Linus Torvalds think the Linux desktop is in trouble

Is it not the case that, well, _computers_ are a niche system for power users?

Most of the developers I know use OSX or Linux.

The students I know are all on OSX and effectively use Office and the browser.

People with bog-standard office jobs are on Windows because their employer controls their machine.

Everyone else doesn't really use traditional "computers", it's all phone stuff.

Getting started with Linux 8 years ago, I used to think the endless array of distros was a beautiful and unique characteristic that reflected on the openness of FOSS. As I gained experience, I realized that the differences were too close to really care. That there's an awfully large amount of effort being put into divided communities too maintain working "operating systems" that are hardly unique.

I find Linux best suited in its inherent case, Unix for the x86 PC. Unix as a programmers workbench. Unfortunately and fortunately the "Windows killer" nameplace is responsible for its early success and what it will probably continue to live by for desktop usage.

It's always great to hear someone put life into their grandma's Windows 7 laptop by reimaging with an Ubuntu USB. But I feel like that doesn't last long as non corporate supported desktop Linux doesn't hold up well without some annual sys admin love.

I definitely went on a rant, but what I can conclude is that competing technologies isn't really to blame as the freedom of choice goes with the nature of FOSS. The bigger problem is that we are fighting to turn a Unix like OS into a Windows replacement by relying on voluntary man power and overlapping attempts at essentially the same goal. Leave it to Apple and Google to bring Unix to the masses, if that even matters.

"I disagree with x design decision, I'll make my own distro"

It's like there is so much rope that the community can't help but hang itself. The talent is spread across dozens of distros each with their own ethos and design direction. Every new distro hurts Linux as a whole at this point.

The article kind of glosses over the fact that there's really no business case for a traditional linux desktop.

Chromebooks are tied to a hardware sale where the hardware is certified to avoid having to support multiple hardware configurations and ensure users never see Linux at all.

Specialty shops like System76 and Dell's Sputnik specifically are tied to hardware and a specific market (pros and sysadmdins), this is where I fall in but most normal PC users would generate absolutely zero revenue for anyone trying to build a sustainable linux desktop experience.