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<div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 13/08/2024 17:52, Polarian via GLLUG
wrote:</div>
<blockquote type="cite"
cite="mid:20240813175230.47dc1fde@PolarianBSD">
<blockquote type="cite">
<pre class="moz-quote-pre" wrap="">I think the main problem is that Linux has both become mainstream
enough that help is available through many other channels, and also
complex/fragmented enough that a general Linux mailing list may not
be the best place to get help.
</pre>
</blockquote>
<pre class="moz-quote-pre" wrap="">
I believe this is still untrue.
You will very rarely find any Linux/FOSS enthusiasts if you pop to the
local boozer (I am yet to hear any techy convos :P), or even at
University, very few people know what Linux is at my University, and
only a few have started using it since they started. And this is within
computer science, where you would expect to find Linux users, in other
subjects where people who may be interested in Linux/FOSS but studying
say mathematics, or maybe literature, they will be even less likely to
bump into another Linux user.
It has become much more mainstream online sure, but locally? </pre>
</blockquote>
<p>In my new locale, it seems that there is a preponderance of
oldster Linux users. Most got there by becoming disillusioned
with the dreadful proprietary OSs, and we have a local OAP
computing group who only use Linux (predominantly "Mint")! I was
pleased to discover that our local library has a reasonable supply
of books on Linux and Linux applications. <br>
</p>
<p>The spectacularly widespread use of "Android" phones and tablets
has pushed Linux into the mainstream. Its widespread use in
embedded systems, routers, and so on has also brought it to wider
attention. Widespread adoption in business is now happening, and
as Windows 10 support dies out next year, and >90% of hardware
isn't equipped with TCMs, (so can't "upgrade" or install Windows
11), businesses and home users are looking for ways to keep their
hardware working and fully supported. This forthcoming Windows
debacle will prove interesting for the major Distros - they're
going to be inundated with new users!</p>
<p>As mentioned earlier, LUGs are becoming redundant. It's
wonderful to have an option for support with the more abstruse
aspects of our favourite OS, but there are various Distro-based
fora that supply this support very effectively. However, I really
wouldn't want mailing lists like this to die out altogether!</p>
<p>Cheers</p>
<p>Chris (in Limburg, NL)<br>
</p>
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