The Need For Simplicity

[DENNIS1940]

An example of operating system complexity increase (bloat) is most easily seen in Windows.
Windows became more stable and useful until Windows XP. It was simple to use and performed basic tasks very well.
It's replacement Windows 7 pro worked only adequately but it's replacement, Windows 10 was odd and awkward to use.
It appears that providing a good product was only incidental to Microsoft's goal of profit.

Most Linux systems have the advantage of not being profit driven but the urge to "guild the lilly" is in them also and SUSIE, as an example,
became bloated.

One current Linux operating system, Zorin claims to offer the simplicity and feel of XP but it destroyed another operating system sharing my computer, (XP).

Mageia has increased in complexity. For some, that is necessary. For me, the old, simpler version 6 , with its faults, still works as well as ever but being outdated, the future of 6 is limited.

There is a place for a simple version of Mageia.

Are there others who feel as I do?

[benmc]

just my 2.5 cents

simplicity (or complexity) can be 2 sides of the same coin.
Extremely complex code can be used for creating the simplest (looking) action, hence the drive for more complex code.

moving on......

What you determine to be simple(simplicity), others may find cumbersome.
Remember, you are using muscle memory from several years of linux use.

I have been using linux as a useful desktop operating system since Mandrake days - 3 cd worth.
Was it simple to use?
Well, if I was to compare it to modern linux OS, with 20 years of development and my 20 years of experience, is it really a fair question?
20 years ago, I would have said yes.
Today, with those 20 years of experience, I would give a less positive and more expansive answer.

If you want to experiment, you can create your own Live Mageia.iso.
It just needs about 10GB of drive space for the work area, and you can add just the applications that you want.
It will of course be a "modern OS", with Current (Modern) Applications.
Difficult? I managed as it is just copy/paste 4 or 5 lines of code.
it is even supported by Mageia, as you are using the Mageia repos

[morgano]

Well, one take on simplicity is to install and use a supported version - you will have less problem with Mageia 8 than with a new install of Mageia 6.1. And it can also soon (half year?) be upgraded to Mageia 9. Also easier to follow hellp on forums (and for us to give) and follow other advices that may change by various developments.

Just think updated internet browsers, for both security as well as more compatible with some sites.

If Plasma or Gnome feels too bloated, try i.e Xfce, LXDE, LXQt, Mate... https://wiki.mageia.org/en/Desktop_environments

[DENNIS1940]

I agree absolutely that considerable effort and great complexity are often needed to attain a simple end.
Certainly browsers change repeatedly encountering threats and newer needs.
The capability and accomplishments of others impress me immensely when I take a close look.
Yes, I use Xfce and used to use LXDE and tried Plasma.
Out of curiosity, what is Mageia written in?
My first attempt at Linux was Red hat in 1996. It gave a user language choice of redneck and not understanding what that was, I tried it out of curiosity. It failed to install with the message "I ain't doin nuttin." I considered the comedy worth $37 that I'd paid.

[zxr250cc]

Hi all,

If I recall the Red Hat 5 box was $75 but that was probably because it was Honolulu priced...

I wonder what is simple by definition in your wish? Desktop, features, user activity?

In loading many different Live distros over the years and especially recently there are some that work in a clunky manner and some are very smooth. The same with various desktops. (KDE Neon 5.26 is actually what I would describe as 'polished' in both action and look.) Many distros require the user to install some secondary program to do a function that seems as if it should be simple: to make the software create a bootable ISO file on a USB or DVD, for example. Or with a right click on a USB drive shown in the file manager it will offer to format it among several other choices. In use this is simple to me. It is not common in use however.

This is a topic that is indeed interesting and modern gear has so many options for build parts to deal with it is a wonder the software is as stable and functional as it is.

Cheers