this post was submitted on 27 Mar 2026
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Linux

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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 sometimes Linux is hard to switch to (piefed.social)
submitted 20 hours ago by BandanaBug@piefed.social to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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Normally I always forget why I still keep thinking about switching back to Windows. Today was a great reminder. Linux can be frustrating. This post is somewhat about awareness and partly about me learning about other peoples experiences. I updated my CachyOS as usual. There were some system packages upgraded and I got the notification to reboot. Figuring I'd do it later I left after some time and the PC went to sleep. Upon returning the screen stayed black. Even upon forced reboot. Remembering I was using Limine with BTRFS snapshots I tried multiple previous snapshots but to no avail. I remember this happened before. So now I face another reinstall.. This and having to dive into the deep end of terminal commands to get drivers, programs or games working can be quite frustrating. I understand why people are turned off and go back to Windows..

Onto NixOS for me. A big dive but it seems very stable which might be just what i need. I feel like the philosophy of NixOS combined with a graphical store to install programs and what not seems like a great solution.

What would your ultimate distro be like?

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[–] Sunsofold@lemmings.world 39 points 18 hours ago (4 children)

This will sound like heresy to some, but get away from the bleeding edge. You probably don't need the absolute latest version of every little thing. It can feel cool knowing you know how to fix a borked install but actually having to do so sucks. Dump the hype and get to something stable for your daily driver. If you want to experiment, do it on another drive/machine. Building a custom rocketship is cool, but you should probably build it without breaking the truck you use to go get parts.

[–] BandanaBug@piefed.social 1 points 1 hour ago

This is a good point. Some distros are on the other end of the spectrum of being too slow (it seems) to update but you might be onto something.

[–] Specter@piefed.social 4 points 10 hours ago

I was gonna say the same thing.

For most beginners who just want their PC to work, the obvious choice should be Mint for older hardware, and Universal Blue’s Fedora-based images (Bluefin or Aurora depending on the preferred desktop).

Of course, since OP mentioned NixOS that is an option as well. But it should be the stable version, and it is not beginner friendly like the other two.

[–] curbstickle@anarchist.nexus 10 points 17 hours ago

I'm going to call this another vote for Debian

[–] zarkanian@sh.itjust.works 2 points 17 hours ago (1 children)

I use Garuda, and it hasn't borked for me in years. I update it about once a week.

[–] wizblizz@lemmy.world 1 points 14 hours ago (1 children)

Been on Garuda since September and it's fantastic. Surprised it doesnt get more love around here.

[–] zarkanian@sh.itjust.works 1 points 10 hours ago

The one criticism that I felt had some truth to it is that it looks like it was designed by a 14-year-old boy. I think it appeals to my inner 14-year-old who wants neon icons and DRAGONS. But if Dr460nized is too garish for you and you want something more sophisticated, now there's Mokka.