Unless computer companies include Linux with their PC’s, it will never get general adoption.
No average user will follow instructions on how to boot Linux distro installer, especially when there are multiple steps needed to do so, such as on UEFI systems.
Several companies sell computers that have Linux by default, System76’s Pop_OS! being one example.
I get that its not a big brand like Dell or Lenovo (who I think sells some Linux laptops? Could be wrong), but they’re out there and the distro is just gonna be dependent on the company selling the machines.
There are one or two devices from Lenovo that get sold with Ubuntu, you have to reeeally look for them though (also it’s only in the US I believe).
Slimbook offers Slimbook OS or whatever you pick from about a dozen.
Tuxedo Computers offers Tuxedo OS and Ubuntu.
NovaCustom also got about a dozen they preinstall.
Same with Star Labs.
System 76 of course got their own Pop!_OS.
Purism got PureOS as well as Qubes.
Laptops with Linux got a huge list.
Ubuntushop.be got, well Ubuntu. As well as a dozen others.
Minifree is more for nerds, offering Debian as well as BSDs. Also installs others if requested.
Nitrokey has Ubuntu, Qubes and Mint.
Framework also work heavily on Linux support, it seems they might offer preinstalls in the future.
I think there also are Juno Computers as well as Entroware if they’re still in business. So yeah… lots of vendors with lots of choices. Most will probably either pick the default (in case of Slimbook or Tuxedo) or just Ubuntu, since they heard that name before.
Unless computer companies include Linux with their PC’s, it will never get general adoption.
No average user will follow instructions on how to boot Linux distro installer, especially when there are multiple steps needed to do so, such as on UEFI systems.
This is the real answer. Defaults are king. Most people don’t even bother to customize their settings on any platform, let alone change platforms.
Very few people go out of their way to install a different OS than the one a device came with. Many people don’t even realize you can.
Ok, which version of Linux should go onto mass devices for users?
I’m just going to grab some popcorn and stand over here…
Several companies sell computers that have Linux by default, System76’s Pop_OS! being one example.
I get that its not a big brand like Dell or Lenovo (who I think sells some Linux laptops? Could be wrong), but they’re out there and the distro is just gonna be dependent on the company selling the machines.
There are one or two devices from Lenovo that get sold with Ubuntu, you have to reeeally look for them though (also it’s only in the US I believe).
As an anecdote, Framework laptops work great with Fedora 41.
Kubuntu. It’s solid and similar enough to Windows UI-wise. Everyone should start there and later people can explore other options if they want.