I think that’s a high number, maybe 90% use a browser 90% of the time. But it’s pretty common to need to use a printer or scanner which many new ones aren’t easy to get Linux drivers for, watch a video that requires audio drivers for your computer, use a video camera and mic for a telehealth visit or school which requires drivers and software. Most of that doesn’t come with Debian or on the default repos. Web browsers do more than just read the web.
I have had debian on my work laptops (3 of them, they where current gen when bought) for 10 years, the only issue I ever had with drivers was a printer driver and the supplier had a .deb on their website.
Not everybody needs specific software and drivers, most people use the integrated microphone and camera of their laptop in their calls and that is about all that matters. Debian is pretty good at supporting the integrated stuff.
Of course some OEMs work better than others, butthe widely available brands, which also correlate with the most users are usually well supported.
Lots. My ASUS laptop from 3 or 4 years ago doesn’t have sound bu default in several distros. It came with Windows originally. Many of the drivers are proprietary, so they aren’t included by default if they exist at all.
Literally have never had that issue and I sadly consume new electronics on a regular basis. It may be worth seeing what specificially you have, as I’ve never had issues at least getting stereo working.
I’m positive the maintainers would love to know about what hasn’t been plug and play at least for the basics.
I think that’s a high number, maybe 90% use a browser 90% of the time. But it’s pretty common to need to use a printer or scanner which many new ones aren’t easy to get Linux drivers for, watch a video that requires audio drivers for your computer, use a video camera and mic for a telehealth visit or school which requires drivers and software. Most of that doesn’t come with Debian or on the default repos. Web browsers do more than just read the web.
I have had debian on my work laptops (3 of them, they where current gen when bought) for 10 years, the only issue I ever had with drivers was a printer driver and the supplier had a .deb on their website.
Not everybody needs specific software and drivers, most people use the integrated microphone and camera of their laptop in their calls and that is about all that matters. Debian is pretty good at supporting the integrated stuff.
Of course some OEMs work better than others, butthe widely available brands, which also correlate with the most users are usually well supported.
Seriously what audio device needs drivers that haven’t existed for decades by now?
Lots. My ASUS laptop from 3 or 4 years ago doesn’t have sound bu default in several distros. It came with Windows originally. Many of the drivers are proprietary, so they aren’t included by default if they exist at all.
The drivers are part of the kernel in linux, that is why you won’t find them, in most cases your kernel either supports the device or not.
Never had such an issue, especially on asus, and I did have a couple asus laptops to maintain
Literally have never had that issue and I sadly consume new electronics on a regular basis. It may be worth seeing what specificially you have, as I’ve never had issues at least getting stereo working.
I’m positive the maintainers would love to know about what hasn’t been plug and play at least for the basics.