this post was submitted on 10 Dec 2023
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Easiest way to switch distros (lemmy.world)
submitted 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) by flakpanzer@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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I have been using PopOS for a while now (came installed with my S76 Lemp10), but now looking for a new distro (I want to try Linux Mint). I am looking for the easiest way to set up the new distro with most of my current applications installed.

My current plan on how to move my applications and settings:

  • Get dotfiles to external repo (I am using stow)
  • Use ansible-playbook to set up installation of all the apps I need
  • Try the ansible setup on a docker container to ensure it works
  • Then try the ansible setup on a PopOS VM to ensure things work
  • Modify the ansible setup to use Linux Mint package manager (synaptic I believe)
  • Then try the ansible setup on a Linux Mint VM
  • Once everything works, copy the data, install new distro and run ansible script on the new OS

Is above the correct way to go about this, or is there anything better or easier available?

Edit: Thanks everyone for responses. The general consensus seems to be that that above is overkill (although doable and works) and copying home folder & dotfiles and trying out the distro fresh is easier, and install software as needed. Or, try NixOS :)

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[–] Nibodhika@lemmy.world 26 points 11 months ago (2 children)

That sounds like overkill, is your system really that complex that you need to automate it's installation? Usually when I reinstall my system I install the programs I remember and whenever I need something I install it.

My dotfiles are in a repo, but that only started when I started using i3 since the config is entirely a text file, before I just used the GUI to setup my system to look like I wanted it to.

[–] reallyzen@lemmy.ml 12 points 11 months ago

I'd push this further: I install what I need now, and then install anything else when needed. Old installs get bloated because of shit we pull over time. A new one has to be fresh. When testing a new distro you wanna see it at its (default) best.

[–] flakpanzer@lemmy.world 2 points 11 months ago (2 children)

I just want it to get to a usable state pretty quick on a new distro, and also to go back quickly to pop-os if I don't like the new stuff. That's why trying out ansible for this.

[–] Nibodhika@lemmy.world 10 points 11 months ago

You might be overcomplicating stuff, I always like to point to this https://xkcd.com/1319/ if it's something that will take you 30 min once every couple of years when you decide to switch distros, it's not worth the time to automate IMO.

[–] BCsven@lemmy.ca 2 points 11 months ago

I think what people are suggesting is doing all those steps will be more time and testing than just installing the os and adding apps.