Linux Lite Future

[trinidad]

Probably the general purpose of Linux Lite is to reach out to ordinary Windows users, users who rarely use the Windows command line, users who want a simple comprehensible GUI. In many ways LL accomplishes this better than Mint, better than Ubuntu, better than Suse, and certainly better than Debian. Certainly Lite updates, Lite tweaks, and Lite mirror selection are the simplest to use of any distro out there. Linux Lite in a very real sense is out to smooth the hard core Linux edges off its OS for Windows users and replace them with simple GUI tools. As an Ubuntu based OS it still carries with it the power and room for creativity for more seasoned Linux users. Every day I use Debian 9, Ubuntu 16.04 and Windows 10, depending on what I'm trying to accomplish. Every day I learn something new. Every day I make typos that cost me time and effort. Every time I dabble with Linux Lite I enjoy it. I find myself enjoying the experience. It is a remarkable blend of simple sensible ideas, and maybe that is what is so refreshing about it to me. I think when 4.0 arrives LL will become the most recommended Linux for new users, and deservedly so.

TC

[newtusmaximus]

Regarding the 32-bit discussion:
I think Jerry's stated goal..."to show Windows users that Linux is not the hard OS they thought or heard it was"...pretty much sums up why the support for 32-bit processors is disappearing. 

The focus is on transitioning current Windows users who are considering test driving Linux for the first time.  My guess is the vast majority of that audience probably have machines built in the last decade running Windows 7, 8 or 10 (or God forbid Vista).  If so, those machines pretty much all have 64-bit processors, right? 


The goal is not to keep old machines alive.  Actually the goal is not even to create a distro that will attract users of other Linux distros.  -----

<RANT>

The assumption that all those existing LL32 bit users could run 64bit on their exiting machines is what I question.    If that is incorrect, then those users will no longer be able to be part of the LL movement.

I also suspect the a fair number of existing linux users that come to LL do so because the "advances" in the distros that they have used are beginning to overload their machines - i.e getting slower performance.  They have found that by getting rid of all the unnecessary "bling" they can bring new life to their machines. ( many comments on this in the archive)

While pushing the boundaries is a natural progression for the Purists/techies, the vast majority of new linux users IMHO want a stable, "safe" OS  on which they can run the programs that interest them  - i.e a workhorse.  Not having to look over one's shoulder and keep one's fingers crossed in case it all crashes / blue screen etc.  i.e does the job it is supposed to do!!  LL provides that "safe  kindergarten"

For me, this OS is my "rock" - Being a SOHO (small office/home office) user I depend on it so that I can get on with earning my crust.    In the past, all too often, software problems appeared out of the blue, and time that I could ill afford was spent frantically trying to put thing right - often occurring when there were tight deadlines to be met

Having flirted with various  Linux distros for some time, the decision to  jump in, was eventually made because I had found this forum and I had the confidence that clear advice would be available to help me through the learning curve.  And so so it has been, for which thanks to all involved.

Those involved with frontier expanding work / gaming, cad, VR etc will have very different views , but they will be  more experienced in the black arts of linux and be able to fend for themselves or congregate to to other forums / networks.

With regards to keeping old machines alive:  If those machines are working well and users are able to still use them to achieve their goals/interests, why should those users be abandoned.

I had tried Puppy linux and similar, but found limitations in the range of software that had the necessary PET format;  I was not sufficiently knowledgeable on how to get round those limitations - not had the time to find out.

So  my hope is that LL does not forget what it has started, its core ethos to help newbies to convert to, feel comfortable with  linux  and leave such members behind in the rush to move "forward" i.e the urge to pursue complexity for complexity's sake.  A fault I believe other larger distros have succumbed to - - too much "bling"
</RANT>

[Valtam]

So good to see how many of you get what we are trying to achieve here.

We are not going to get any heavier and we are going to get even simpler as time goes by. Our past ideas are proof enough of that.

We'll even look a little prettier for those that look for that in a Distro. The ISO size will grow, but that is not a measure of 'lightness' as some mistake it for. You will still boot up to around 300mb after first install of Series 4.x and it will still be just as responsive as always.

The fact that it's December 2017 and I'm already working on Series 4.x shows how much work is going into this project.

K. I. S.

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[TheDead]

[member=2]Jerry[/member]
I'm going to try and get a ratio of what's in the "Bah, give that PC to charity." field.
I always use the 32bits version, but, from now on I'll check the CPU specs in the machines I install LL on.
Lowest ones are around 2.2Ghx Semprons and Celerons.
I'm guessing a 75% x86-64 versus 25% x86... place your bets ladies and gents.

Cheers!

[bermudalite]

I also suspect the a fair number of existing linux users that come to LL do so because the "advances" in the distros that they have used are beginning to overload their machines - i.e getting slower performance.  They have found that by getting rid of all the unnecessary "bling" they can bring new life to their machines. ( many comments on this in the archive)

newtusmaximus,
I agree that up until now several Linux users, like myself, have come to LL because other distros were too "blingy" or became too bloated.  We are benefiting from Jerry's (and the team's) labors even though he did not build LL with the intention of "stealing" current Linux users away from other distros.

Jerry has a rather singular mission.  It is simply to make it easy for Windows users to transition in to Linux.  It is not to support old machines.  Nor is it to create LL loyalists.  It appears the intent for LL is to be an entry point to the world of Linux.  If you decide to stay, great.  If you stay for a while then decide to move on to a (smaller or larger) distro better suited to you, groovy. 

In the future, Windows users on 32-bit machines will need to look elsewhere to test drive Linux.  The reality is if in 2018 someone is still using a Windows OS on an old 32-bit machine...they are seriously committed to Windows (and that machine)! :o

Maybe some 32-bit Linux Lite enthusiasts will develop and maintain a fork of LL to suit their needs.  Maybe they'll call it Linux Xtra-Lite.

[Valtam]

The goal is not to keep old machines alive.  Actually the goal is not even to create a distro that will attract users of other Linux distros.  The goal is to dispel myths about the the complexity of Linux and to ease the transition from Windows.  A simple goal which I respect and appreciate.

Nailed it!

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