| > Why don't more people use desktop Linux? It's because popular PC manufacturers don't bundle Linux (for the masses, so not counting developer machines). Your average Joe isn't going to care, or bother about installing an operating system on their device - they'll look at the brand, the looks of the device, and the price. They may not even know, what an "operating system" is in the first place. The Steam Deck's popularity shows this, most people who bought the Deck bought it because it's a good handheld gaming device, and they don't care that it's running Linux (at least, prior to making the purchase decision). Furthermore, the Steam Deck shows that Linux is accepted by the masses when it's marketed as a purpose-built device. Take Chromebooks for instance, which is basically a nerfed Linux - people still buy them in spite of all it's limitations. Now imagine a big OEM marketing and championing a full-fledged distro, which is just as user friendly and secure as ChromeOS but allows you to do much more - with the right marketing, budget and polish, it could take off. I really like what System76 is doing with their Pop_OS!, but unfortunately they're still just a niche brand, and without the right marketing and partnership, they will continue to remain a niche player. But imagine if they spent $$$ on marketing (including viral campaigns on new social media) and partnered up with the likes of Best Buy and Amazon etc to sell their PCs, they could really take off. |