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Comment by CamperBob2

3 hours ago

<attenborough> In this thread, we witness the irony of Linux advocates telling people to use the Windows key. </attenborough>

I'm extremely experienced using and developing for Windows (and earlier) platforms, but it's true that I've never used a Linux machine before. I'm taking the opportunity to deliberately set one up and use it with Claude Code's help, in order to understand where the remaining sharp edges are, as well as the remaining dull ones. Desktop UX definitely qualifies as one of the latter.

So you really couldn't figure out what "Super key" meant, even with context? I feel like you are being hyperbolic. This isn't magical hidden Linux knowledge. Honestly, if not being able to find what applications you have running, and not even trying pressing the large button on your keyboard with the windows logo on it was so traumatizing, you might want to just avoid Linux entirely.

  • No, I didn't realize that the "Super key" was the Windows key, and no, I didn't think to try it. I never use the Windows key myself, because it's never needed. I'm either in a DOS or PS box, or if I'm working at the desktop, the taskbar gives me all the affordances I need including a 'Type here to search' box.

    Key point is that I don't want to press any keys to maintain my awareness of what's running on the machine. Processes with windows associated with them should always be apparent in one way or another. Ubuntu got the less-useful part of the taskbar right -- the quick-launch icons on the column at left -- while failing to do the important thing, which is to show, well, tasks.

    I remember when they first started putting Windows keys on keyboards. If you think AI pisses people off, LOL... you weren't reading Slashdot and other Linux-adjacent sites when those keys started showing up. It's amusing to see that they've been embraced (if not extended) by the haters.