I Miss BSD/Linux

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Frustration with modern macOS and Windows is pushing many developers to reevaluate BSD and Linux, but aging users also admit they no longer have the time or desire to constantly tinker with their systems. Commenters contrast Apple’s excellent ARM laptop hardware and touchpads with its closed ecosystem and spotty developer experience, while Linux and BSD are praised for stability, package management, and control—provided you choose well-supported hardware and accept weaker battery life, drivers, or commercial app support. A recurring theme is compromise: some run Linux or BSD directly on ThinkPads or Frameworks, others rely on VMs and WSL, and many see future promise in projects like Asahi Linux and ARM/RISC-V laptops that might finally deliver “MacBook-class” hardware with open operating systems.

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.