Why Linux (Still) Sucks (And What We Can Do To Fix It)


Recommended Posts

I have to agree with everything in the video.

What a mindless anti-productive effort such as multiple sound systems?

:no:

Linux is not a viable alternative unless it address Adobe's issues so that Adobe Flash for Linux would have hardware acceleration.

You don't really undesratdnd how memory management works and what using memory means do you ?

what's the point of having 2, 4,8 or more Gigs of ram if you're not going to use it ? Windows does use it, but if something else needs it, like photoshop, it will release it, in fact it doesn't even need to release it so you don't even lose that nanosecond. It simply tags the memory as usable, and whatever program needs the memory will overwrite it.

Yeh I do, you have memory for storing parts of program code, and data, etc.

So you think it's GOOD that if you boot into windows 7 with 24GB of RAM that it starts with 20GB in use already?

I'm not going to argue, but you really are showing off how much of a plonker/idiot you are.

Yeh I do, you have memory for storing parts of program code, and data, etc.

So you think it's GOOD that if you boot into windows 7 with 24GB of RAM that it starts with 20GB in use already?

I'm not going to argue, but you really are showing off how much of a plonker/idiot you are.

Actually, you again showed off that, not only do you not understand memory management, you also don't understand caching.

To start of with, you should learn the difference of "in use" and "cached". that's if you actually want to learn and be a productive IT person.

oh yeah, Good job on the whole "when you can't win an argument, start calling names and walk the other way saying you don't need to prove whatever you're trying to claim".

If Vista used 1.5GB of ram, I'm going to guess it's a 2GB system

That means that your uber optimized awesomeness linux system currently IS NOT using 1.6GB of ram. to put it another way, you're wasting almost 3/4ths of your ram.

Way to go.

Actually, its a 3GB system.

Jeebus, these threads always bring out the MS fanboys.

Actually, its a 3GB system.

Jeebus, these threads always bring out the MS fanboys.

So I'm an MS fanboy because I don't support your FUD?

I use whatever OS works for the job and does the job the best way and easiest.

When you sprout BS about memory usage showing you don't even understand how the memory management and pre caching works, you can't go and blame everyone who doesn't agree with you a fanboy, then you'll have to call the linux people who actually know what they're talking about MS fanboys as well.

So I'm an MS fanboy because I don't support your FUD?

I use whatever OS works for the job and does the job the best way and easiest.

When you sprout BS about memory usage showing you don't even understand how the memory management and pre caching works, you can't go and blame everyone who doesn't agree with you a fanboy, then you'll have to call the linux people who actually know what they're talking about MS fanboys as well.

If you don't mind me asking what was the last distro you used?

So I'm an MS fanboy because I don't support your FUD?

I use whatever OS works for the job and does the job the best way and easiest.

When you sprout BS about memory usage showing you don't even understand how the memory management and pre caching works, you can't go and blame everyone who doesn't agree with you a fanboy, then you'll have to call the linux people who actually know what they're talking about MS fanboys as well.

Okay, I guess I am Linux user that doesn't know what they're talking about. I haven't been using it exclusively for 3+ years. I also don't support 300+ Debian servers on a daily basis.

What exactly is your problem? Are you bringing out your internet tough guy card?

@ markjensen

You use Virtualbox much? Any idea how to get the Microphone to work in it? Windows Host, Ubuntu Guest. Vmware Player supported the Mic, but not 3D acceleration. So I swithced to Virtualbox, but it appears the Mic doesn't work.

Actually, no. I dislike virtualization because of the very problems that you bring up. The additional hardware abstraction layer in the middle causes problems.

I used virtualization when I was helping with Neowin's Shift Linux, but other than that, it is just a toy for me to play with on rare occasion.

...

Linux is not a viable alternative unless it address Adobe's issues so that Adobe Flash for Linux would have hardware acceleration.

How is "Linux" going to fix Adobe's closed-source Flash? :blink:

People can ask Adobe, and even put a "pretty please" in there. But, it is Adobe's code; Adobe's responsibility. The Open Source community has alternatives like Gnash, but it is nowhere near as compatible with the flash out there as it needs to be. :no:

Here's what this thread should be:

Why you should use whatever OS suits your needs.

Answer:

No one freaking cares. Use what works for you.

I'm getting tired of seeing this come up again and again. I don't care if anyone else uses linux or how much of the market it has. And I especially don't care why people don't like it.

  • Like 2

If you don't mind me asking what was the last distro you used?

Well just now recently, Ubuntu, PCLOS and OpenSuse.

on that note, I particularly liked how openSure suicided after I ran an update causing it to refuse to boot at all. back to PCLOS, it's the one with the least bugs.

Okay, I guess I am Linux user that doesn't know what they're talking about. I haven't been using it exclusively for 3+ years. I also don't support 300+ Debian servers on a daily basis.

What exactly is your problem? Are you bringing out your internet tough guy card?

Then how come you don't udnerstand the difference between memory in use and cached memory.

and why do you compare memory in use + cached memory in windows with just memory in use on linux then ?

are you just purposely tryign to spread fud then ?

...And I especially don't care why people don't like it.

+1 Rep for that.

I think constructive criticism is good, in fact, needed for a product to improve. I just don't see the point in a hate-fest.

Could be worse, though. This could be an Apple or Adobe (or Sony, or...) thread!

+1 Rep for that.

I think constructive criticism is good, in fact, needed for a product to improve. I just don't see the point in a hate-fest.

Could be worse, though. This could be an Apple or Adobe (or Sony, or...) thread!

Unfortunately a lot of linux people also ignore that there are very real problems with linux. Even in responses to this video there are people claiming that there are no problems even with the mess that is audio systems.

Heck in PCLOS, it had found my audio and installed driver and everything, but no audio, if I checked the checkbox to use pulse instead, then I got audio, but the max volume I got was 10% of what it should have been.

as for diversity, it's ok to want diversity. But having as many distro's as there are now is only hearting everyone by spreading talent too thin. keep one super user friendly distro like ubuntu, one pro/bleeding edge distro in the vein of fedor, and one gentoo/arch/slackware DIY distro.

And then make sure there is a common library and that EVERYTHING works across them all, one package manager that install correctly on them all.

and they need to make accelerated desktops just work. so far I've been through everything from just not working, to distro's that seem to have two accelerated desktops that aren't aware of each other and will "fight" causing things to go really bad. Especially bad when you have the themeing linux users pride themselves on, and turnign on accelerated desktops suddenly change you to another theme engine that grabs themes from somewhere else. But it doesn't replace the theme selector in the "control panel".

Basically though, people just need to realize that blind loyalty isn't helping anyone, least of all themselves.

You're not disloyal if you point out the flaws in your own system

and your're not a fanboy of the competition if you do point out the flaw in whatever system you're currently using.

Here's what this thread should be:

Why you should use whatever OS suits your needs.

Answer:

No one freaking cares. Use what works for you.

I'm getting tired of seeing this come up again and again. I don't care if anyone else uses linux or how much of the market it has. And I especially don't care why people don't like it.

Then don't click the threads. It is that easy.

Here's what this thread should be:

Why you should use whatever OS suits your needs.

Answer:

No one freaking cares. Use what works for you.

I'm getting tired of seeing this come up again and again. I don't care if anyone else uses linux or how much of the market it has. And I especially don't care why people don't like it.

I'm assuming the underlying reason why people would care about GNU/Linux is due to how much support and applications will be available in the future. Right now there's an abundance of great software to use but commercial products that drive industry standards (Example: Adobe Creative Suit) are what prevent people from looking at open source and allot of people don't like the idea of dual booting. That's at least how I view this sort of trend.

Unfortunately a lot of linux people also ignore that there are very real problems with linux. Even in responses to this video there are people claiming that there are no problems even with the mess that is audio systems.

Heck in PCLOS, it had found my audio and installed driver and everything, but no audio, if I checked the checkbox to use pulse instead, then I got audio, but the max volume I got was 10% of what it should have been.

as for diversity, it's ok to want diversity. But having as many distro's as there are now is only hearting everyone by spreading talent too thin. keep one super user friendly distro like ubuntu, one pro/bleeding edge distro in the vein of fedor, and one gentoo/arch/slackware DIY distro.

And then make sure there is a common library and that EVERYTHING works across them all, one package manager that install correctly on them all.

and they need to make accelerated desktops just work. so far I've been through everything from just not working, to distro's that seem to have two accelerated desktops that aren't aware of each other and will "fight" causing things to go really bad. Especially bad when you have the themeing linux users pride themselves on, and turnign on accelerated desktops suddenly change you to another theme engine that grabs themes from somewhere else. But it doesn't replace the theme selector in the "control panel".

Basically though, people just need to realize that blind loyalty isn't helping anyone, least of all themselves.

You're not disloyal if you point out the flaws in your own system

and your're not a fanboy of the competition if you do point out the flaw in whatever system you're currently using.

You make valid points. I for one do not have blind loyalty to Linux, as I use Windows as well 40+ hours a week.

I choose to use Linux on my systems because I enjoy using it and I enjoy learning more about it. I could care less who else uses it, or for what reasons. To each their own.

Actually, its a 3GB system.

Jeebus, these threads always bring out the MS fanboys.

No these threads bring out the ignorant Linux zealots. All the years I've used Linux and I'm embarrassed by some of the comments i see from these kids.

For instance I was on gnome-look and some guy made a really nice win7 theme and the page flooded with linux kids just hating on the guy like he took their bible and spit on it.

  • Like 2

No these threads bring out the ignorant Linux zealots. All the years I've used Linux and I'm embarrassed by some of the comments i see from these kids.

For instance I was on gnome-look and some guy made a really nice win7 theme and the page flooded with linux kids just hating on the guy like he took their bible and spit on it.

Society is screwed up then.

People are use to individualizing themselves to belong somewhere in the world and that's where ignorance/arrogance is born.

There should be no compulsion in anything.

Society is screwed up then.

People are use to individualizing themselves to belong somewhere in the world and that's where ignorance/arrogance is born.

There should be no compulsion in anything.

While I understand you I wonder if that is even possible.

I've read through the 11 pages and watched the video. Why does it still suck? Easy, its because some of the bare basics aren't completely solved yet. Watching the video its embarrassing the issues are still a problem. I thought about what could be done to solve some of them and really vertical integration would go a long way, yet thats the exact opposite of the "Linux DNA".

I know its the Linux nature to diversify but its clear to see why conforming can really improve certain aspects of the environment. For me personally Linux doesn't offer anything over a commercial OS on any of my machine types. I like the Linux idea, what it stands for and its benefits but I can always see why more people don't adopt it.

lol @ people who say "linux" is "ugly"

Linux is an OS or a kernel ??

Gnome is a window manager or OS?

You can't say "linux" is ugly because it has nothing to do with what you think you are seeing.

There is also Ubuntu, Xubuntu, Nubuntu, and thousands of other packages, and these are just basically different window-managers, the same way explorer.exe is what windows uses.

I meant addressing Adobe's reasons for not implementing acceleration for Flash Player for Linux.

I don't care about open source.

The source being closed is critical to the problem, you see.

Linux kernel devs cannot "do" anything but beg. Not sure what you think they ought to address, other than complaining.

If the source were open, then they could make appropriate coding changes.

So, regardless of whether you care or not, it is important in this situation, as you seem to hold Linux developers to task for this issue, but fail to see that they have no power other than requesting or stomping their feet.

No these threads bring out the ignorant Linux zealots. All the years I've used Linux and I'm embarrassed by some of the comments i see from these kids.

For instance I was on gnome-look and some guy made a really nice win7 theme and the page flooded with linux kids just hating on the guy like he took their bible and spit on it.

Why am I being referred to as an ignorant Linux zealot? At what point did I come across as such?

Please refrain from grouping me with the 'kids' you are referring to. I assure you that I am not.

The source being closed is critical to the problem, you see.

Linux kernel devs cannot "do" anything but beg. Not sure what you think they ought to address, other than complaining.

If the source were open, then they could make appropriate coding changes.

So, regardless of whether you care or not, it is important in this situation, as you seem to hold Linux developers to task for this issue, but fail to see that they have no power other than requesting or stomping their feet.

Except that the problem may be on Linux's end instead of Adobe's. Then it doesn't matter whether Flash is open source or not.

Does Linux provide the necessary APIs for Flash to perform hardware acceleration?

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Anthropic introduces Claude Tag, a new AI teammate for Slack by Fiza Ali Anthropic has announced Claude Tag, a new feature that lets teams work with Claude directly inside Slack. The idea is simple: once Claude is added to a Slack workspace and given access to selected channels, users can tag @Claude in conversations and assign tasks. Claude can then work through those requests using connected tools and data sources before posting its results back into a Slack thread. What makes Claude Tag different from a typical chatbot is that it's designed to operate as a shared assistant for an entire team rather than a single user. Everyone in a channel interacts with the same Claude instance. This allows the team members to see ongoing work and continue tasks started by others. Furthermore, Anthropic says the AI can build context over time by following conversations in channels where it has permission to operate. This means users don't have to repeatedly provide the same background information for every request. The system is also designed for asynchronous work. Instead of waiting for responses in a chat window, users can assign a task to Claude and return later once the work is complete. Anthropic says Claude can break larger requests into multiple steps and use connected tools to complete them. Moreover, the system can also schedule follow-up tasks and continue working on projects over extended periods. Another feature allows Claude to keep the users updated and follow up on unresolved tasks when its optional "ambient" mode is enabled. The company says the tool is already being used internally for software development, data analysis, support workflows, and debugging. According to Anthropic, around 65% of its product team's code is now generated through its internal version of Claude Tag. For organisations concerned about security, administrators can control which channels, tools, and data sources Claude can access. Separate Claude instances can also be configured for different departments, helping keep information isolated between teams. Administrators can also monitor activity logs, review completed tasks, and set spending limits at both the organisation and channel level. Claude Tag is now available in beta for Claude Enterprise and Claude Team customers and runs on Claude Opus 4.8 that was announced this May. The feature will also replace Anthropic's existing Claude in Slack application, with current users able to migrate within a 30-day migration window. Lastly, eligible customers will receive introductory credits to help teams evaluate the new experience.
    • Beats Studio Pro wireless over-ear ANC headphones drop to their lowest price yet by Fiza Ali Amazon is currently offering the Beats Studio Pro headphones at their all-time low price. The Studio Pro use 40mm active drivers which are designed to improve clarity and reduce distortion compared to previous models, with up to an 80% improvement over the Beats Studio3 Wireless. A built-in digital processor adjusts frequency response to keep the sound balanced rather than overly boosted in any one area. They also include Active Noise Cancelling that adapts to your surroundings to reduce background noise along with a Transparency mode that lets outside sound in when you need awareness of what’s going on around you. Furthermore, the headphones support personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking as well as Dolby Atmos playback on supported content. Moreover, built-in voice-targeting microphones improve call quality. You can also switch between three sound profiles including Beats Signature for balanced music playback, Entertainment for films and gaming, and Conversation for clearer voice in calls and podcasts. Physically, they are designed to be worn for long periods without feeling heavy or awkward. The ear cushions use UltraPlush engineered leather while metal sliders allow you to adjust the fit. On the connectivity side, the Studio Pro use Class 1 Bluetooth for a stable, long-range wireless connection. There is also a 3.5mm input if you want to plug in directly, including use with in-flight entertainment systems. Controls are located on the headphones and include a "b" button for music and call control, a volume rocker, and a multifunction button used for switching listening modes, EQ settings, power, and pairing. In addition, the headphones offer integration with both Apple and Android devices. On Apple devices, they support one-touch pairing with iCloud-linked devices, hands-free Siri access, Find My tracking based on last connected location, and automatic software updates. On Android devices, they support Google Fast Pair, Audio Switch between compatible devices, and Google Find My Device tracking, with additional features available through the Beats app. When it comes to the battery performance, it is rated at up to 40 hours of listening time with ANC turned off, and up to 24 hours with ANC or Transparency mode enabled. A 10-minute Fast Fuel charge should provide up to 4 hours of playback. Finally, the headphones use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and charge via USB-C. Beats Studio Pro Wireless Over-Ear ANC Headphones: $149.95 (Amazon US) Good to know This Amazon deal is U.S. specific, and not available in other regions unless specified. We only use first-party seller links (at the time of article publishing); ensure that you purchase from a first-party seller link only. Check out Today's Deals on Amazon | or our recent tech deals. Become a Prime member (for Students or SNAP) via Neowin Get Prime Access - Prime for half price (for qualifying Medicaid, EBT, SNAP) Subscribe to Prime Video, Audible Plus, Music Unlimited or Kindle Unlimited via Neowin As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • "lets you pause updates by choosing an end date, for up to 35 days" Wasn't it "indefinitely"?
    • Those extra reboots are related to the UEFI Secure Boot certificate update thing.
    • Hands on with the ProtoArc EM25: Affordable ergonomic mouse that focuses on the right things by Taras Buria ProtoArc is known for making all sorts of office products with a big focus on ergonomics and comfort. Its latest product, the EM25, promises a comfortable-to-use, affordable, and customizable mouse. We took one for a spin; here are our impressions. The ProtoArc EM25 is a $49.99 mouse, but right now, during Prime Day 2026, you can get it for just $37.99. Right off the bat, you can see that the EM25 is inspired by Logitech's MX Master lineup and the legendary MX Master 3/3S. Its shape and proportions are very similar, so for a person with large hands (right-handed person, mind you), the EM25 is very comfortable to use. The mouse fills the palm, and the thumb rests on a small extension, giving your wrist a small tilt to reduce strain. The mouse is made of black plastic without any coating, eliminating long-term wear concerns. However, I can see the main buttons and other areas you touch the most getting polished over time. Despite its size and bulk, the mouse is not too heavy. It weighs about 100 grams, which is significantly less than the MX Master 3S and its successor. It is no lightweight gaming mouse by any means, but it is not excessively heavy like the MX Master 4. The EM25 has a built-in storage for its USB dongle. It is a cleverly made magnetic flap that you open by simply pressing on it. Next to the flap, you will find the on/off switch, the 1,000 Hz sensor, and a DPI button (up to 8,000 DPI). I find the DPI button location a bit odd, and I would prefer it somewhere below the main scroll wheel. Still, given that I never change DPI on my mice, I will let it pass. What is more important is that, unlike MX Master 3/3S/4, the device switch button is located below the left-click button, which allows you to switch devices without lifting and flipping the mouse. For a multi-device setup, this is a perfect solution: the button does not require too much effort to use, it does not get in your way, but it is also easily reachable with your thumb. The main scroll wheel has two modes: ratcheted and free-flow. You can only change between them with a bright orange button (I like this little touch of color), which is sprung and requires some effort to press. The wheel is dead-silent in free-flow mode, but ratched is quite loud and stiff, perhaps even too much to my liking. I can hardly call it deal-breaking, but it will certainly take some time to get used to. The side scroll wheel, it is notched, silent, and pleasant to use. Next to it, you can find a piece of glossed plastic with connection indicators: Dongle, Bluetooth 1, Bluetooth 2, and the low battery indicator. By the way, the built-in battery is rechargeable via a USB Type-C cable, which is included. It is sleeved and has an orange velcro strap to keep it tidy. After using the EM25 for a few weeks, I can say that its main buttons are my absolute favorite. They have very pronounced clicks, which feel great with just the right amount of force required to register a press. I would say they feel like something in between regular mouse clicks and silent ones. You can hear and feel the springy switch, but it is not sharp or loud to the point of annoying you. As for back/forward and device switch buttons, they are very clicky and quite noisy. Unfortunately, there are no extra buttons that you can map to specific things like in the MX Master lineup. Besides great primary clicks, another thing I like about the EM25 is its 1,000 Hz sensor. In the world, where Logitech still uses 125 Hz sensors in $100+ mice, seeing a much faster sensor in a mouse that costs three times less is very refreshing. Also, all the settings and customization you make are stored on-device, and you do not need to install any software. Just open the web-based app and change all that you need. Speaking of customization, you can remap what buttons do, adjust the DPI, and the sensor speed. Sadly, gestures are not supported, but you can still map pretty much anything to each button, including shortcuts, media buttons, and more. I also recommend using software like XMouseControl, as it will let you remap the side scroll wheel. At the end of the day, the ProtoArc EM25 is a great mouse. Clearly inspired by the MX Master lineup, it takes the best of it and complements it with a much more wallet-friendly price tag, significantly better sensor, on-device memory, a built-in storage for the dongle, and more (it fixes everything that I complained about the MX Master 4 recently). And for only $37.99 during Prime Day, the EM25 is an easy recommendation. Buy ProtoArc EM25 mouse - $37.99 | 24% off with Prime As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
  • Recent Achievements

    • Rookie
      DaviKar went up a rank
      Rookie
    • Dedicated
      HidekoYamamoto94 earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • One Month Later
      timbobit earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Month Later
      nates earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      Almohandis earned a badge
      Week One Done
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      460
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      161
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      110
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      81
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      69
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!