group
- Both Snap and Flatpack support are built in
- User choice of web browser (even with a tool that allows them to easily switch)
- New software available
Once all of these elements are in place, distribution would be handled by a collective of users, developers, and corporations (such as Intel and AMD) with a vested interest in the success of this project. There would not be one person or company in charge of everything, to maintain a level of autonomy, so everything would be handled through a committee. There would also be corporate backing for things like marketing (such as TV ads).
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There may be concerns about the removal of choice and the public not realizing that Linux offers a world of choice. However, this official distribution It would be used to promote Linux and expand its reach. It wouldn’t be about squelching innovation or eliminating choice. Instead, it would be about reaching a much larger audience with an ease that Linux hasn’t enjoyed since its inception. In fact, Linux’s spread has been pretty bad since, well, the beginning.
It does not have to be this way.
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With a official distribution, Everyone would know where to direct new users, and businesses would find it much easier to support Linux.
What do you think, Linux community? Is this the way to help the open source operating system finally reach double-digit market share?