Could 2026 mark the beginning of renewed interest in GNU/Linux and BSD? Is there growing enthusiasm around it?
Could 2026 mark the beginning of renewed interest in GNU/Linux and BSD? Is there growing enthusiasm around it?
Explore the Linux Mint Cinnamon desktop version. https://github.com/linuxmint/Cinnamon/issues Go make it interesting.
It's worth noting that I'm facing a comparable problem on my work computer with Windows 11. We have an F drive that works independently of the machine, and it's been an issue at least twice during a shift. I've managed to avoid problems with a shared drive in my network using Dolphin, except once on a single machine where writing failed completely—then it resolved itself. This suggests the problem spans across different operating systems. Specifically, I'm talking about desktop environments. Linux is the preferred choice for servers or embedded systems, but not so much for desktops. My goal is to see Microsoft stop releasing updates that degrade Windows further, especially since most users won't switch to Linux and developers like Tim Sweeney are pushing gaming adoption low. I'm okay with Linux remaining a niche option. We're unlikely to see desktop Linux gain significant enterprise traction, which helps keep Windows dominant. If you use Windows at work, you'll likely stick with it at home (assuming regular desktop use), since that's what you're familiar with. Mac users are less relevant here because their user base is fixed and they'll continue using macOS. Comparing Android Linux to an Xbox as a Windows machine is misleading—both rely on similar core technologies. Cinnamon stands out as the only real contender, possibly even surpassing it in the coming years. I’ll give serious weight to Gnome, KDE, and XFCE, and maybe Cosmic if things improve.
In short, my shared folder is just a common directory on a Windows 11 Pro machine. I’m the sole person using it to perform manual backups. At work, IT probably has a dedicated workgroup on a Windows server, and access is granted for approved drives. It seems my issue isn’t tied to your workplace setup. It might stem from a Linux/Windows compatibility problem. Since many households use both systems, having better built-in tools in Linux would be helpful. Yes, Linux enthusiasts who include Android and ChromeOS should be aware of the privacy and hardware limitations these platforms impose. Freedom and avoiding surveillance are top priorities for Linux users, yet they often overlook spyware like Android as part of their ecosystem. They’d like to enjoy both worlds without compromise. As a regular user, I don’t mind whether Cinnamon supports Wayland or Wonderland, or Snowflake scaling, but I do care about the lack of support for fractional scaling and multi-monitor setups. This isn’t acceptable in 2025. Windows has addressed this issue for over a decade. Before diving into Linux, I didn’t realize terms like fractional scaling existed—I assumed it was universal. I won’t recommend old OSes like Mint anymore until they’re updated. It doesn’t matter if some packages or kernels are outdated; on older hardware it might not be an issue. But today’s users often rely on multiple monitors, and my 10-year-old PCs run perfectly on a 2x4K setup. I’ve had multi-monitor configurations for over a decade, and while the W7 interface was charming years ago, it’s no longer appealing. Personally, KDE is my go-to choice.
I understand my stance on this. I focus only when discussing Linux's broad influence and significance, especially in its desktop form—others often downplay its role for personal reasons. For modern GPUs, the lack of Wayland really limits usability, making it hard to justify using such tools. Cinnamon and Mint usually receive less favorable recommendations, which is frustrating for gamers. While Cinnamon appears current, it still falls short on performance and reliability compared to GNOME.
Consenting though there are elements like steam, proton, bazzite and other user-friendly options, especially with Steam Deck, it's clear that significant progress has been achieved. Many now use Linux without realizing it, and interest continues to grow. Still, Microsoft remains the top advertiser, and people are increasingly frustrated with the unreliable AI versions of Windows.