After 30 years using Linux, I have only 4 complaints - and 2 send me back to my MacBook

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Linux has been my default OS for decades.
• Although it's been an amazing journey, it's not always perfect.
• Here are a few gripes I still have about the open-source OS.

Since 1997, my experience with Linux has been nearly all positive. It's very rare for me to run into an issue, and when I do, it's usually easy to resolve. I've used Linux for desktops, laptops, tablets, phones, servers, and just about everything you can imagine. 

But that doesn't mean everything has been perfect. Linux has a few lingering issues. In some cases, those issues have improved but have yet to be fully resolved. 

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Two of the issues below have caused me recurring problems over the years; I even once had to say goodbye to one of my favorite distributions, Bodhi Linux, because of sound issues. One issue is merely a matter of taste (but it really bothers me).

Enough with the setup; let's get to the issues.

1. Audio recording can be glitchy

This is probably the issue that has plagued me more than any other. Given that I work with a lot of audio and video, I've had to struggle with sound issues on Linux for years. Now, I'm not talking about average sound usage here. Nearly all Linux distributions are straight-up plug-and-play when you want to listen to your favorite tunes on Spotify.

It's when you dive into the world of recording sound that things can get frustrating. From stuttering, dropping out, or simply not playing, sound can be problematic. Years ago, I had a side gig as an audiobook narrator, and Audacity on Linux gave me fits trying to get it to work with any regularity. I would have to restart the system and jump through all sorts of hoops.

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Fast forward to last year, when I went to record another audiobook, and the same problem hit me. Fortunately, this time I was able to easily solve the problem by plugging my mic into a Focusrite Scarlet 2i2, and all was well. 

Most people don't have an external sound interface lying around, so this issue needs to be addressed. Keep in mind that sound issues don't plague only Linux; Linux seems to suffer from them more than other platforms. This issue isn't a Linux kernel problem per se, but rather an issue with underlying sound servers such as Pipewire. (Pipewire is the replacement for ALSA, which had serious issues that seemed to never be resolved.) These issues are not as bad now as they once were, but you can bet that if I have to record, edit, or mix sound, I'll probably do it on MacOS, because I don't always have time to troubleshoot.

2. Laptops don't suspend properly

If you use Linux on a laptop, you probably know that suspend/resume can be a problem. You close the lid, and when you open it, it's always a guess whether it'll come back to life or the battery is dead. 

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This is not the case with every distribution, and it can also be a release-to-release issue. I've experienced one distro release where suspension worked, and then in the next release, it wouldn't. This is the main reason I tend to go for my MacBook, rather than one of my Linux-based laptops. Battery life on the Linux machines is fine unless I close the lid, at which point all bets are off due to suspend issues. Or, I might open a lid of one of my Linux laptops and the OS won't come out of suspension. 

In some instances, the problem goes to video driver issues that prevent the OS from waking up. As well, it can vary from hardware to hardware, so Linux and hibernation can be a real crap shoot.

3. Bluetooth disconnects

Bluetooth problems aren't isolated to Linux. I've experienced Bluetooth issues on Linux, MacOS, Windows, and Android. The difference is that there have been times when the solution on Linux was to simply not use Bluetooth.

And that's not always an option.

Also: Frustrated with your Bluetooth? How multipoint works - and why it sometimes won't

This Bluetooth issue is most often related to sound, although it can depend on the hardware you're using. For example, I use three different sound amps, and I can only connect one of them -- the WiiM Amp Ultra -- via Bluetooth with any regularity. The other amps show up, and I can connect to them, but Bluetooth immediately disconnects.

The Bluetooth issue isn't isolated to sound devices; it also affects mice and keyboards. I have two mice: one Microsoft Bluetooth and one Logitech that uses a wireless receiver. The Logitech never has problems, but the Microsoft Bluetooth mouse often does.

If you do need to use Bluetooth on Linux, I would recommend installing the Blueman Bluetooth manager, as it gives you more control and troubleshooting options.

4. Default dark themes

This is a matter of personal preference, but it only ever comes up on Linux. For whatever reason, developers have decided that dark themes are the best option. When I install a Linux distribution, there's about a 99.9% chance that the distro will default to a dark theme.

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I get the idea behind dark themes: they are easier on the eyes in low-light conditions. But who works most of the day in darkness? 

Not me. The very first thing I always do with a new Linux installation is switch it to a light theme. I may be the odd one out, but dark themes hurt my eyes.

It would be nice if developers followed the lead of distributions that give users a choice on first login about which theme to use. This is especially true for new Linux users who might not know exactly where to change the theme at first.

That's it for my list of gripes. It's short and sweet, but it would certainly be nice if these issues were addressed once and for all.