It’s important to distinguish between Linux the operating system kernel, and the complete system of GNU+Linux+various graphical interfaces sometimes called “Linux”.
The Linux kernel can also be used with other userspaces, eg. Busybox or Android, and it’s very popular in these combinations on embedded systems and phones/tablets respectively. GNU+Linux is popular on servers. The only area where Linux is unsuccessful is desktops, so it’s unfortunate that desktop use is so salient when people talk about “Linux”.
Linus only works on the kernel itself, and that’s making great progress towards taking over the world.
Yes, I used to work for RMS; I am well aware of the difference. I should also note that most of the systems you mention use proprietary kernel modules; it would be better if they didn’t, and perhaps if Linus’s attitude were different, there would be more interest in fixing the problem.
Also, desktops are where I spend most of my time, so I think they still matter a lot.
I use GNU+Linux on the desktop myself, and I share RMS’s goals, although I’m willing to make bigger compromises for the sake of practicality than him. Linus does not share RMS’s goals, so my point is that from Linus’s point of view his management techniques are highly effective.
The only area where Linux is unsuccessful is desktops, so it’s unfortunate that desktop use is so salient when people talk about “Linux”.
Pure hypothesis: Linux being unsuccessful on desktops is not a coincidence, because Linux is written in a low-empathy environment, but writing UI for the general public means that you don’t get to blame users when they don’t like your software.
Possible test: Firefox is fairly good open source software for the general public. What’s the culture at Mozilla/Firefox like for the programmers?
Pure hypothesis: Linux being unsuccessful on desktops is not a coincidence, because Linux is written in a low-empathy environment
Um. The claim by novalis is that the Linux kernel is written in a “low-empathy” environment. The kernel has nothing to do with UI which, along with most applications, is quite separate. Linus has no influence over UI design or user-friendliness in general.
There are two main GUI environments on Linux—Gnome and KDE. I don’t know what the atmosphere is for developers inside these organizations. I think there is a fair amount of infighting and office politics, but I have no clue if they are polite and tactful about it.
It’s evidence in the same sense that the name of product like Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector is evidence that this face cream laser focuses your wrinkles and corrects your UV damage 8-/
“Ubuntu”, by the way, means a lot more than friendliness.
It’s important to distinguish between Linux the operating system kernel, and the complete system of GNU+Linux+various graphical interfaces sometimes called “Linux”.
The Linux kernel can also be used with other userspaces, eg. Busybox or Android, and it’s very popular in these combinations on embedded systems and phones/tablets respectively. GNU+Linux is popular on servers. The only area where Linux is unsuccessful is desktops, so it’s unfortunate that desktop use is so salient when people talk about “Linux”.
Linus only works on the kernel itself, and that’s making great progress towards taking over the world.
Yes, I used to work for RMS; I am well aware of the difference. I should also note that most of the systems you mention use proprietary kernel modules; it would be better if they didn’t, and perhaps if Linus’s attitude were different, there would be more interest in fixing the problem.
Also, desktops are where I spend most of my time, so I think they still matter a lot.
I use GNU+Linux on the desktop myself, and I share RMS’s goals, although I’m willing to make bigger compromises for the sake of practicality than him. Linus does not share RMS’s goals, so my point is that from Linus’s point of view his management techniques are highly effective.
Pure hypothesis: Linux being unsuccessful on desktops is not a coincidence, because Linux is written in a low-empathy environment, but writing UI for the general public means that you don’t get to blame users when they don’t like your software.
Possible test: Firefox is fairly good open source software for the general public. What’s the culture at Mozilla/Firefox like for the programmers?
Um. The claim by novalis is that the Linux kernel is written in a “low-empathy” environment. The kernel has nothing to do with UI which, along with most applications, is quite separate. Linus has no influence over UI design or user-friendliness in general.
There are two main GUI environments on Linux—Gnome and KDE. I don’t know what the atmosphere is for developers inside these organizations. I think there is a fair amount of infighting and office politics, but I have no clue if they are polite and tactful about it.
You know what Ubuntu is named after, BTW?
Yes, I do, though I don’t see the relevance.
(Evidence about whether the Ubuntu people are ‘friendly’.)
It’s evidence in the same sense that the name of product like Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector is evidence that this face cream laser focuses your wrinkles and corrects your UV damage 8-/
“Ubuntu”, by the way, means a lot more than friendliness.