this post was submitted on 03 Aug 2024
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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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From what I have heard, the most beginner-friendly distros are Fedora, Mint, and Pop!OS, but I'll be looking at and comparing Debian as well.
Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) is a solid pick. All the perks and integration of Mint, without Ubuntu.
...Ubuntu which, yes, is a Debian downstream. People have their opinions on it. It works. It has its nuisances, but it works.
I haven't used either, just curious; what kind of difference is there between regular Ubuntu based Mint and LMDE? I thought it was mostly just more recent packages with the Ubuntu base?
Functionally they're no different. LMDE draws its packages from Debian (probably stable) repos while mainline Mint draws from Ubuntu's. So yes, Mint will have overall newer packages than LMDE but it's generally rare for that to affect your ability to get work done unless some new feature you were waiting for gets introduced.
Ubuntu is the Enterprise fork of Debian backed by Canonical, and as such have contributed some controversy into the ecosystem.
Ubuntu leverages Snap packages which are considered 'bloaty' and 'slow' by a plurality of people with opinions on these matters. They work. Mint incorporates the Snap store into their package management. You might just need to turn it on in the settings.
With mainline Mint you get new base OS packages with Ububtu's release cycle, and the Snap store.
In the case of LMDE then, you can run a stable base OS on Debian's rock-solid foundation, their release cycle, and still get your fresh software from the Snap store.
IMO, they're the same for like 85% of use cases. I find I end up going to extra measures to disable certain Ubuntu-isms on my own systems that run it, effectively reverting it to Debian by another name.
As a student and occasional gamer, the trade off is having a stable base for your learning needs, and still be able to get the latest user desktop apps from Snap.
Ah, I see thank you for the reply. I was under the impression the Mint team favored Flatpak over Snap.
It's possible I'm mistaken on Flatpack vs. Snap. I don't use either of them, myself.