Ask HN: Open-source devs&users using closed source OSes, could you explain why?
Just got through Lunduke's "Linux sucks 2020" video [0] and even if it might be in jest, he brought up a good point that many people promoting linux, presenting linux stuff, working in opensource or contributing to it, use closed-source OSes.
I'm not trying to bash anybody, it's just genuine curiosity as to why.
0: https://open.lbry.com/@Lunduke:e/LinuxSucks2020:b?t=3215
11 comments
[ 4.4 ms ] story [ 15.5 ms ] threadWhy do you think running an open-source OS has something to do with zeal?
> you'd be suprised how much dev software only runs windows
Really depends on what you're developing, what for and in which language.
> Hell even mant linux systems likely have something proprietary on it, even if it's just firmware for some wireless or graphics device.
I'm not entirely sure what point you're making here. Quite a bit of hardware does indeed only have closed-source drivers and there is simply no alternative, but why would that be a reason to use a closed-source OS? I'm not understanding the connection.
And? That doesnt change the fact that it's a valid reason from using closed-source operating systems, even if you're involved in other open source development and advocacy.
Ok it appears I made of mistake on extrapolating your criticism of the use of close-sourced operating systems to apply to closed sources software in generally, however from your profile you appear to be one such zealot as I mentioned.
> Closed or obfuscated? Virus!
So according to you any of the aforementioned proprietary firmware is somehow a "virus".
True.
> So according to you any of the aforementioned proprietary firmware is somehow a "virus".
It's a joke a colleague made and I found it funny. I do work in closed source myself.
But an operating system is about more than just code. It is the central component of a computing ecosystem. And producing a viable, productive ecosystem requires much more than just open source code. It requires design, implementation, incentive and marketing.
If code was all that was needed, Linux distros should be dominate by now. Instead, after 30 years of effort by some of the best and brightest and billions of lines of code later and the result is --- a big yawn from the general computing public.
But, but, but Android. Well, Android isn't totally "open source" now is it? Key pieces of the ecosystem are not really "open" at all. And these key nuggets capture the incentive that propels the design, implementation and marketing forward.
Bottom line --- it takes more than an engine to produce a best selling car. And likewise, it takes more than charity, good intentions, free labor and open source to produce a truly viable and popular operating system.
Much of what’s OS is not delightful to use unless you’re in the terminal. It’s much better now than 5 years ago. Simple things like watching videos and listening to music requires proper OS configuration because of codecs not being free as in freedom. There’s more annoyances, so to sum it up, nothing available for Linux that has a GUI is enticing to me. Whereas many native Mac apps are simply amazing.
> CS software is almost never optimized for OS OSs.
CS = Computer science, right? May I ask what kind of optimizations and which software you're talking about.
> Simple things like watching videos and listening to music requires proper OS configuration because of codecs not being free as in freedom.
That really depends on the distro. Ubuntu, Pop!OS and some others too come with non-open drivers and software installed or show a dialog on first use asking users whether they want to install those things. The barrier is low enough for my non-tech friends and mother to understand. Your experience might be a little dated.
> nothing available for Linux that has a GUI is enticing to me
Hmm... that's a pity. They are quite simple and fast to use.
Thanks for the response
Well, I suppose is good that people who do not like Linux will be able to use Windows or Mac OS X instead, since some people will prefer that.
But some software is written for all three common operating systems, and some software is written for older computers or VMs which can then be executed in modern computers by emulation. (For example, there are many good free NES/Famicom games, such as We Are Hejickle, and Gruniozerca (a series of three games so far), and NES/Famicom emulation is available for many kind of computer systems.) Some companies will write software for Windows, but will also ensure working with Wine and advertise the compatibility with Wine, too. (And, of course, there are many web apps, too, these days.)