Popups, weird confirmation dialogs nobody reads, configurations hidden in X different uis without console interface, the amount of screen space wasted for whatever reasons and the possibility that the wasted space contains text and icons that suddenly start to blink and move (attention seeking apps), ....
I feel distracted working on Windows or Mac. As if someone is putting stones everywhere and i have to mangle inbetween
You are likely more used to it than i am. Thing is even if i maximize my terminal on windows or mac, how much can i actually do without switching context to get some things done. Switching between software is also not what i consider distructing. Its the how, the discovery of files and software, the switching between windows, switching between possibly dozens of windows of the same kind. How many key strokes are some actions away? (Given mac is a lot better in this degree than windows).
Some approaches on linux, be it gnome or kde or tiled solutions are just so much more efficient
Ubuntu is a horrible example for well one UX or even a stable linux system. Times change, and i totally agree thats its hard to see trough as average user.
Everything that's not related to my current task. For example Windows UI constantly reminds me of
* application name
* ability to max, min, move
* list of running applications
* ability to run other applications
* content length and my progress
* actions on content
I don't need any of these. Like Amazon Echo users probably don't require ever present poster of available actions. Instead I have places — several of work places, generic browsing, messaging, media controls, services.
I’m not sure why this got downvoted - it’s a very clear expression of a real issue, and it’s definitely easier to solve it on Linux.
I choose to use Mac OS, and I celebrate each time they take a step in solving these problems - e.g. making the menu bar hidable, but I am fully aware that if I want something better in these ways I will need to use Linux and customize it to my tastes.
Define distraction in terms of computing first.