Not everything actually requires a GUI, obviously. But anything that requires configuration, especially for controlling a hardware device, should have a fully functional GUI. I know Linux is all about being in control, and users should not be afraid to use the command line, but if you have to learn another bespoke command syntax and the location and structure of the related configuration files just to get something basic to work then the developer has frankly half arsed it. Developers need to provide GUI’s so that their software can be used by as many people as possible. GUI’s use a common language that everyone understands (is something on or off, what numeric values are allowed, what do the options mean).

Every 12 to 18 months I make an effort to switch to Linux. Right now I’m using Archlinux, and it has been a successful trip so far, except my audio is screwed, I can’t use my capture card at all, I had issues with my dual displays at the start, and the is no easy way to configure my AMD graphics card for over clocking or well anything basic at all.

I’m not looking for a windows clone, I love that I can choose different desktop environments and theme many of them to death. I even like the fact there are so many distros. Choice is a big part of linux, but there is clearly a desire to get more people moving away from Windows and until that path is 95% seamless most people just won’t. Right now I think Linux is 75% to 85% seamless depending on the use case and distro but adding more GUI front ends would, imho, push that well into the 90% zone.

GUI is not a dirty word, it is what makes using a new OS possible for more people.

EDIT: Good conversation all. This is genuinely not intended to be a troll post, I just feel it is good to share experiences especially on the frustations that arise from move between OSes.

  • Rina@feddit.de
    7·
    1 year ago

    Hey, sorry if I came over a bit sassy… I can help you get more GUI. You’re on Arch. On Arch you kinda have everything you want. You just need to take it. Like, if you prefer update your stuff via a GUI there’s Pamac. The AppLibrary-app-thingy Manjaro is using.

    First we need an AUR-helper. For example YAY. If you don’t have it yet, take this screenshot.

    After yay is installed type in the terminal

    yay -S pamac-all-git

    Sorry that I’m not more of a help. Happy linuxing! 💜

    Edit: The cut off command in the screenshot is git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/yay-bin.git

    • mub@lemmy.mlOP
      11·
      1 year ago

      thanks. I actuially have Pamac installed, and it works really well. I haven’t tried using Yay though and pacman has done the job so far. Is there a good reason to deploy yay as well?

      • Rina@feddit.de
        2·
        1 year ago

        To be honest I was just unsure if pacman itself supports AUR. Aside from that, it’s probably just… flavor, a choice up to you. Like, you get yay per default when you go EndeavourOS and I love it that I just need to type yay and everything updates. I didn’t use Arch itself yet, because I’m already DIYing my mental health and body. Can at least my PC just work? :D shrugs Yeah, no, I just never used actually Arch yet. shrugs