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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Why choice of Linux distribution matters (lemmy.ml)

submitted 2 days ago by thingsiplay@lemmy.ml to c/linux@lemmy.ml

98 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I see often people say that the distro you are using doesn't matter. One can turn any distro into another. And I do not agree with that. If that was true, why do we even have so many distributions? I always said, if distros don't matter...

... why distro hop?
... why don't you use Ubuntu then?
... why don't you recommend Archlinux to a newcomer?
... why don't you use Kali Linux as a server?
... why don't you use Batocera or SteamOS as your daily driver?
... why do you trust a community distro more than a corporate distro? (or vice versa)

I don't think that distros only matter to newcomers. Maybe it matters for experienced users even more.

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[–] fozid@feddit.uk 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

No, the opposite. The only thing that matters is your personal taste and preferences. It's purely and entirely about your perception. They include if you trust the maintainers, the logo, the package manager, the website, the distro name and everything else. You just choose what is important to you based on your taste and preference and choose the distro that aligns with that taste. Which distro you choose doesn't matter at all, just pick the one you want to. If the most important thing to you is the colour pink, pick one that uses pink.

[–] thingsiplay@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

No, choosing a distribution is not like choosing a color. First there is compatibility. Some hardware work better than others or are better supported. Then you also put "trust" into personal taste, which is not just a taste, but a fundamental design decision that has nothing to do with taste. I wouldn't recommend a newcomer who does not know how Linux works and does not have time to workout how to install and maintain Archlinux. In example my grandma. Or someone who just want to game on it like a console.

I don't care how you name these points, the fact is, that choice of distribution is very important and matters a lot.

[–] fozid@feddit.uk 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

If you say so. But I disagree.

[–] thingsiplay@lemmy.ml 0 points 1 day ago

I'm fine with disagreeing, that's the reason why I even started this discussion. As long as arguments are brought up and it stays nice.