this post was submitted on 29 Aug 2023
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Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Today at the grocery store a sweet older lady approached me and asked if I knew anything about computers. I said yes I do, and she produced a mouse saying that her son set up Linux mint for her and she was wondering if the mouse was compatible. It needed kernel version 2.6 or newer so I said that the mouse should work, guessing mint itself was probably newer than that kernel. Happy with my answer, we chatted a little, then she thanked me and left.

It was a nice experience, so I thought I should share!

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[–] Doodah@lemm.ee 8 points 1 year ago

Reminds of Penthouse Forum stories.

[–] thepoaster@lemmy.ml 7 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I worked retail in electronics for quite a while and all the linux people I encountered were turbonerds for the most part. Thankfully I think that is changing. I imagine this lady had one of her family members set her up of course.

[–] anaesidemus@hexbear.net 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I've been thinking about switching to Mint in my linux experiments, setting up Arch was fun and all but I think I want a bit less fiddling.

[–] theshatterstone54 2 points 1 year ago

I think I want a bit less fiddling

Indeed. That's why I switched to NixOS, set up once (which can be a major PITA), but then you're done anytime you want to do that again in the future.

But I'm thinking of trying Debian, seeing if I can get it set up the way I want, and maybe switching to that in the future?

[–] selokichtli@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 year ago

Hey, thank you again, OP.

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