this post was submitted on 21 Jul 2025
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Ubuntu is still too complex for the average idiot who just needs a web browser.
Most Linux distros, even Ubuntu, have a "it's up to you to figure it out" mentality. ChromeOS is a "we know better than you" mentality which is honestly needed for the average Joe to keep their machine safe. Everyone hates auto updates. But lets be honest, the average user isn't going to do them unless it's basically forced on them. Ubuntu can do live security updates, but only if you opt into Ubuntu pro or whatever it's called.
Eh, I would have agreed a few years ago. But now default Ubuntu boots up basically looking like MacOS with the browser (firefox by default, not Chrome) right there in your face ready to launch. For someone truly not aware how to use a computer beyond a browser it couldn't be much easier (except booting directly into the browser). The only thing preventing that from catching on is that those people don't even know what an operating system is, let alone that it could be changed.
And you can't stop the browser from updating, since it's deployed via snap. 😆
We are getting there, and snap auto updating is a great step for basic users. There just needs to be less asking of questions, and more assuming defaults and just doing it.
If there's auto-updates, they don't have to. This is what I don't understand about Linux, every distro requires you to go in and, at the very least, click several buttons. Then 5 minutes later another notification pops up to do it again. Why?
Basically every Linux distro that exists is designed for "enthusiasts". Nobody really makes a Linux distro targeted towards the tech illiterate that will handhold them the entire way.
Immutable distros with something like Snap or Flatpaks that auto update are a great first step. They just need to go a bit further with the hand holding before they're completely dummy friendly. The problem is that hand holding pisses off enthusiasts. And since nobody wants to piss off 90% of the existing Linux user base that's probably why something like this doesn't exist (yet).
My dad uses Ubuntu on his htpc and its always out of date when I visit. I think Mint or PopOS may be friendlier in that respect.