I have tried almost every Linux distro. From user-friendly to intimidating, Linux has something for everyone.
However, I will assert that even those Linux distributions aimed at new users forgot something very important…those users are most likely switching from MacOS or Windows, have never touched the command line, and may not know what they are doing.
And while those user-friendly Linux distributions make using the open-source operating system quite simple, there are still some users who don’t easily adapt to new technology. Those are the users that every Linux distro misses out on.
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I was thinking about this idea this morning, and an idea popped into my head that might help people who aren’t nearly as technically proficient as the average Linux user get around. Surprisingly, this idea isn’t really that challenging but it will take some time to implement.
Let me lay this out for you. It’s actually pretty basic.
It’s all about the introduction
How many times have you installed a new app on your mobile or desktop device and on the first launch of the app you find yourself greeted with a pop-up or built-in overlay ?
To even use the app, you have to go through the feature to introduce or remove it. I tend to simply dismiss them as I’m pretty well versed in using technology (otherwise, I wouldn’t be here).
Those built-in overlays and pop-ups are actually pretty important for new users, as they make it very clear how the app is used.
If you’re completely unfamiliar with how the app works, if you’ve never used anything like it, or if the use of new technology makes you feel intimidated, it’s a built-in app. That can be a big help.
Now, imagine there’s a new Linux distribution specifically designed to help people who have never used Linux get up to speed on an open source operating system. Let’s set aside the desktop the distro will use and even the version of Linux it’s based on. None of that matters at this point.
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It is important that the built-in application runs for every user on their first login and that only that user can shut down.
How do I envision this integrated app/experience working? Let me explain.
Imagine you log into the operating system for the first time and you are immediately greeted by an overlay that prevents you from accessing the desktop without going through the wizard. The first thing that pops up is an explanation window and points to the on-screen menu. You are required to click the on-screen menu button before the wizard continues with the message “Good job!” indicator.
Next, the demo app explains how users can add apps from the on-screen menu to favorites for quick access. Once you’re done, the wizard will switch to the system tray and guide you through the process of connecting to the network and rebooting/powering off (though it only demonstrates those actions and doesn’t actually shut down). power or restart the computer). machines).
Next is to find and install an app. The built-in wizard guides the user to open the Software tool (such as GNOME Software), search for a specific application, and install it.
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Additionally, the demo tool will then move on to the next desktop feature. For example, it can show you how to add a launcher or widget to the desktop. The demo tool will then guide you to open the Settings app and configure the look and feel of your display.
The key to this experience is that users are forced to go through all these important steps so that when they finish the integration they have a good idea of how to use Linux. No, the built-in app will not introduce users to the command line or any advanced features of the OS as this is all about users who have never touched the Linux desktop. Keep it simple, make the explanations clear, and ask for referrals for every first login.
Not as heavy-handed as you think
This may seem a bit heavy-handed, but think about people who have never looked at an operating system other than MacOS, Windows, Android, iOS, or iPadOS. If you’ve only ever used Windows, even switch to MacOS can be a bit difficult. Now, imagine that the operating system you are switching to is one that is known to be too challenging. Whether that reputation is still deserved (it is not) is not important because users who have not even seen Linux will need a helping hand.
After the new user goes through the referring app and closes it, it will never bother them again. And when they sit at their desks, they know exactly what they need to do.
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It really can be as simple as that. You can even base this distribution on Ubuntu and call it Noobfox. Please clarify that this is a distro for users who have never used Linux and need a little help getting used to the operating system.
I hope some developer or group of developers will take this idea seriously and implement it. I’ve been using Linux as my primary OS since 1997, and I’ve never seen a distro that really turns the rollout process into something anyone can handle without worrying about the operating system. perform beyond their skill level. Linux is an operating system as easy to use as any on the market, and it doesn’t take much to make this obvious to any type of user.
