Logos for Linux

I know this has been posted on multiple occasions, but I thought I'd throw my hat in the ring as well. I have a strong distaste for both Apple and Windows software, however, I have been dual-booting a Windows/Linux computer so I can actually have full access to my Logos resources. As Windows becomes more invasive (with the recent intrusive "recall" program being mandatory), I have decided to put a stop to using Windows. I know I can still technically access my resources using the web app on Linux, but that removes many functions which I have specifically desired (there is also the issue of not always having access to internet, as well as painfully slow internet speeds which make the web app unusable), and have spent the money to buy resources for those functions, which would have been cheaper to buy other ebooks or even physical books (I say this as a commendation for the quality of software Logos produces).

I think Logos is a wonderful blessing to the church, and have personally been blessed by the resource over the years that I've used it. However, I'll be moving away from the platform if I'm unable to use it smoothly on Linux. This isn't me trying to throw at the Faithlife team that they're losing a customer, but rather, trying to convey that there are great opportunities for Logos to serve the church through opening up access to Linux users (this also includes users in places where persecution is a serious threat, and privacy becomes more important).

Either way, I would also like to encourage the Faithlife team for the resource that you have created, and for the way that it has and will surely, by the grace of God, continue to bless the church.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you!

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Bill Anderson

Welcome to the forums, Jared.

There is a lengthy thread here that goes back years: https://community.logos.com/forums/t/121.aspx?PageIndex=1

You can run Logos on Linux using Wine. It works pretty well, although there are always bugs and there are only a few very dedicated Logos users who are doing the development work.

John

I have decided to put a stop to using Windows

You should take another look at MacOS. It is very similar to Linux under the hood and it can be made as secure and private as you want it to be.

Windows is definitely turning into bloatware/spyware ... but you can still de-bloat it and make it (more) secure.

Take a look at the many reviews out there for Tiny11 which installs with zero bloat. Not even the Edge browser.

Or if you already have a Windows installation, there are numerous de-bloating utilities available now. Paul Thurrott reviews one here ... listening to the podcast is free.

Linux does not seem to get updated quickly enough to stay current with Logos and its dependencies. But if you were willing to stick with an older version you could run it on Linux. Others on this forum have been working on this for a long time. Thats the problem with Linux. You have to constantly work just to get it to run. Logos is never going to support Linux ... there are too many different versions of Linux ... and Linux users do not fit the market profile they are targeting.

DAL

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1319123#Comment_1319123

The general consensus is this: “…However, Linux does have some disadvantages, including: A steep learning curve, Lack of commercial support, Software interoperability issues, and Unsufficient Standardization.”

If you’re an IT expert Linux is for you, but I don’t think you’ll see Logos in a native Linux OS as it wouldn’t make Logos that much money and it takes a lot of money to build Logos for a Linux. They wouldn’t make their money back.

As others have suggested, try a Mac. I made the switch from Windows to Mac and have never looked back! I’m saving my pennies so when my Mac goes out, I’ll buy another one. In terms of speed it makes Windows eat dust! As far as the learning curve goes is super easy and has some nice tricks and short cuts!

DAL

Kiyah

As Windows becomes more invasive (with the recent intrusive "recall" program being mandatory), I have decided to put a stop to using Windows.

Everything I'm seeing says that (1) Recall will only be available on Copilot+ PCs, and (2) that you can go into Settings and turn it off.

So if you, like me, purchased a PC before June 18, 2024, you won't even have Recall. If you purchased a Copilot+ PC, you can turn the Recall feature off in Privacy & Security in Settings.

I understand if you're still uncomfortable with using Windows. I just wanted to provide that info for others interested.

John

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1319148#Comment_1319148

As Windows becomes more invasive (with the recent intrusive "recall" program being mandatory), I have decided to put a stop to using Windows.

Everything I'm seeing says that (1) Recall will only be available on Copilot+ PCs, and (2) that you can go into Settings and turn it off.

So if you, like me, purchased a PC before June 18, 2024, you won't even have Recall. If you purchased a Copilot+ PC, you can turn the Recall feature off in Privacy & Security in Settings.

I understand if you're still uncomfortable with using Windows. I just wanted to provide that info for others interested.

If only Recall was the only problem with Windows …

John Goodman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1319153#Comment_1319153

n.b. I'm running Logos Max v37 on linux with very few issues. It's fine for my day to day study.

Yes there is one particularly annoying bug with the panel which means you have to double click rather than click it sometimes.

We are trying to get a patch sorted for that bug.

Media playback is also unsupported but its streamed mostly anyway so it's no difficulty to use the web app for courses.

All the new AI features are working fine.

I do wonder if we are at a point where faithlife could choose to support it. The value proposition wasn't there 5 years ago but it would be a much smaller endeavour now than it was back then.

They do unofficially support us with the community porting effort though so we are tremendously grateful for that.

John

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1319203#Comment_1319203

I do wonder if we are at a point where faithlife could choose to support it

Which should they support, Gnome or KDE? I think KDE is the best [H]

Paul Gibson

I know I can still technically access my resources using the web app on Linux, but that removes many functions...

I world be surprised is Faithlife releases a Linux version of Logos, so I think the next best route is to vote that the web version be upgraded to have feature parity with Logos Desktop:

https://feedback.logos.com/boards/logos-web-app/posts/parity-bring-to-web-app-all-features-of-desktop

Frank Sauer

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1319203#Comment_1319203

n.b. I'm running Logos Max v37 on linux with very few issues. It's fine for my day to day study.

Yes there is one particularly annoying bug with the panel which means you have to double click rather than click it sometimes.

We are trying to get a patch sorted for that bug.

Media playback is also unsupported but its streamed mostly anyway so it's no difficulty to use the web app for courses.

All the new AI features are working fine.

I do wonder if we are at a point where faithlife could choose to support it. The value proposition wasn't there 5 years ago but it would be a much smaller endeavour now than it was back then.

They do unofficially support us with the community porting effort though so we are tremendously grateful for that.

This is very encouraging - I would have loved to have been more involved the past year, but a cross country move along with all the change that comes with it eliminated the extra time I had to be involved. Kudos to you and the rest of the team!

John Goodman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1319278#Comment_1319278

Kudos to you and the rest of the team!

Mostly to T.H. Wright and n8marti this time!

Bill Anderson

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1319316#Comment_1319316

Kudos to you and the rest of the team!

Mostly to T.H. Wright and n8marti this time!

John, you have been head deep into the development effort as well and have offered Logos users, like me, with support more than once. Thank you!

I am looking forward to trying the python script when my ThinkPad arrives next week!

Bill Anderson

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1319278#Comment_1319278

This is very encouraging - I would have loved to have been more involved the past year, but a cross country move along with all the change that comes with it eliminated the extra time I had to be involved. Kudos to you and the rest of the team!

Frank, thank you for your efforts in the past with the Linux development as well.

DAL

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1319316#Comment_1319316

Kudos to you and the rest of the team!

Mostly to T.H. Wright and n8marti this time!

You’re a Goodman John! Hopefully some day you guys get what you need 👍

DAL

Frank Sauer

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1319372#Comment_1319372

This is very encouraging - I would have loved to have been more involved the past year, but a cross country move along with all the change that comes with it eliminated the extra time I had to be involved. Kudos to you and the rest of the team!

Frank, thank you for your efforts in the past with the Linux development as well.

Thanks Bill! I actually miss it quite a bit... I've tried to keep up, so when I'm able to commit to jumping back in, I'd be ready to do so.... But I forgot to set up Telegram with my new number and email prior to moving and losing access to both. I jumped back in to Telegram, but not sure anyone knew it was me LOL

Jared A Warner

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1319142#Comment_1319142

I don't use MacOS because it is not in my price range. My wife has a Mac and we can no longer update it. It works perfectly fine. We actually put Linux on it too because Mac wouldn't allow us to update the web browser anymore.

I love logos and use the Linux version that they have gotten to work. I have used logos for 14 years. It is the best thing I have purchased. I want to keep using it they just need to either make the web app equal to the desktop program or have some native form that works for Linux without having to jump through hoops.

It's my opinion I think more people will be moving towards Linux especially mission focused nations where tech is not as available. I think for kingdom work making the program more available is more important than than adding AI.

John Goodman

N.b. as some folks were asking I tried Verbum 38.1.2. It worked fine. I owned verbum 10 and it picked up my Logos subscription too.