this post was submitted on 02 Jul 2026
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Linux
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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Sadly even Linux is a fuss. This is primarily due to full os updates needed every four years plus the changing security landscape. Then there are the hardware issues and replacement every ten years. I guess a partial alternative is a rolling release but then you have the issue of constant change.
OS update fuss level is hugely dependant on distro though.
EL and rebuilds? Full new machine and copy services over (or if paying RHEL, use their migrator which can have mixed results). Agree, huge fuss.
Debian/ubuntu? Dist-upgrade, normally safe and much quicker.
Plus a bunch of rolling release distros that just keep up to date (but will occasionally add breaking changes that you might not be ready for)
Can't so easily get around hardware issues, so build cattle that can be easily redeployed or scaled. Doesn't fit all situations though.