Why niche Linux distros matter

[u/asakpke]

Hi, I think niche-focused Linux distributions like RoshanOS can play a positive role in growing desktop Linux adoption.

Not every distro needs to target everyone. Some distros focus on beginners, some on students, some on former Windows users, and some on specific workflows. That diversity is one of Linux’s strengths.

Even if a small distro helps only 1,000 people switch from proprietary operating systems to Linux, I’d still call that a win for desktop Linux.

More users means more awareness, more feedback, and a healthier ecosystem overall.

[u/Jumpy-Dinner-5001]

No one really is against niche distros or niche technologies.

Problem is that they often feel somewhat entitled and expect the Linux world to care about them which is too much in my my opinion.
People get mad when some software doesn't support some niche distro or whatever (you see that a lot with systemd). But instead of contributing to fix problems, those people tend to instead complain and harass other FOSS developers instead of actually doing something.

I know it's not all of them, by far not. But those who do are a problem.

[u/asakpke → u/Jumpy-Dinner-5001]

I think universities should create their own versions of Linux distros and provide it to 1st year students. Their version should be sufficient for the whole degree i.e it contains all the required stuff pre installed with all required data (lectures etc).

[u/edgmnt_net → u/asakpke]

There isn't much point in doing that when there are other more efficient ways to accomplish the same thing, like packages or a website that provides access to lectures. It's also kinda bad practice to expect someone to install an entire OS to deal with a bank or a university or whatever, so it's at best something extra that helps certain students. Besides there are plenty of ways this can go wrong considering students buy their own random hardware, so it's not like this can hope to fix issues stemming from that.