Linux Is a Pain. Huge Usability Issues in 10 Categories. Let's Fix It with ReadyLinux

Summary

The video presents ReadyLinux, a script intended to make common Linux desktop tasks easier and reduce reliance on the terminal. The presenter frames it as a practical guide to ten usability problem areas, demonstrating proposed changes rather than simply criticizing Linux.

The script is described as reversible and best run after a fresh installation. It requires a one-time terminal command and a password prompt.

The ten areas ReadyLinux addresses

1. Installing applications: Changes how .deb and .rpm files open so they launch installers when double-clicked. For AppImages, it proposes copying the app into Documents and creating an application launcher. It favors Flatpak over Snap by default, while still allowing Snap to be installed.

2. Running shell scripts: Makes double-clicking an .sh file show a choice to run or edit it. Choosing Run grants execution permission and opens a terminal; the script does not execute without the user’s action.

3. Finding external storage: Adds convenient references to mounted USB drives, phone storage, and other disks in familiar media folders and the file-manager sidebar. A watcher service is intended to update the sidebar when drives are connected.

4. Finding application files: Adds easy-to-find references for Snap and Flatpak app files, including a proposed Home/Videos/OBS location for OBS recordings.

5. Searching for files: Adds a graphical search utility that searches users’ designated locations rather than system folders, with results accessible in the file manager.

6. Separating browser activity: Recommends using Chrome for Google-related services, Brave for other browsing, and Firefox for tasks that do not require Google sign-in. The script would install Chrome and Brave if they are not already present.

7. Adding useful applications: Proposes installing KeePassXC for password storage and encrypted notes, a simple Paint-like graphics app, the BraxMe community app, and VLC for broad media playback support.

8. Setting app defaults and shortcuts: Pins commonly used apps to the dock, directs email links to Thunderbird, sets VLC as the default for several video formats, installs common codecs, and opens ISO files with a disc utility.

9. Improving desktop presentation: Proposes a bottom-centered dock on desktops that use a left-side dock, a replacement default wallpaper, and screen scaling intended to make text more readable. It also mentions distro-specific adjustments, such as adding a Settings icon in Pop!_OS Cosmic.

10. Changing system defaults: Sets laptops to remain awake when closed on AC power but suspend on battery. It also disables IPv6 by default in Network Manager, while allowing it to be re-enabled for individual connections. The presenter says this is intended to reduce IPv6 exposure and VPN-related leak risks.

ReadyLinux is described as supporting Ubuntu GNOME, Zorin, Linux Mint editions, Pop!_OS (including Cosmic and older versions), and Fedora Workstation. The project is still under development and open to community suggestions.

An uninstall, or “unset,” script is said to reverse configuration changes and remove file references, but not uninstall added applications. Most visual changes can also be adjusted through standard desktop settings.

Guide and review focus

This is a usability guide and demonstration of a Linux configuration script, not a review of a particular Linux distribution. The video also notes that ReadyLinux cannot solve application-compatibility gaps for specialized Windows software.

Main speaker and sources

• Rob Braxman — presenter and author of the ReadyLinux proposal.
• Chris Titus — cited by the presenter as inspiration for a similar Windows script.