Is it possible to use Linux without the Terminal/command line?

[DudeBeFishing]

It depends. If you only use the preinstalled apps and browse the web, you most likely will never look at the terminal. However, if you want to anything that requires 3rd party software, even something as simple as play some native Linux games through Steam, you'll most likely use the terminal. Most documentation references the terminal, even if there's GUI alternatives. It's kinda annoying.

 

[Easy Rhino]

is this possible with Linux yet? If it isn't possible, is that an eventual goal? Or does linux intend to never reach mass adoptability?

Not really. You could get away with avoiding the terminal for say 90% of the time. But like others have mentioned, you will run into occasions where you need to execute some commands manually to either fix something or change some configuration settings somewhere. Usually though in those cases the commands are very well documented.

 

[bitsandboots]

In other words, with Windows it's more or less possible to use every aspect of the OS without needing a keyboard, is this possible with Linux yet?

I don't think you meant to imply you want to use Linux with only a mouse, but to get away from a terminal right?

I would say an out of the box ubuntu/mint install is likely to not need terminal use for browsing the web and consuming media, but I think if you gave it a try, you may come to desire the terminal for certain things over time anyway.

Think about this: there's certain things about every OS you become accustomed to even if it isnt elegant. Windows has plenty of that... too many weird places in which settings and preferences live.
When you learn a new OS, there could be initial frustration as you find more such issues. But that doesn't mean the other OS is worse, it just means you've come to accept the madness of <insert favorite OS>
The nice thing about actions through a terminal is they may outlast the UIs, so once you learn how to do something in a terminal, it'll help you more over time.
You don't need to become a terminal expert all at once, but don't be afraid of learning, because terminals haven't disappeared for a good reason. They're a good interaction medium for certain tasks.

 

[TheinsanegamerN]

Not really. You could get away with avoiding the terminal for say 90% of the time. But like others have mentioned, you will run into occasions where you need to execute some commands manually to either fix something or change some configuration settings somewhere. Usually though in those cases the commands are very well documented.

I can say it is doable. I put non tech savy people on mint without issue and never have to use the terminal for anything. From drivers for WiFi to installing chrome or office its all GUI now.

 

[Tahagomizer]

My mother uses Mint for around five years now. She's not technologically illiterate, but I'm certain she never saw a terminal window. Everything works well with only minor and increasingly rare interactions from my side.
So I say it's definitely possible. Most popular distros went a long way from randomly deleting fstab during an update.

 

[Coogar]

Sadly native linux games aren't too common. Well, not AAA releases at least, plenty indies release linux builds.

Talk about Linux games - this brings back memories of playing "Civilisation: Call to Power" in Ubuntu(?), many years ago... Talk about walking down Memory Lane...