In the past few days, I have been racking my mind for an interesting Linux adventure to take us on. The subject of “Linux”, or even just desktop Linux has been covered in many pixels. Even so, I strive for a unique perspective.
The Linux desktop is so stable, versatile, and smooth that I have to really think about what to say.
With my micro-epiphany, I wanted explore what makes Linux “just work”, so that users don’t even realize that they have opted out from the desktop operating systems duopoly.
It’s so smooth, you’ll think you’re floating
Browsers are where we do most of our work. Linux lets you use virtually any browser. Your browser experience is immediately familiar.
Chrome, Firefox Opera and Vivaldi are among the browsers which run like a charm on Linux. Because Linux uses less system resources than Windows or macOS, it is the browser that consumes the most CPU and memory. The browser can then use the resources that it needs.
Rarely does the fan on my Linux box rev up, but when it does, I can almost always trace it to a single browser tab — which, if you didn’t know, you can do with the browser task manager.
Play music and videos if you want to feed penguins.
Media consumption is a major desktop activity. You can expect your OS to be dropped in a single CPU cycle if you stand between the user and his or her favorite music, TV show or movie.
VLC’s versatility is a big reason for its popularity. It supports almost all media formats, whether they are audio or videos, on desktops or mobile devices. VLC is extremely easy to install on Linux. Every desktop distribution that I’ve used has VLC included in their repositories. Simply open the package manger, type “VLC,” then hit install.
As mentioned above, VLC fears no file format — and “file” in this case can be taken to mean “reading live from the DVD.” It can even cast to Chromecast devices — bet you didn’t know that, did you? I’m proud of you if you did!
Linux is still a viable option for those who would rather stream than fill their hard drive with files. Video streaming is handled by the browser. Spotify’s player client is Linux-compatible. Spotify Android is the app that I have experienced more issues with than Spotify Linux desktop. The developers are much more focused on the Android version.
Harmony emerges from the Discord
It is impressive that Discord is one of the most used communication apps in today’s market, given how many other options there are.
Discord was my go-to for tabletop RPG games with friends during the pandemic. I tested it on my own system. Friends on Windows would have problems during our weekly four-hour sessions while my “Public Test Build”, packaged as a.deb, didn’t.
The old-fashioned web apps have never looked better
Long-time readers will not be surprised to learn that I consider the Linux desktop superior. I could praise it until my fingers blister. But I won’t. I’m a professional.
What I will say in that vein on this particular subject — that of Linux providing such a refined experience that one forgets one is running Linux — is that some Linux-centric software makes web apps feel even more polished.
Linux doesn’t confine web apps to a standard browser window. Webapp Manager was my first introduction to this new realm on Linux Mint. It’s what I use every day. This program is compatible with all Debian-based Linux distributions. There are alternatives to Debian-style Linux if it’s not your thing. Linux wouldn’t exist without choices.
After you have configured a web application, it will appear in the desktop app menu. It will behave like any other standalone app. It only requires a browser installed on your desktop, which is something that every desktop user has. Do you have multiple browsers installed? Choose which browser will host the page. You can choose to use your browser’s “private browsing” mode.
Webapp Manager also allows you to remain logged in, so you can be ready to launch the app as soon as it launches. This preference is honored even if your browser has been configured to delete all cookies and authentication tokens when you quit. So, you can secure sensitive accounts and remain logged in to non-sensitive ones, such as news readers.
The Run Like a dream but can cause nightmares
Nothing is perfect. Unfortunately, Linux distributions are no exception. Some scenarios can lead to a less-than ideal Linux desktop.
Installing Linux on obscure hardware or brand new devices can be a real headache. Since I became a Linux zealot, I only buy computers with standard chipsets. Installing and rebooting a PC or Mac that has non-standard internals can be difficult.
Linux may require you to make sacrifices if gaming is your passion. Linux may not be compatible with your favourite triple-A games, custom gaming peripherals or streaming software. I hear that Linux has made great strides, the Steam Deck being arguably the most notable example, but all the serious PC gamers I know stand by Windows rigs — as much as we all dream of a day when Linux conquers gaming.
Linux will be unfamiliar if you’re used exclusively to proprietary desktop applications. For me, I would happily trade Word for LibreOffice. GarageBand is a great alternative to Audacity. And Photoshop for GIMP. You will, however, miss these Windows/Mac alternatives on Linux if you are unwilling to learn them.
These are not programs I use every day, which is why I did not feature them sooner. Linux may not be for you if your digital workflow is a habit. I’m not insulted.
Embracing Linux
The fact that these are the exceptions rather than the rule speaks volumes about the maturity of Linux desktops. In my social circle, I know of more than one person who switched to Linux without looking back.
As Linux continues to grow, I look forward to the day when I won’t even realize I’m using Linux.
