91
How important is a DE to you?
(lemmy.world)
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
this post was submitted on 02 Feb 2026
91 points (96.9% liked)
Linux
57274 readers
2393 users here now
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
Rules
- Posts must be relevant to operating systems running the Linux kernel. GNU/Linux or otherwise.
- No misinformation
- No NSFW content
- No hate speech, bigotry, etc
Related Communities
Community icon by Alpár-Etele Méder, licensed under CC BY 3.0
founded 6 years ago
MODERATORS
I honestly think DE is one of the main reasons people don’t switch from windows.
They just want to use what’s comfortable. The large majority of people would be fine with Linux alternatives, but they don’t want to deal with the different designs.
The slight difference in looks isn’t what’s stopping people.
After helping hundreds of people over the years switch to Linux. The single most common factor literally is looks.
Doesn't matter if something works exactly the same if it looks even slightly different. People get angry and stubborn and refuse.
It's basically the only thing that is ever the same between helping any two people. From the most willing to learn to most unwilling.
The moment something looks different it's like people go stupid.
I think it’s true for most people. I’m thinking of people like my mom and dad. My dad bought a whole new computer instead of just using Linux mint.
He considered it, but just bought a whole new computer after he was worried about a scam he almost fell for.