this post was submitted on 10 Jan 2024
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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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Quite a few posts about selecting a distro to use. Maybe it's time to make that link a little more prominent?

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[–] simple@lemm.ee 74 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (5 children)

Oh boy here we go again

Distrochooser is not a good resource for newbies IMO. There are too many questions, many of which are misleading or hard to understand (NOBODY taking this knows what systemd is)

Many answers are misleasing: "I want a distro that is supported by game publishers" for example implies each distro has its own game compatibility, this is NOT the case.

And when you're finally done it recommends too many distros, many of which are irrelevant, niche, or flat out not recommended anymore (PCLinuxOS?!?!)

When someone asks for a distro, please just run a random number generator to choose between ZorinOS, PopOS, or Linux Mint. If someone is only gaming, maybe include Nobara too.

[–] beta_tester@lemmy.ml 29 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I vote for a random linux bot!

[–] atzanteol@sh.itjust.works 13 points 10 months ago (1 children)

It would actually be pretty effective. Just have it return one of the mainstream distros and be done.

[–] Grangle1@lemm.ee 11 points 10 months ago

Style it like a Tux slot machine. Click on the raised wing to pull it down and let the reels roll, stopping on the perfect distro for you!

[–] lily33@lemm.ee 7 points 10 months ago

Exactly! Many of the criteria included aren't all that good for new users, and neither are the suggestions. It's not really a good resource for experienced users either.

[–] agent_flounder@lemmy.world 2 points 10 months ago (1 children)

One of us could probably put that together pretty quickly lol

But if we did want to build a new distro recommender... Maybe there are like 5 or so questions that would be relevant.

Just off the top of my head some possibilities:

If you're a beginner, Mint is a good choice. One could argue Ubuntu (noobs don't gaf about snap if they even know what it is). I think noobs would want good GUI tools and a very popular, very polished distro. So issues are infrequent but finding answers is easy.

Into gaming? There's a few distros that come up like Nobara. (I've seen Manjaro mentioned but idk).

If you want something that looks kinda like macos there's Endeavor. Does anyone recommend that one these days? I don't usually see it mentioned.

Idk.

You're probably right, an rng that chooses between a few distros might be better lol

[–] WeLoveCastingSpellz@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 10 months ago (1 children)

You mixed up Endeavor with Elementary OS, Endeavpr is an arch based distro that you can choose several DE's or WM's witj

[–] agent_flounder@lemmy.world 2 points 10 months ago (1 children)

mistakes happen :)

[–] Diplomjodler3@lemmy.world 2 points 10 months ago

Exactly. If you have to ask this sort of question, the answer is those three. Everything else is just confusing.