Ubuntu: From "Linux for Human Beings" to "Linux for People with Fiber Optics"

I've been using Ubuntu for a while now. It was my first Linux distro — the one everyone recommended. "It just works," they said.

It doesn't anymore.

What Used to Be Good

Remember when installing software was simple?

sudo apt install spotify

One command. Done. No drama.

Ubuntu was the gateway drug to Linux. It was intuitive. It respected that not everyone has Google Fiber.

What Changed

Now try installing Spotify:

sudo snap install spotify

Looks simple. But behind the scenes:

core20 (20.04) 2024-05-07 from Canonical✓ downloaded

Wait... still downloading...

Error: Network failure

Retry? [y/N]:

If your internet fails during download? Start over from scratch.

The Runtime Nightmare

Every Snap app brings its own runtime baggage:

· Telegram needs core18

· Spotify needs core20

· VLC needs core22

· Something else needs core24

That's four copies of essentially the same thing. Hundreds of megabytes each. Duplicated. Wasted.

My system now has multiple core runtimes taking up space. For what? So Canonical can push Snap?

Who Is This For?

The current Ubuntu experience assumes:

· ✅ Fast, unlimited internet

· ✅ New hardware with storage to waste

· ✅ Time to troubleshoot failed downloads

· ✅ No concern about data costs

That's not "Linux for human beings." That's "Linux for privileged beings."

What About the Rest of Us?

· Students with old laptops

· People in areas with bad internet

· Anyone paying per megabyte

· Users who just want things to work

We exist. We're just not the target audience anymore.

The Alternative

Linux Mint Xfce.

· No Snap by default

· Normal apt packages

· Flatpak if needed (one runtime for all)

· Actually works offline

· Runs well on older hardware

One install. Apps install immediately. No core18/core20/core22 madness.

It's what Ubuntu used to be.

Bottom Line

Ubuntu had a good run. But it's no longer for everyone.

If you're struggling with forced Snap, duplicate runtimes, and offline installs that fail — you're not alone. And there are better options.

Sometimes the most popular choice isn't the right choice anymore.

Now am not criticizing Ubuntu it’s a great distro with gnome as default it’s cool with slick designs but the snap canonical is pushing is a terrible idea