Discussion.

Do you think Linux distros will be used less in future because of M$ and Android OS improvements?

https://linux.slashdot.org/story/...

For desktop?

@devTea I'm thinking so.

For desktop, windows won't be going away for a long time until hardware vendors start making hardware / drivers for mainstream Linux Os's

@devTea @C0D4 both desktop and laptops.

If I am not wrong, MS is integrating more of Linux kernel into Windows Google will turn Chrome OS into Linux OS.

I mistakenly wrote Android instead of Chrome in my rant :3

@cursee @C0D4 yeah also proprietary software

I think now that MS will bring Linux shell in Windows, many people are less likely to boot Linux in their laptops. Might be a bad time for DEs

I don't think this means less Linux usage. Those who already are using Linux will not want to maintain Windows AND its Linux clone inside.

That's obvious for servers. But even on desktop where Linux has failed, using Cygwin has always been an option. Even with Win7, nobody was forced to dual boot Linux just to get a shell, so why would that be a game changer now?

@Fast-Nop I have met lots of developers (of course the types we usually rant about) who are more comfortable with windows although their development environment can be easily set up on any popular Linux distro in just a matter of minutes.

So those kinds may never be bothered to try a Linux distro.

I don't see Linux gaining significantly in the dying desktop space. That melting iceberg is resolutely divided between its established camps regardless of quality or cost. Windows adding kernel code to its own codebase is nothing new, and expanding it isn't going to particularly benefit the Linux desktop. I think it's the best desktop, and provides the greatest flexibility and power of any desktop, and I also have no interest in it becoming more popular. But that said, its quality isn't what will sell it. My interest or lack thereof will have no effect on its future regardless, but I do predict its use will increase, as it sells itself without anyone needing to evangelize.

@cursee Sure, and I'm one of them. I had Linux as only OS from 2001 to 2009 and switched back to Windows in 2010 because there's good reason why the Linux desktop failed.

However, there's no additional game changer now. Those few who are comfortable with their Linux desktop have no incentive to change their setup.

If you're asking whether it may be an additional hindrance for changing from Windows to Linux, see my Cygwin point, there's also nothing new here.

Not to mention that MS has also introduced nasty shit with Win10 wich may make me reconsider my setup next year, and that's forced Win10 updates with no quality control. The convenience of not having to install Cygwin is minimal, but the PC fucking up itself at any time is a major point.