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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so if i install debian 12 on my machine, can i just let it sit there for years or months?? (lemmy.today)

submitted 3 days ago by adrianhooves@lemmy.today to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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like not doing anything, just a spare laptop in case i ever need one, what if i use it years after i installed debian on it?? i would have to update like 300 packages and would take a lot??

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[–] MNByChoice@midwest.social 24 points 3 days ago

The thing is.... The upgrade path degrades. Once one is 3 or more major versions behind, upgrading becomes technically challenging. (I have done this a few times....) It is better to just reinstall.

That said, a Debian system that works won't just stop working. My Raspberry Pi 2 has no issues since the initial install.

Professionally, it is better to have a fast recovery path. PXE boot, Debian preseed, a config management system (Ansible, Puppet, etc) and local caches and you can be set in 10 minutes. (After years of setting all of that up.)