I Miss BSD/Linux

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Hobby OS Tinkering vs Getting Work Done

  • Several commenters resonate with “missing” BSD/Linux but note lack of time/energy to tinker now; they want machines that “just work” for applications.
  • Others still enjoy the tinkering and see customizing their OS as part of the hobby, but concede it can absorb many evenings.

Desktop Linux/BSD Usability and Stability

  • Many report years of smooth daily use on mainstream distros (Debian, Fedora, Ubuntu, Arch, openSUSE), with few or no driver issues if hardware is chosen carefully.
  • Counterpoints: some still hit show‑stopping bugs (Wi‑Fi, HiDPI, secure boot, docks, Bluetooth, Nvidia, Arch’s “manual intervention” updates) and feel Linux demands more background maintenance than macOS/Windows.
  • BSD is praised for stability and slow change, but hardware support—especially on laptops—can require compromises (e.g., swapping Wi‑Fi cards).

Hardware & Laptop Trade-offs

  • Apple Silicon MacBooks are widely acknowledged as exceptional hardware: build, trackpad, battery, thermals, and fanless designs.
  • Critiques: glossy screens, keyboard/layout issues, USB‑C–only I/O, lack of repairability, and macOS quirks/lock‑in.
  • Framework laptops earn admiration for repairability and ethos but are often judged well below MacBook level on trackpad, audio, webcam, and fit/finish.
  • Older/refurb ThinkPads are frequently cited as cheap, reliable Linux machines; some argue most people don’t need $2k laptops.

Drivers, Graphics, and Hardware Support

  • General consensus: hardware support is far better than 10–20 years ago, especially with Intel/AMD and well‑supported laptops.
  • Persistent pain points: Nvidia (especially older GPUs), Bluetooth audio/mics, some docks, fingerprint readers, and gaming/Wayland on Nvidia.
  • Some argue “pick hardware for Linux” just as macOS users pick from a narrow range; others see this as limiting for “normie” users.

Battery Life, Power Management, and ARM

  • Linux on x86 laptops often has notably worse battery life than macOS on Apple Silicon; tuning can help but requires expertise.
  • ARM laptops running Linux are desired; Asahi Linux on Apple Silicon is promising but still missing key pieces (USB‑C display, mic, Touch ID).

Distros, Package Management, and Updates

  • Strong praise for Linux package management versus Windows/macOS installers and app stores.
  • Distros mentioned positively: Debian (slow, stable), Fedora/openSUSE (modern, solid), NixOS (reproducible), Ubuntu/Mint/Pop!_OS (friendlier defaults).
  • Criticisms: Debian’s conservatism plus occasional regressions; Pop!_OS installer/dual‑boot quirks; Arch’s rolling model requiring more care.

VMs, WSL2, and Hybrid Workflows

  • Many run Linux in VMs on macOS or Windows (including WSL2), seeing this as the pragmatic “have your cake and eat it” path.
  • Some report Linux in a VM is more stable and simpler than bare‑metal Linux on random laptops, thanks to consistent virtual hardware.

Software Ecosystem Gaps

  • Key blockers for broader Linux/BSD adoption: Adobe tools, Ableton/DAWs, full Microsoft Office, and advanced PDF workflows.
  • Workarounds (Reaper, Bitwig, web apps, Wine) exist but often aren’t equivalent for professional users.

Philosophy, Nostalgia, and Expectations

  • Several note that what they truly miss is youth and free time more than BSD/Linux itself.
  • There’s tension between valuing freedom/control (FOSS, repairability) and choosing polished, constrained platforms (Mac, ChromeOS, WSL) for convenience.