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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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Balenca vs Ventoy? (slrpnk.net)

submitted 2 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

31 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I'm curious what the difference is between Balenca etcher and Ventoy for writing isos to a live USB for distro hopping purposes. I see both recommended in fourms. Is there any advantage to using one over the other? Are they both equally safe/secure?

I'm also curious about trying out new distros. I've been using LMDE for about a year now and it's been fine, but I want to expand my knowledge and see whether LMDE is my favorite distro or not. I'm not the most well versed in Linux and don't have any prior programming experience so a beginner/mid level distro is what I'm looking for. I want something I can test out without connecting to WiFi (so not arch).

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[–] [email protected] 15 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I have quite literally never seen that. The majority of the time, somebody brings up Ventoy, somebody mentions the opaque blobs or some other legitimate criticism, and a bunch of fanbois pile onto that person for having their own opinions or concerns.

Ventoy works well, but the lack of transparency concerns me and people like me.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I have a different experience. There was one thread which linked to a github issue. The issue said some blobs don't have source code. Ironically when I went on to check, the blobs mentioned in the issue had source code, but there were other blobs which seemed to miss the source or build instructions.

I would love to have an independent audit to put this issue at rest. All that happens is more and more noise and no resolution. I am not a programmer so can't really help here.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 months ago

I would also love that! The truth of this matter would be much preferred over a bunch of cast aspersions.