As much as I love Linux and its concepts of freedom and security, I have a long and frustrating rant about its stability. Throughout my time using Linux, not once has it been as stable as other paid operating systems (Windows and macOS). But don't get me wrong—I don't hate Linux in general. In fact, this very website runs on Linux, and as we all know, the whole internet relies on it. There is no better server OS.
My frustration lies specifically with the Linux desktop. So, allow me to share my experiences with you.
Back in high school, I was introduced to Linux for the first time by a friend. He told me about this unique operating system designed specifically for "hacking" (Kali Linux). That's where my Linux journey began. That same day, I installed it on a virtual machine and started exploring. As a tech enthusiast, I was curious about this new piece of technology and soon started using it daily.
I'm certainly not a Linux pro, but I've used it as my daily driver for around four years. During this time, I went through many typical Linux user phases:
Now, for the past 1.5 years, I've shifted to Windows as my primary OS. However, I still maintain a dedicated Linux laptop and frequently use Linux through WSL for development.
Linux's biggest flaw is its unpredictability. No matter how carefully you tread, something eventually breaks—and often for reasons that aren't immediately clear.
Back when I was daily driving Linux, these issues didn't bother me much. Fixing them was part of the fun. Sometimes the solution was just a quick Google search away. Other times, I'd need to consult the Linux gods or, on particularly unlucky occasions, reinstall the OS entirely because the damage was beyond repair.
While this process was educational, you learn what components to avoid tinkering with or how the OS really works, but it eventually became more frustrating than rewarding. I didn't have the energy to keep fixing issues or reinstalling my OS. It felt like I was spending more time troubleshooting Linux than actually using it.
I reached a point where I just needed a stable, reliable OS that worked without constant attention.
Yes, Windows isn't perfect either. It's infamous for its legendary blue screen crashes. But those are rare now. In terms of stability, Windows has become far better than Linux. And, just like Linux keeps evolving, Microsoft has significantly improved Windows over the years. For example, development on Windows was once notoriously bad. Microsoft clearly recognized this issue and introduced WSL. It's now so mature and seamlessly integrated with Windows that it's hard not to be impressed.
I know I'm not the only one who's had this experience with Linux. Many others share similar frustrations, which raises the question: why is Linux like this?
I believe the answer lies in its free and open-source nature. I fully support the FOSS community and deeply respect its contributors and maintainers. However, the harsh truth is that free and open-source software can sometimes struggle to match the quality of paid alternatives. Yes, people pour their time and resources into these projects without any real financial incentive. But competing with massive corporations that have virtually unlimited resources to develop proprietary tools and OSs is a monumental challenge..
That said, free and open-source software isn't inherently inferior. Just look at Android—it's free and open-source but backed by one of the biggest tech giants of all time. The result? A platform that powers billions of devices worldwide.
If you're looking for something similar to Linux but more stable, you should definitely consider macOS. I know it comes at a premium compared to other OSs, but trust me—it's worth every penny. I haven't used macOS as my daily driver, but several of my friends own Macs, and their experience has been incredible.
The system is rock-solid. It never breaks. It's the smoothest OS I've ever used. Yes, you'll get locked into Apple's proprietary ecosystem, but the user experience is simply out of this world. Of course, it's not as customizable as Linux. But at this stage, I prioritize a clean, stable OS—and macOS fits the bill perfectly.
Technically, macOS is also powered by Unix (not the Linux kernel but closely related), so it can be considered a closed-source Unix-like system. It combines the great features of Linux with exceptional stability and user experience.
That said, I haven't used macOS long enough to discover its potential annoyances. From the outside, though, it seems like the ideal Linux desktop alternative.
I might sound like I've been too hard on Linux. But, just like a toxic relationship, I find myself going back to it repeatedly. Why? Because some things are simply better in Linux. The customization, the granular control, and the freedom it offers are unmatched. I also enjoy testing the new, exciting things it rolls out.
I know the Linux desktop will keep improving. But for now, it's still not on par with paid OSs in terms of stability or reliability. That's why I don't see myself returning to Linux as my main OS anytime soon. However, I'd love to be proven wrong. One day, I hope to use Linux as my daily driver again.
As of now, it's safe to say: 2024 is still not the year of the Linux desktop. Here's hoping for 2025!
Do let me know your thoughts and experiences with the Linux desktop.