Every year at around this time there is a lot of linux related content in tech media.

It's a slow moving evergreen topic perfect for a scheduled release while the author is on holiday. This is just filler content that could have been written at any point in the last 10 years with minor changes.

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sho_hn 4 hours ago | parent | next [-]

I've been working on the Linux desktop for 20 years, and I've been using it on the desktop since 1999, so I lived through the infamous "Year of the Linux Desktop" era.

I've not seen anything like the current level of momentum, ever, nor this level of mainstream exposure. Gaming has changed the equation, and 2026 will be wild.

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InsideOutSanta 4 hours ago | parent | next [-]

Not just gaming. This year, both Windows and Mac OS had absolutely terrible years. The Mac effed up its UI with liquid glass, to the point where Alan Dye fled to Meta. Microsoft pushed LLMs and ads into everything, screwing up what was otherwise a decent release.

On the other hand, on the Linux side, we had the release of COSMIC, which is an extremely user-friendly desktop. KDE, Gnome, and others are all at a point where they feel polished and stable.

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mkozlows 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Windows 8 era had the same vibe.

	▲	sudo_and_pray 3 hours ago \| parent [-]
		This time there 2 big factors that were not there in '12. 1. 'office' cloud services - now you just need a browser for majority of docs/sheet/slides tasks 2. gaming - while it was possible back, but it was really hit or miss with a game. Nowadays vast majority of games work on Linux out of the box.

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BuyMyBitcoins 4 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

Gaming, and Microsoft enshittifying Windows 11 to an absurd degree.

The bloat is astounding. This is especially egregious now that RAM costs a fortune.

	▲	sho_hn 4 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Ditto macOS. To be honest, I always figured we'd make it in the long run. We're a thrifty bunch, we aim to set up sustainable organizations, we're more enshittification-resistant by nature. As long as we're reliable and stick around for long enough.

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em3rgent0rdr 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

I don't think the prevalence of these articles this time of year is because the authors go on holiday, but instead is because the new year is the perfect time to ponder: "Will this be the year of the Linux desktop?"

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subdavis 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

I guess everyone’s in a “fuck it I’m ready to try some new stuff” mood too so this content is perfectly suited for new years. Would never have noticed this without your comment.

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blitzar 3 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

2026, the year of linux

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solumunus 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Perhaps it could have been written, but it would have been far less accurate.

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queuebert 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

What an abysmally cynical take. More good stuff is good. Be happy about it.

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dham 4 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Except every year you didn't have people like Pewdiepie and DHH pushing Linux. As as channels like GamersNexus doing Linux benchmarks. At the same time Windows and Mac making very dumb mistakes. So this time it does feel different, even if it might not be in the end.

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veegee 4 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

[dead]