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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 1 day ago by thingsiplay@lemmy.ml to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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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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[–] Squizzy@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I think this kind of supports his argument though, kali would make a bad server by its design. Whereas you followed that point by saying there isnt much difference in distros.

I think its just that they are designed to take some of the leg work out of set up in most instances and in others they are designed for specific uses that conflict with other uses.

[–] ranzispa@mander.xyz 1 points 1 day ago

Distro choice does matter, but to the common user/newcomer is basically irrelevant.

Anything else that should be pointed out?

A new user will be fine with basically anything that isn't Gentoo or with some very very specific applications.

People who have specific needs will choose a distro which makes the things they need easier. In most cases a newcomer won't have such specific needs as to have to choose a specific distribution.

designed for specific uses that conflict with other uses.

Don't see much conflict between uses. You can use any distribution to do anything you'd do with any other.

Do you want a very stable system but rolling release with the latest updates? Not possible. Do you want a system that is flashed on ram but that will be stable with 100% uptime without ever touching it? Not possible. Do you want a super light system with the best DE animations and graphics? Not possible.

Sure those are conflicting uses, but just because you're choosing among two opposite things.