Source for image: https://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=family-tree

Image Description: A twist on the periodic table of elements with the elements replaced with various Linux distributions. We can see that the most common type of distribution is derived from Debian/Ubuntu.

• Link to previous megathread: https://hexbear.net/post/4475419

How to choose a Linux Distribution

Here's a set of quick criteria for choosing a Linux Distribution (not exhaustive)

1. Check the leadership behind the project

• Are they a reputable organization? Some distributions are led by a small group of hobbyists while others are backed by large multinationals.
• I recommend trying to find a blog or newsletter of some kind before jumping in.

2. Try to get a feel for the support network for the distribution

• Before installing, you should get a feel for where you can possibly get help, read up on distro specific manuals, or get peer support. Some distributions host their own forums, chat networks, etc. If a project has a sizable wiki (like the gentoo or arch wiki): double points!
• Distributions based on other distributions (like Arch Linux) can piggy back off their parent distro, but make sure you understand what changes they've made

3. What release schedule is it on? Are the packages updated?

• For a majority of users who don't require mission-critical software 24/7/365, it's good to understand what release model the distribution uses. There are two main types:
• Rolling Release: Packages are released to users after a round of testing when they become available. If a package has a new version, you'll likely get it the weekend of its release (sometimes called "bleeding edge" because you'll likely get the release version of packages instead of several bugfix releases over).
• Stable Release: A new version of the operating system is released periodically. Once released, all critical packages and most major releases of packages will be frozen to just minor releases and bugfixes/security updates. Divided into "Leading Edge" and "Long Term Release" depending on time (6 months and 2 years respectively).

4. Does the distribution have a unique advantage for your use case?

• 95% of Linux distributions use the same software, they are just collections of software at the end of the day. That is, if you have something not working on your current distribution, then you'll more than likely run into it again. Generally avoid choosing a distribution based on aesthetics or branding.
• Sometimes the folk wisdom of certain distributions are exaggerated or outdated ("This distro is great for beginners, this distro is great for gaming, etc")

Distro-hopping

If you're distro-hopping, likely the distribution you're using isn't doing well enough to provide you with software and options.

Instead try:

• Using specialized tools like Distrobox, Homebrew, Nix, Podman/Docker, Flatpak, Appimage, etc
• Setting up a virtual machine using QEMU and virt-manager (great if you want to scratch an itch without having to format your drive)
• Looking more into the problem you originally have: If you can't install a certain piece of software, try to figure out why.

Megathread

FOSS software help, propaganda/agitprop, whatever you got you can post in here that doesn't deserve its own post.