I once had a verbal exchange with an Ubuntu Budgie developer who explained to me why testing an update to the official Ubuntu UI was problematic: no one on the computer had access to a 4K monitor. This meant that it was highly unlikely that they would reliably see what the settings would look like for HiDPi monitor owners. This is just one, and rather smaller, example that reflects an ocean full of upheavals that can have a negative effect on the Linux desktop experience. This is a scenario that you want a solution. Fortunately, this solution is being designed and evolved through the community.
Noah Chelliah, co-host of the Destination Linux podcast, illustrated this quality challenge in a recent episode of the show. Frankly, it was exhausting to pay attention because it opened up all the divergence issues where the perception of a Linux-consistent desktop can fly out the window.
Here is a brief excerpt that invites reflection:
“You can move on to Best Buy and buy a PC,” Chelliah begins, “but without defining who made that PC, when that PC was manufactured, when in a [distribution] publishing cycle created that PC, what software was at that time, the rate of publishing of software projects when that LTS or distribution came out, it all affects the quality and delight you get as an end user.”
I have incorporated the full discussion below, with date and time to start with the “Quality Control” segment.
While it’s far from perfect, an effective mechanism is in place for Microsoft’s army of Windows Insiders to test future OS features and updates against a massive range of hardware and report any issues that are found.
Of course, this army of testers just wants to concentrate on an operating system. Linux users are distributed in dozens of them, other kernels, other software versions, and other publishing programs.
Linux distributions depend almost entirely on your network for testing, calling them to action through scattered strategies such as Telegram, Twitter and IRC. Small distributions will have minimal exposure and commitment, but even a giant like Ubuntu would locate it: Canonical’s Alan Pope has expressed a desire for a unified, structured formula that can help developers identify and solve problems.
What if it existed?
I say the following not to “touch my own horn”, but to further demonstrate the desire for a platform of such quality. I’m testing the ThinkPad P53 with Fedora technology and detected a rather serious error that prevented the installation of Nvidia’s proprietary driver. Look, neither Fedora nor Lenovo understood it before sending it. Some things just fall through the cracks and that’s normal. I emailed Lenovo’s Linux team, left it on Bugzilla and the challenge was solved in no time.
AS IT LOOKS:
Now extend this to tens of thousands of potential other people with everything from legacy hardware or even new formulas. What the Linux target network offers is an Internet interface in which users can log in as volunteers to verify and send the curtains with which they can verify. Developers can then submit targeted verification requests, for example, to an express VM environment or express components. The formula fits and the volunteers begin the much appreciated task of verifying.
The Linux Destination network gives for canopy server and internet site prices as well as to orchestrate other facets of the project. This is still in its infancy, and right now, the DLN network is attractive to Internet developers to help build the platform.
There is already a wonderful discussion about the DLN speech here and it turns out that progress is being made rapidly.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
That’s where you come in. If you’ve reveled in Internet platform development, assignment management, formula management, or simply have smart concepts to bring, it can make a valuable difference you’ll feel in the Linux eco formula.
If you only need to use your hardware wisely, watch out for the DLN feed here or subscribe to the Destination Linux podcast for assignment updates. You can also follow me on Twitter as I plan to worry about homework and testing once it launches.
I’ve covered the PC and GAMING generation industry for over a decade and am proud to be one of the 30 most sensitive podcasters in the world. In addition to covering the exciting
I’ve covered the gaming industry and PC generation for over a decade and am proud to be one of the 30 most sensible podcasters in the world. In addition to covering the exciting global world of Linux and more sensible open source desktop software, you can pay attention to my “Linux for Everyone” screen on your favorite podcast player.