this post was submitted on 25 Jun 2024
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I'm waiting for Linux to make installing programs as simple as an exe
I'd argue that searching around a slew of webpages to find a download button (without clicking an ad that imitates a download button), then running the .exe while making sure to uncheck the 4 or 5 pieces of adware they try to slip in without you noticing, then having to remember to update it manually now and then, is much more of a sketchy pain in the ass than running a single command to install everything from your kernel, to your web browser, all of which is tightly vetted and comes from a monitored set of servers.
Also, if you really want a "click to install" most DE's have a software store that either acts as a frontend for your package manager, or just uses flatpaks.
I'd argue this is just what people are used to, and Windows has taught people that terminal=scary/hacky.
As simple as an exe? You mean clicking on the installer and follow instructions? That may be typical, but easy, it ain't.
Don't confuse "I'm used to X" with "X is simpler"
Windows: Search the Web for some software. Visit webpage. Download executable. Run it. Go through a install wizard. (One month later) Update? Some do it themselves, some just let you know there is a newer version, and a lot of bigger players have a program dedicated to just updating some other program.
Compared to (for example):
paru -S <something>That's it. Updating aaaalll the software in your whole system, including the OS, and you don't have to restart, or even close any of the programs you are updating?
paruIt actually way easier on Linux. Arch just type: pacman -S programName Or yay -S programName
Most distros have a software "store" and it's just as simple as installing an app on your phone.
Oh man. In one comment I'm defending how easy it is to use Linux.
And here I am, still surprised that, in 2024, there are techies saying stuff like "oh that's easy. Just open the terminal and...."
.....and you've lost a potential convert.
The second part of your comment is on point, though.
It's less steps than an exe and automated. Opening the terminal is one click. It's not like you need to know how to do anything else in there.
It is extremely easy. Open terminal, one command. Done. Your quote ended with "and...." As if there was a lot to type.
"Oh that's easy. Just open the terminal and type pacman -S firefox" sounds better.
"It's less steps" is not the point.
The point is that a lot of people will never ever use a terminal. EVER. And if they have to do that just to install a program, that's already asking too much. They're used to pointing, clicking, double-clicking and typing for communication.
Imagine if you're used to driving cars and filling up the gas tank, well, the usual way. Now there's this new tinkerer's car that everyone is raving about. And your dad asks "how do I fill up the gas tank?" (or recharge the battery, or whatever), and someone says "oh, just go under the car and plug the cable into the orange slot right behind the left back axle. It's that easy!"
Okay. Everyone is different. If they can point, click and type they can open a terminal and type something simple.
I have to say your car analogy is more difficult.
It's just a matter of explaining a different process than what they are familiar with to install something. It's not hard at all after you show/explain. Just different and in my opinion easier than an exe.
If you can open an app you can open the terminal. It's not a daunting task.
The analogy showing a difficult task is the point. "It's more difficult." Yeah, to you. Opening a terminal and typing a command for something you don't do often feels like second nature to you, because you're an expert. You're already using Linux. Try teaching that to a thousand grampas. Good luck retaining your sanity.