Is Modern Linux Becoming Too Complex?

An anonymous reader writes: Debian developer John Goerzen asks whether Linux has become so complex that it has lost some of its defining characteristics. "I used to be able to say Linux was clean, logical, well put-together, and organized. I can’t really say this anymore. Users and groups are not really determinitive for permissions, now that we have things like polkit running around. (Yes, by the way, I am a member of plugdev.) Error messages are unhelpful (WHY was I not authorized?) and logs are nowhere to be found. Traditionally, one could twiddle who could mount devices via /etc/fstab lines and perhaps some sudo rules. Granted, you had to know where to look, but when you did, it was simple; only two pieces to fit together. I've even spent time figuring out where to look and STILL have no idea what to do."

Comments

Re:Why does John shut down all systemd talk?

[Ol Olsoc]

How exactly is systemd causing this problem? Neither you nor the author on the other thread give any sort of argument (which is the reason why he/she was accused of being a troll in the first place).

You noticed that too?

If all the claims I've heard about systemd were true, it would destroy our computers on first boot.

If all the proof of systemd perfidy I heard were put in a 2 ounce shot glass, I'd still have a 2 ounce shot of tequila with my dinner.

If I may delve into the past, this comes close to the GUI-Command line wars in that the command liners knew they hated a Desktop display and mouse, but couldn't quite articulate why.